News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Signature HealthCARE of Putnam County has opened its community garden in Algood.
CEO Lee Rooney said area residents will be able to plant flowers and vegetables in their own personal garden space.
“We built the Signature HealthCARE community gardens for the purpose of trying to giving back to the community,” Rooney said. “We’re always trying to take people inside our facility, but we want to also take care of people in the surrounding areas. We thought a great idea to get people outdoors was to let them build this community garden in partnership with the City of Algood.”
Rooney said gardens can be planted at varying heights so that elderly patients or younger residents can utilize the garden.
“It’s really meant for people of all ages,” Rooney said. “[We’re] wanting to try to get people outside and enjoy the outdoors. Some people may want to have a garden but don’t have the ability because they live in an apartment building. Or, perhaps they can’t build their own garden anymore due to age or inability, so we were just wanting to be a good partner for our community.”
Rooney asks citizens to contact Signature HealthCARE before using the garden as availability may be limited.
“We want to try and keep track of who’s in the garden so that we can keep in contact with them and know who wants to renew next year,” Rooney said. “There’s no charge and it’s all irrigated. We provide all the water. It’s just those that want to plant seeds, little flowers, or plant a vegetable garden or herb garden. We’re just providing the facilities at no charge, but we do want them to reach out to us so we can keep track of who’s utilizing it.”
Rooney said an official grand-opening will take place within the next couple weeks as they await a sign to be made for the garden. Area residents interested in using the community garden can contact Rooney or Quality of Life Director Shelly West for more information.
