Attendees:

 Heather, Allison, Jessica, Valerie, Danielle, Dave, and Lil Cooper

Our Goal

We agreed to focus on developing a manageable Phase 1 scope, with the goal of completing the initial garden installation by approximately the end of 2026.

The idea is to get some foundational elements in place, build momentum, and create a space that students can begin using while we continue planning for future phases.

Phase 1: Initial Scope

Our preliminary Phase 1 priorities include:

• Garden layout: Stake out the initial garden footprint using string, stakes, and temporary signs.

• Tables and seating:  Purchase a redwood slab table and incorporate benches donated by Dave Grant. Explore purchasing up to three additional tables if pricing is affordable.

• Garden identity: Have students select a name for the garden and create initial signage.

• Garden beds: Purchase lumber and install the first garden beds on the sloping side.

• Shade structure: Explore permanent and temporary shade options.

• Budget: Develop and finalize a preliminary budget.

• Community workday: Schedule an initial volunteer workday to help bring the garden to life.

The Phase 1 scope will be refined based on costs, available resources, and what we can realistically accomplish before the end of the year.

Action Items

Heather

• Research ADA accessibility requirements and considerations for the garden.

• Research Costco pergolas as potential shade structures.

• Coordinate production of initial signage once the garden name is selected.

• Build a garden landing page on the Panther Club website.

• Put out a call for a volunteer with a Bobcat or similar equipment who could help excavate the proposed retaining wall area.

• Continue to promote the garden and recruit volunteers on social media.

Allison

• Ask the Green Innovators Club to help develop social media content documenting the garden project.

• Invite the Green Innovators Club to brainstorm and select a name for the garden.

Jessica

• Gather potential grant opportunities, funding information, and other relevant resources.

• Share grant findings with Valerie.

Danielle

• Develop initial garden renderings using Allison's original drawing as a starting point.

• Incorporate the design ideas outlined below to help the committee visualize the longer-term possibilities.

Garden Design Ideas for Rendering

In addition to Allison's initial garden drawing, we'd like to explore incorporating the following features into the overall design:

• Frog pond — A small pond or habitat feature.

• Orchard  — An area featuring dwarf fruit trees.

• Retaining wall — Approximately three feet tall.

• Central gathering area — Shade structure and outdoor kitchen located toward the center of the garden, with lighting.

• Amphitheater — An outdoor gathering and learning space with some form of rain protection.

These are ideas for the broader garden vision and aren't included in Phase 1. The renderings will help us visualize how everything could fit together and identify what makes sense to tackle first.

Next Meeting

Monday, November 9, 2026 | 3:00 PM

Focus: Mapping Out the Garden

We'll meet at the garden site to begin translating our ideas into a physical layout.

Our main activity will be to use stakes, string, and temporary signs to mark where major garden features might go. This will help everyone better understand the space, test the proposed layout, and make adjustments before we begin installing anything.

Looking Ahead

After we've mapped out the space, our next priorities will be refining the Phase 1 budget, confirming materials and resources, and selecting a date for our first community workday.

Our goal is to keep things moving, start with achievable improvements, and create a garden that students can help shape and enjoy for years to come.