Ballard P-Patch one step closer to being saved

SEATTLE — One of Seattle's oldest gardens is one step closer to being saved.

Cindy Krueger has been leading the grassroots campaign to save the Ballard P-Patch since last spring.

“We absolutely believe this is worth saving, worth preserving,” Krueger said.

The half-acre garden sits on land belonging to Our Redeemers Lutheran Church across the street. The church has been leasing it to the city of Seattle for just a $1 a year for more than the last 40 years. But then, the church announced it needed to sell the land to raise money for much needed improvements.

Rather than see the garden torn down and turned into homes, Kreuger and others have desperately been working to raise money to buy the land.

“We think of ourselves as stewards, shepherding this space thru time,” Shawn Mincer said.

After months of hard work, the Ballard P-Patch made a huge break-through. Last week, they signed a $1.95 million dollar purchase and sale agreement with the church, paving the way for the P-Patch to stay for good.

But now, they've got to secure the funding. So far, they have $100,000.

“Not over yet. and the need is urgent. We really have a narrow window of time where we can raise as much money as we can,” Krueger explained.

She and the other gardeners are now looking at a variety of funding sources, both private and public.

Krueger is hopeful. But she says they still need the community's help.

“$5 here, $10 here. It really all adds up and we really appreciate it,” Krueger added.

They have until July to raise the rest of the money. Ultimately, they want to save the land and convert it to a conservation easement which would ensure it remains a community garden.

“We want to do our part so this is here for people to enjoy in the future,” Mincer said.

From now until the end of March, donations will be matched by Groundswell Northwest, up to $5,000. If you want to help, follow this link.

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