FLAGSTAFF — In celebration of Arbor Day, the community is invited to participate in the planting of fruit trees at the new Bushmaster Park Community Fruit Orchard on Wednesday, Aug. 14, at 4 p.m. A variety of trees, including apple, cherry, plum, peach, pear and apricot will be planted, creating an urban orchard and edible park for all to enjoy. All tools and equipment are provided. The event is hosted by the City of Flagstaff’s Beautification, Arts & Sciences program. Bushmaster Park is located at 3150 N. Alta Vista Drive.
The Bushmaster Park Community Fruit Orchard will improve community food access, biodiversity and ecosystem resiliency and is a result of two City of Flagstaff grants awarded to local resident Alexi Kimiatek last fall—a $4,500 Beautification in Action grant from the Beautification & Public Art Commission and a $7,500 Neighborhood Sustainability grant from the Sustainability Commission. Grant funds enabled Kimiatek to purchase 30 fruit trees, tools and equipment, as well as hire skilled labor to complete site preparation including irrigation.
“Community agriculture is a valuable tool to connect people to their food, local ecosystem and to the natural world,” said Kimiatek who is also a wildlife biologist. “An orchard in Flagstaff’s Bushmaster Park provides an opportunity to engage the community in lasting, local and sustainable food production.”
Over the last year, Kimiatek and team members, many of whom are experienced horticulturalists and master gardeners, have worked closely with the City’s Beautification, Arts & Science program and Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Events (PROSE) on project feasibility, site selection and community approval. The grantees received support from the City of Flagstaff Parks and Recreation Commission in 2023.
“PROSE is elated to provide the space at the community park for this unique offering of fruit trees for the entire community to participate, cultivate and enjoy in association with Arbor Day,” says Amy Hagin, Assistant Parks & Recreation Director.
In addition to providing organic fruit harvests for everyone to enjoy, the orchard will produce flowers that support pollinators, feed wildlife and provide a unique gathering space for communal activities. From horticulture workshops to harvesting days, a variety of educational events are being planned by Kimiatek and team.
“Beautification in Action grants are initiated by the public for the public and the orchard is no exception,” says Jana Weldon, Program Manager for Beautification, Arts & Sciences. “This project is a wonderful example of citizens building community by creating opportunities for people to come together, share knowledge and encourage one another to live more sustainably.”