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Spindletop Center and the Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce are holding a groundbreaking ceremony for a new community garden, the Griffing Park Community Garden, at 9:30 a.m. March 19 at 4400 Dryden Road in Port Arthur.

Attendees will need to park at the Memorial Stadium parking lot at 2200 Jefferson Drive starting at 9 a.m.

Spindletop Center is providing a shuttle to and from the Griffing Park Community Garden. Spindletop representatives and signs will signify where to park at Memorial Stadium.

Community members are encouraged to join the Center in the groundbreaking for the garden.

“Come together with the Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce in commending the Spindletop Center for investing in a future community garden located in Port Arthur,” said Paige Snyder, membership director for the Chamber.

The Griffing Park Community Garden plans to focus on community beautification and bringing much-needed fresh produce to lesser-served populations.

The garden features raised beds for those who have difficulty with mobility, in-ground plots suitable for growing many fruits and vegetables, a shade structure, perennial herbs and flowers, fruit trees, large shade trees, a greenhouse, and picnic benches.

Garden plots will be available to individuals served at Spindletop Center through the program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Community members will be offered plots at sliding scale fees, based on ability to pay.

“This garden will be so beneficial to everyone involved,” said Shannon McNicholas, an AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) planning the development of the garden. “Being outside, getting your hands in the dirt and watching little plants grow large is so great for the brain and the body. Every time I leave a garden, I always feel happier than when I arrived.”

Spring flowers will be available to community members at the event on a first-come, first-served basis. Donations for the garden and flowers are welcomed and appreciated.

For more information about the groundbreaking, donating or getting involved with the Griffing Park Community Garden, contact the AmeriCorps VISTA team at VISTA@stctr.org.