The Friends of Meridian Playground (FOMP) are proposing to restore the historic orchard in Meridian Playground by replanting some of the fruit trees that have died and been removed. Some details of the plan were previously described in a Wallyhood post. Since then a poll has been completed by more than 100 neighbors, almost all of whom liked the proposal. Some folks preferred one part, some another. Now we all need to start work on making it happen. The Parks Department is moving the proposal through the process toward final approval.
A meeting next week will give you the opportunity to find out more about the proposal and other activities regarding the orchard. You can attend either in person or by video conference on the web. The meeting will be right after the Farmer’s Market, Wednesday, July 13, at 6:30 pm to 8 pm, in the shelter southeast of the comfort station in Meridian Playground. Or if you would prefer to attend from home, send an email to [email protected] to request the Zoom link. And if you can’t make it either way, send an email to [email protected] to get on their email list so you can stay updated.
The meeting will first discuss the orchard proposal and address comments and questions submitted in the poll. Then the meeting will turn to how you might want to help with the activities that will need to happen. All sorts of opportunities are available, from planning, management, artwork and graphic design, and continued advocacy with the Parks department, to learning how to graft scions from the old trees onto new roots, to setting up a nursery plot for the new, young trees. In addition, the Friends of Meridian Playground (FOMP) is looking for help in maintaining the existing trees, such as helping this fall with harvest and distribution or running a cider press. Many different talents are needed!
Feedback from an earlier survey told FOMP that the comfort station needs attention; let’s call it beautification, but perhaps folks had more serious concerns. A group needs to take on the task of defining just what needs to be done and making a request to the City for funding. FOMP sees this as a public art opportunity as well and a practical facility upgrade.
Come and join the FOMP team. Be a part of planning and implementing the future of Meridian Playground. FOMP says, “This is our neighborhood Park, let’s own it.”