Community Corner

A New Community Garden, 'Facelift' For Edison’s Swales Park

A new community garden, volleyball court, and walking path will round off the improvement project for Edison's Swales Park.

Although the garden is being built by the Township, a nonprofit will run it.
Although the garden is being built by the Township, a nonprofit will run it. (Courtesy: Edison Township)

EDISON, NJ — Many townships in New Jersey have a community garden that residents love and enjoy. While Edison does seem like an ideal place for one, the Township has not had a community garden. But that stands to change soon.

The Township’s first community garden will be established at Swales Park.

As many know, Mayor Sam Joshi recently announced three big projects to be undertaken by the Township, and among them is the Community Garden.

Find out what's happening in Edison-Metuchenfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

“Residents for years have pushed for this and I’m so glad to finally see it happen,” said Joshi, during his State of the Township address.

So what will this garden include? The garden will boast of 38 beds for fruits and vegetables. There will be a shed where residents can store their supplies. work tables will be provided so residents can get to know each other while working side by side, said Joshi.

Find out what's happening in Edison-Metuchenfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The Edison Arts Society has also agreed to organize a mural competition in the community garden.

"When you enter the garden you’ll be struck by its natural and man-made beauty,” said Joshi. “We’ve already worked out the process for residents to apply for a garden bed and a few will be set aside to grow produce for local food pantries.”

“In this era of rising costs and high inflation, a single bed of fresh produce can make a difference on Edison residents’ wallets,” said Joshi.

The volleyball court at Swales Park will also get a facelift, Joshi announced. Residents can expect a new and improved sand volleyball court.

A new walking path shaded with trees will be placed along the perimeter of Swales Park.

The baseball diamond will get a “proper backstop creating the perfect place for informal games,” Joshi said.

“Swales Park and its community garden will be open to all residents,” the Mayor said.

Although the garden is being built by the Township, a nonprofit will run it.

Joshi also announced a splash park and turf field in Papaianni Park. Read More: Papaianni Park Will Be Edison's 'Crown Jewel' Says Mayor

(Patch will highlight the last of the three new projects and provide more details in the coming days)


Thank you for reading. Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com

Get breaking news alerts on your phone with our app. Download here. Sign up to get Patch emails so you don't miss out on local and statewide news.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.