ANAHEIM, CA - (August 23, 2012) - Community gardens are thriving and blooming, and in Anaheim this weekend the Hi Neighbor Community Gardens in the east, south and west will each celebrate with a community open house honoring the many volunteers who are creating greater neighborhoods through the activity of gardening.

The community gardens have proved to be popular among Anaheim residents. More than 5,000 volunteers have grown seedlings, cleared the land, built planter boxes, and more in order to form greater connections with their neighbors through gardening.

The Hi Neighbor Community Garden Project was first introduced by Council member Gail Eastman, who earlier this year shared her interest in gardening and recommended it as a positive community building activity.

“The Hi Neighbor Community Garden project is a great example of what can happen when neighbors work together,” said Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait. “The gardens are great new community resources that provide both beauty and food. Even more important, they are a tool for growing stronger and more resilient neighborhoods and, in turn, a stronger and more resilient city.”

“This will be an exciting weekend in Anaheim, as we open three community gardens,” said Councilmember Eastman. “Gardening is a wonderful activity for all to enjoy with friends and neighbors. I am especially appreciative of all the volunteers who have made this possible. Neighborhoods are formed in many ways. From the streets on which we live, to the garden plots we care for with our neighbors. These community gardens are helping to promote a healthy lifestyle among neighborhoods. “

The Hi Neighbor Community Garden project was established earlier this year, created by families to bring people together, encourage healthy lifestyles, and provide a place to make new friends. The community gardens also embrace Anaheim’s historical roots. In 1857 German settlers chose Anaheim as their place to call home, and together began their new life as an agricultural community.

The City also looks forward to the opening of a new garden in central Anaheim, led by the Anaheim Community Gardens group. Anaheim Community Gardens was formed in 2011 to allow residents to share their passion for gardening. The group has contributed to the citywide gardening efforts.

The three Hi Neighborhood Community Gardens locations and open house information is below.

Friday, Aug. 24
4-6 p.m.
East Anaheim Community Garden
8268 E. Monte Vista

Saturday, Aug. 25
9-11 a.m.
Common Ground Community Garden (West Anaheim)
1770 S. Garden Dr.

Sunday, Aug. 26
3-6 p.m.
Ponderosa Community Garden (South Anaheim)
2100 S. Haster St.

For more information and to get involved in the Hi Neighbor Community Garden project, please call 714-765-4377 or visit www.anaheim.net/neighbor.

Media Contact: Ruth Ruiz 714.765.5060more city news

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ABOUT ANAHEIM – The City of Anaheim, founded in 1857, is one of the nation's premier municipalities and is one of California's most populous cities. Anaheim covers 50 square miles with more than 343,000 residents and more than 2,950 City employees. The municipal corporation's annual budget is $1.5 billion. Anaheim supports a thriving business community with companies such as Carl Karcher Enterprises, Inc., L-3 Communications, Pacific Sunwear, and Disneyland Resort. Successful sports franchises call Anaheim home, including Angels Baseball, Anaheim Ducks, the U.S. Men's National Volleyball Team, the 2012 Olympic Games Silver Medal winning U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team, and the Professional Arena Soccer League Anaheim Bolts. Anaheim also boasts world-class meeting and entertainment venues with the Anaheim Convention Center, LEED-certified and the largest on the west coast, Honda Center, City National Grove of Anaheim, Anaheim GardenWalk, and Angel Stadium of Anaheim. In addition, Anaheim embraces its vibrant cultural arts community, including the world-renowned Anaheim Ballet. Annually, Anaheim welcomes millions of visitors to the city, truly making it where the world comes to live, work and play. For more information, please visit www.anaheim.net.

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