Perkasie Community Garden (Credit: Geoff Patton, Montgomery Media)
What began as a generous offer from a local family nearly two decades ago has now become a permanent part of Perkasie’s public green space.
Perkasie Borough officials have finalized the acquisition of the Kratz family’s garden property, officially designating it as the "Jerry D. Kratz Community Garden."
Located at the corner of North 5th Street and Shadywood Drive, the site has long served as a seasonal community garden open to residents and visitors alike, according to the borough.
Since 2007, the Kratz family allowed the Borough to use their privately owned land for community gardening purposes, Perkasie said in a news release.
“The community garden has been a part of our family’s heart for many years,” said the Kratz family. “We are deeply honored that Perkasie Borough has chosen to preserve this space for future generations. Knowing that the garden will remain a welcoming, peaceful place for all fills us with gratitude and joy.”
Managed by the Perkasie Parks & Recreation Department, the 10-foot by 10-foot garden plots have attracted individuals, families, and clubs such as the Perkasie Garden Club, becoming a quiet haven for gardening enthusiasts and a natural retreat in the northern part of town.
Perkasie Community Garden (Credit: Perkasie Borough)Over the past 18 years, the garden has been supported by Borough staff and dedicated volunteers, and was identified as a priority in the Borough’s 2010 Open Space Plan, according to a news release.
The Jerry D. Kratz Community Garden now officially joins the Borough’s parks system. According to a press release from Perkasie Borough, plans are underway for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and future community engagement opportunities at the site.
The Borough expressed its gratitude to the Kratz family for their years of stewardship and reaffirmed its commitment to preserving and enhancing public spaces.
“Perkasie Borough Council is committed to preserving spaces that enhance quality of life for our residents,” said David Worthington, chair of the Parks & Recreation Committee. “The Kratz Garden is a wonderful example of how thoughtful, long-term stewardship can grow into something truly meaningful for a community. We are grateful to the Kratz family for their vision and generosity and thrilled to carry that legacy forward.”
For updates and park programming, residents are encouraged to visit PerkasieBorough.org or follow the Borough on social media.
