Columbus has donated three benches to a local church for use in their recently-opened community garden.
The Columbus Board of Public Works and Safety approved donating the benches to Calvary Community Church for a community garden, the “Garden of Eden,” which opened last year and is located across the street from the church at 1102 California St. on a parcel of land also owned by Calvary.
Robin Hilber, director of community development, said local residents grow vegetables there and donate them to neighbors in need on Thursday afternoons during growing season.
The organizers, Shirley Jefferson and Judy Jackson, requested the benches, Hilber said. After the city replaced some old ones on Fourth Street last year, the city had some spares to donate to the church, which they are able to do due to their status as a 501 (c) 3.
Hilber noted the benches “need some love” in the form of a new paint-job, but otherwise they were just sitting in storage without any plans for future use.
The Department of Public Works will be tasked with delivering the benches to the garden, according to city officials.
