In a recent Boca Raton City Council workshop, significant concerns were raised regarding the potential relocation of the Susan Welchill Community Garden, a vital community resource. The discussion was sparked by a statement from a local nonprofit executive director, who expressed dismay over plans that could displace the garden as part of the community campus project.

The executive director highlighted the extensive investment made by the nonprofit and local gardeners in the garden, which features a food forest and native pollinator habitats. The community members emphasized that the garden's unique ecosystem and educational opportunities cannot be easily replicated. They urged the city to reconsider the proposed relocation, which would make way for two sand volleyball courts, and suggested alternative locations for the courts that would not disrupt the garden.

A key point raised during the meeting was the lack of communication between the city and the gardeners. The executive director noted that they were unaware of the new nonprofit managing the garden and the plans for its relocation. This lack of transparency has raised concerns about the decision-making process and the involvement of those directly impacted by the changes.

Another community member echoed these sentiments, expressing shock at the gardeners' unawareness of the proposed plans. This situation has drawn parallels to the recent closure of the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, which has left residents questioning the future of local nonprofits and community resources.

The meeting underscored the importance of community engagement in city planning processes, particularly when it comes to cherished local assets like the Susan Welchill Community Garden. As discussions continue, residents are hopeful for a more inclusive approach that values their input and preserves the garden's place in the community.