Photos: Friswell’s Hill Community Garden Project
[Updated] A Community Garden space is being created in the Friswell’s Hill area, after the Ball family generously agreed to allow the land to be used free of charge for three years, with the aim being to make a vibrant green space, assist the young people in the Friswell’s Hill area to learn about horticulture, and grow local produce.
MP Michael Weeks said, “As the MP for the Pembroke East Central area, I am always reflecting and looking for solutions to area issues that may arise.
“One such issue, that needed to be addressed, was addressing intermittent cases of untoward behavior, occurring in and around a vacant plot of land in the Friswell’s Hill area. These were ongoing concerns shared with me, by the residents living in or passing by the area.
Work to clear the land got underway this morning:
“In conjunction with members of the Friswell’s Hill United group, meetings were held and discussions had, about my vision and the possibilities for this space, in order to assist in eradicating these inappropriate behaviors.
“Therefore, creating a space that was not only aesthetically pleasing, but beneficial to the community at large. Ideas such as a Residential Park or a Community Garden were my initial thoughts. I was able to ascertain, that the land was owned by the Ball Family. I reached out to the family in question and shared ideas for this space.
“Speaking with the Ball family representative, Ms. Kim Ball, the family was amenable to the idea and wanted to see the vision realized, as the plot at this time was not ready for immediate development.
“After some negotiation, it was decided, that for a span of three years without any remuneration to the community, the Ball family would allow the use of the plot of land, as a Community Garden space, which would be maintained by the residents of the community.
“Needless to say, I am appreciative of the partnership, created, between a family and community. I and the Friswell’s Hill United group, know that this action will be beneficial to the residents in the area and could potentially assist the young men in and around the Friswell’s Hill area, in learning the skill of Horticulture, while at the same time, sharing produce grown, with the area constituents.
“This is vitally important, particularly, during this challenging time of Covid-19, where many are out of work and would be appreciative of the fresh vegetables or fruits, grown in the Community Garden. This provides the nutritious sustenance for those who may otherwise be unable to afford such items even in the grocery stores.
“I want to thank the Island Construction Company, who have agreed to assist with the clean out of the plot, which over the years, has become extremely overgrown and the Ministry of Works & Engineering for their assistance. I also thank the Ball family, for their free lease of the land for a period of time and helping the vision to be realized.
“Lastly and certainly not least, I thank the area residents, for their commitment to safety. Pembroke East Central is a great family oriented community, which has had its series of challenges over the years.
“However, I envision this opportunity, as a way to provide a vibrant green space, which will be advantageous to the neighboring properties and essentially improve overall, the quality of life for the C16 area residents,” Mr Weeks said.
Photos from the before/during clean up are below, and we will follow up with another photo[s] of the cleared land once it is completed.
Update 8.20pm: A look at the area as of this evening
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I did not see anything in that article about Planning permission.
You can expect a visit from Col. Burch and some men about undoing all the good you are trying to do (just as happened in St. Georges).
I Think a Big Thank You needs to go out to Former Minister Zane Desilva as well, because I see one of his machines there clearing the land for this project and I can almost bet that he is not charging the owners a dime.
This is just the type of person Mr. Zane Desilva is and he doesn’t do it for Brownie points either or Political gain, Zane is a Community man at heart, I remember a very big project in clearing out land for one of our local Churches 7 years ago, Mr. Zane Desilva sent an entire crew from his company, and several of there machines and trucks and clear the entire property, Bigger then this property and didn’t charge the Church a dime.
To MP Week’s and Bishop Bean and the Ball family, Thank you for an initiative that is so needed and we should be looking into all over Bermuda because the times that are ahead of us and coming our way. This is Forward thinking and very commendable.
HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHHA what a load of BS
I was assuming the entire time reading the comment that it was just sarcasm! Smh
Big respect to the Ball family. This spot has a lot of potential it looks quite large, flat and has good access, enough for composting, fruit trees, garden beds and a nursery area. You tube is full of videos of people producing tons of fresh fruit and produce using all kinds of clever methodology.
I agree. The Ball family has my respect and my gratitude.
This is at the same time a very generous offer by the family and a wonderful use of the land for people who don’t have any space for their horticultural interests where they live . It’s a great way to get young ones involved in gardening as well.
Very recently a group got together and resurrected a small plot that had been abandoned for years in the shadow of Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse off St Anne’s Road. It’s amazing to see the success that many of them have had.
And don’t forget .. keep the caterpillars and milk snails under control !
Previous events which the FRS Neighborhood Committee have held have been good. Neighbourhood clean-up, Parades, and now this. Great!