The Children's Garden is a project partner in the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation Access to Recreation at Boardman Lake Project, which received a W.K. Kellogg Foundation grant totaling $440,000 in October 2006. As part of the project, the Children's Garden was eligible for $80,000 in matching dollars to support their project.

The goal of the Access to Recreation at Boardman Lake Project is to bring generations together and provide positive recreational opportunities for families, groups, and individuals of all abilities, ages and interests.

In addition to the pavilion and patio, the improved Children's Garden will also feature a small greenhouse for sprouting seeds and a grill and pizza oven for tasting the plant harvest. These improvements will allow for a place to teach about nutrition and a "root-to-mouth" gardening experience. Additionally, the garden beds, surfacing and pathways within the garden will be improved for easier accessibility.

"We are excited about our progress so far and are thankful for the donors that have helped us earn our match," said Susan Kuschell, director of the Children's Garden. "When the project is complete, children and volunteers, of all abilities, will learn about planting, harvesting, and preparing crops."

Kuschell hopes to create an understanding of nutrition, with a "root-to-mouth" experience, which is a current national movement that teaches children about where food comes from and how it nourishes their bodies.

Though the Children's Garden has earned their match from W.K. Kellogg grant and is set to begin work on their project, they are looking to the community for further support for their programs. Donors may support the Children's Garden and their current and future activities with gifts to their Community Foundation Endowment Fund.

The Children's Garden opened more than eight years ago, under the sponsorship of the Community Foundation, and began its learning gardens in 2002. Each summer at the Learning Garden, more than 100 children have the opportunity to learn about gardening and participate in the gardening experience. Additionally, approximate 1,200 gardeners, volunteers, and visitors benefit from the garden each year.

The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation is the campaign sponsor for Grand Traverse Area Children's Garden and the Access to Recreation at Boardman Lake project. The project also involves Traverse Area Community Sailing and TART Trails as project partners. For more information call 935-4066 or visit www.gtrcf.org/accesstorecreation.