“The garden is a public community benefit – open to all residents – and like Riddle Field, the tennis courts, the swimming pool and dog park, the garden is available to any resident of Laguna regardless of where in Laguna they live.  Frankly, community gardens are trending and the city should be fostering their development.”

“We have lived in Laguna Beach for 8 years now and have two young children. We have had a plot at the Garden almost the entire time we have been here. I have testified many times about the benefits of the garden, how it fosters a special bond in the community, how much children benefit from planting and harvesting, and most importantly, how it is a welcome sanctuary open to all in an increasingly busy and bustling part of town. We have met people from the community, from other parts of Orange County, from abroad, all marveling at what is growing in the small lot, and enjoying the butterflies, birds, and beauty the garden offers. It is a special place that is much needed at a time when green spaces are becoming more and more essential. Our city is growing busier, the climate is warming, we’ve faced an unprecedented global health crisis. Having these kinds of sanctuary spaces are truly essential to the well-being of not just Laguna residents, but also the thousands of visitors that walk by each year.”

“My husband has owned our home in South Laguna since 2008. We’d love to see our taxes benefit the South Laguna community and something that makes our neighborhood so special. The garden has become something we look forward to regularly as part of our family time with our two homeschooled children. It serves as one of our outdoor classrooms. Our community garden encourages healthy ecosystems, benefits mental health, provides learning for all ages as well as a healthy hobby and strengthens community relationships. My family harvests often and delight in sharing the fruits of our labor. I love seeing curious visitors light up with smiles as they are drawn in to see the beautiful work of our gardeners. This garden has been such a blessing in so many ways.”

“This incredible achievement by the community for the benefit of the public is remarkable. It is the most positive and effective movement in the city. Habitat for birds, butterflies, families, friends, and the entire community. An inviting space nurtured solely by appreciative gardeners, where tradition, knowledge, exploration and growth are fostered. Equally valued by non-gardeners who come to find a beautiful, quiet place in the center of the neighborhood.”

“The South Laguna Community Garden Park, which is open for public visitation, has become a real stand out success and a magnet for good vibes, where residents gather, create, share – and experience Real Village.  The park is unique in its expanding draw to visitors – particularly in that it has no real commercial attractions – and it is such a healthy experience for Kids AND Boomers .

This is an authentic grass roots creation – the kind of synchronicity Laguna has long been known for – and a testimony to Laguna’s good-natured culture. You can’t buy this kind of social invention, it comes from the heart — and if you lose it, it would likely be impossible to replace it.

From an investment standpoint – this is a substantial cultural asset.  Do the right thing. Opportunities like this don’t come often. Don’t lose it. Nurture it, like a little plant.”

“As President of The Laguna Beach Garden Club, I am writing in support of the South Laguna Community Garden Park.  As a garden club we recognize the importance of gardening; the social aspects, the importance of bringing community members together and the value of raising food together. 

We ask you to continue holding the funding currently set aside by the City of Laguna Beach to purchase the plot of land used by South Laguna Community Garden Park.

The Laguna Beach Garden Club has held events at the South Laguna Community Garden Park and plans to again.  Gardens add so much to the community of Laguna Beach.  Please hold the funding to make this garden a permanent part of the City of Laguna Beach.”

“The garden is what a true sense of community is.  After the Covid 19 Pandemic is over, the garden is just what we all need.  The community of South Laguna is so proud of what this garden represents.  Countless hours of volunteer time have been given to this jewel of a garden.  Not to mention the friendships and bonds that have been formed over the past 10 years.”

“The one word that best describes the garden is PRICELESS.  The garden is truly a priceless treasure that is so important to Laguna.  It is a place of refuge and brings so much joy to all who enter.  Please acquire the property so that the Garden Park will be a permanent spot of beauty, and place to grow food, friendships and community.”

“When comparing moving to Newport Beach or Laguna Beach in 2012 a primary reason making the decision (to move to South Laguna) was the existence of this lovely garden.  It serves as a place of refuge, grace and fellowship.”

“The South Laguna Garden is such an important and beautiful part of our city.  I truly feel that it’s a landmark the brings a lot of people happiness when they see it or experience it.”

“My family and especially my grandson Max have enjoyed the Garden Park for many years.  It has been a wonderful place to grow food, enjoy friendships, have a sense of community, have potluck dinners and listen to great Music! The Garden Park has also become a Very Special Place for me, Max and many of his friends and their families since the publishing of the Wonderful Book, Alani and the Giant Kelp Elf.”

“The Garden Park is an integral part of the South Laguna community, and brings joy to me and my neighbors.”

“I love the community feeling that the Garden Park brings us all here in Laguna.  Children have been going there for years.  It is educational as well as a beautiful spot for the community to gather.”

“I could write 10 pages describing the value the garden park has for not just South Laguna, but Laguna as a whole.  It is a family space.  I have a 17 year-old but most of my acquaintances have younger children, and I have NEVER mentioned this area to anyone with children of any age and not had them light up with a big smile and a positive comment.  This space brings real joy to people.  There is something special about it that all residents recognize.  People come here and feel GOOD.”

“The Garden Park has been so long in the making and is one of the true treasures and unique aspects of Laguna Beach that it would be horrid to lose it. . .There are few “imperatives” among those of us in South Laguna, but the garden is a treasure that we can ill afford to lose.”