By Kate Reynolds
Marseilles resident Krysta Kelly and other members of Kelly’s ‘Gift and Be Gifted’ Facebook group had hoped for a community garden. Their hopes became a reality in the summer of 2022 when the group placed a little stand filled with flowers in Knudson Park.
Located on the east side of Knudson Park between the public restrooms and the park, the garden grew through community/residential involvement this summer. Lisa Nolan donated an umbrella to keep produce covered; another member added a cooler for fresher items; and Kim Kozak had an idea for a long-lasting garden stand that could be shaded from the sun and protected from flies and squirrels.
Kozak started a GoFundMe page that raised over $480 from a ‘generous community, and the money was well spent.
Krysta Kelly’s father, a Wisconsin resident, bought supplies and provided free labor for the project. He built the cart in one week and then delivered it to Knudson Park. Community resident Joseph Nasca bought additional supplies and took the time to make a roof for the stand. With no more funds available, Hollenbeck donated netting to protect the garden.
At some point, the group would like to include painting the Gift Garden and adding a sign to the cart’s back for residents to see its location from any angle.
‘Our goal is to unite as a community and give,’ Kelly wrote. “Give what you can, take what you please, and above all, love thy neighbor.’