Community Garden

History

In April 2014, Liberty Parks and Recreation staff, community volunteers and representatives from The Giving Grove changed the landscape of Ruth Moore Park by planting 14 fruit trees, raspberry and strawberry plants. 

The Giving Grove, which is an affiliate of the Kansas City Community Garden, works with community groups to create edible tree gardens as a sustainable food production for the community. This was the first partnership that worked to establish a grove in a city park.

This was also the City of Liberty’s first foray into edible tree gardening, which is a sustainable food production and land management system based on planting fruit and nut trees, berry producing bushes and shrubs, and includes perennial herbs and vegetables. 

At Ruth Moore Park, staff and volunteers have cared for the trees, including several varieties of apples, pears, and cherries in the orchard. Over the years the raised beds have seen a variety of fruit and vegetables growing. The varieties of trees selected are resistant to the common pests and pathogens, to minimize, if not eliminate, the need for pesticides. 

In 2021 the Liberty Rotary Club applied for and was awarded a $5000 grant to revitalize the garden and the old garden beds were replaced by new raised beds. In 2022 a Kansas City Garden Club Sprout grant doubled the size of the garden to its current 20 raised beds with plans to bring all abilities beds to the path in 2023. With the support of city staff, recruitment has begun for the Ruth Moore Community Garden Club with the hopes of attracting volunteer stewards to plant and maintain the garden beds for private use as well as community use.  

Community Rules and Regulations

1. The City retains authority over the Community Garden and may choose to end the Community Garden program and use the property upon which the Community Gardens are located for any other use at any time.

2. The Ruth Moore Park Community Garden is open to the public to enjoy however plots are rented by gardeners for private use. Please be respectful.

3. The hours of operation are dawn to dusk. No one is allowed to be in the garden before or after these times.

4. Pets, smoking, alcohol, and glass containers are not allowed.

5. Use common courtesy, be considerate of your neighbors and enjoy!

6. These Community Garden Rules and Regulation are subject to review and change at any time by the City.

How much does it cost to garden here?

• A small plot of 4'X8' is $35 and a large plot of 4'x12' and $45 annually . If you want to start growing items in the garden, contact Liberty Parks & Rec at 816.439.4368.

What kinds of tools, equipment and supplies are available at the garden?

• A watering source is available near the raised beds. You will need to supply your own watering can or hose and gardening tools.

Do you have compost bins at the garden?

• We have compost bins by the walking trail.

What should I do if I experience or see theft or vandalism?

• Report theft, vandalism and unusual activities to Liberty Parks & Rec and Liberty Police.