Community Garden Celebrates New Shelter and Lasting Legacy
By Connie Whitlock
Publishing Editor
Saturday, June 13, was a beautiful morning for an open house at the Community Garden of Pleasant Hill. Located on the corner of Myrtle and Lexington, across from the middle school, the garden was buzzing with activity as board members, supporters, and the mayor gathered to celebrate a new pavilion built in memory of Felicity Bonner Finnerty, who, according to board members, was one of the garden’s original participants.
Finnerty was widely recognized for sharing her horticultural knowledge and helping others learn to garden, as well as for her kindness and generosity. Those gathered agreed she deserved to be honored in this way.
Goppert Financial Bank and The Goppert Foundation gifted a $11,500 donation to fund the installation of a pavilion cover, creating a more permanent, comfortable gathering space for workshops, educational programs, and community events.
The celebration extended beyond the shelter itself. As visitors arrived, they were greeted with food, fresh lemonade, dessert, and plenty of friendly conversation. The new shelter quickly became a gathering place where people sat at picnic tables, enjoying the sunshine and looking out over the growing garden beds.
After learning about Finnerty’s legacy, I wanted to understand the community garden itself. While visiting with members of the garden, I learned more about how the project works. Gardeners are given a plot where they can grow whatever they choose and tend it throughout the season. When harvest time arrives, they enjoy the fruits of their labor and often share the excess with others. Produce is regularly donated to the local food pantry, Meals on Wheels, and even the Pleasant Hill Fire Department.
What stood out was the sense of community. The people involved clearly enjoy working together, sharing knowledge, and welcoming everyone.
The spirit of collaboration stems in part from dedicated leadership. The garden is overseen by a group of gardening volunteers led by President Vera McCoy and Vice President Patty Martin. Treasurer John Livings and Secretary Cindy Rutherford help keep the organization running smoothly, while Vice President of Communications Dani Carr assists with outreach and community engagement.
Other members attending the event included Mary Seymour, Jamie Cherry, Tracy Young, and Laura Tubbesing, who also serves as party planner. Each person contributes to making the Community Garden welcoming for gardeners and visitors alike.
Before leaving, I took time to walk around the grounds. The garden features a tool shed, the new pavilion, and a towering flower pot sculpture that adds whimsy to the landscape.
I felt like it was the kind of place that invites you to slow down and enjoy the moment. I left the open house with more than a few photos and a new appreciation for what the Community Garden represents: a place where both plants and friendships grow, neighbors connect, and the legacy of Felicity Bonner Finnerty continues to bloom.
