History
In the early 1980’s, Elmer Williams started a pumpkin patch on the vacant lot on the southeast corner of Argonne Rd. and Maringo, overlooking the Spokane River. Elmer tended the garden for many years and when he moved, Bob Critchfield picked up the mantle and carried on the tradition of the pumpkin patch. Young people in the West Valley of Spokane grew up with fond memories of their annual trip to the lot to wander the field and pick out their special pumpkin. In 2004 when the Argonne Bridge was widened, the pumpkin patch was abandoned to accomodate the construction and shortly after that Mr. Critchfield passed away. The lot has been vacant ever since.
The spring and summer of 2010, members of the community banded together to re-establish the “pumpkin patch” at its historic location with garden plots, and a native wildflower border. Adding to the vision is to grow row crops to benefit the Valley Food Bank, Plant a Row for the Hungry program.
The garden, now in its 14th season has become an opportunity for area youth to learn and practice the art of community service. The garden is a safe comfortable place for people new to gardening as well as for the master gardener.
Mission
Mission Statement: Growing food and Community.
Along with building on the rich tradition of the site, the Pumpkin Patch Community Garden helps families and schools educate children about fresh healthy foods and provides a venue for people to learn organic gardening practices. It provides a place and project for strengthening community relationships and turned a vacant lot into a productive piece of land.