Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) hospital land will soon be shared by Lincoln people for recreation, therapy, educational opportunities and community-grown food.

Located at the Lincoln Maternity Hospital grounds in James Street, the new Community Gardens is a Lincoln Envirotown Trust project, supported by the CDHB.

Envirotown Trust Chairperson Sue Jarvis said support from local people had been overwhelming.

“One of our local businessmen took time out to negotiate the site at the hospital. The Trust plans to have some allotments at the gardens and a community plot. There will also be a demonstration plot, Japanese gardens and art works,” she said.

A Community Gardens Coordinator has recently been appointed to help bring the project to life.

Lincoln Maternity Hospital Charge Midwife Anne Atkins said as well as the health benefits for everyone involved, the Community Gardens will help strengthen community and hospital links.

“People may remember the site used to be the hospital gardens. In fact many a Lincoln mum has dined on produce from this patch,” she said.

According to Ms Jarvis, ideas and inspiration have been drawn from the Christchurch City Council community gardens.

“We are taking the lead from our fellow community gardeners in Christchurch, who have been extremely supportive. Soon, we will be able to share food cooperatively as a community, as well as provide recreation, therapy and educational opportunities for local people. It will be a wonderful open space for people to reconnect with the environment,” she said.

The Trust plans to develop other sites as community gardens as they come available.