With this year's Spring growing season just around the corner, applications are now being accepted for garden plots at the Gantz Road Community Garden.

Located on Columbus' southwest side, the Gantz Road Garden is one of the Board of Commissioners' latest initiatives to support access to healthy, fresh and affordable foods for Franklin County residents.

"Being the father of four active kids keeps me busy," said Commissioner John O'Grady. "Not to mention that planning dinners which include healthy, fresh food choices takes work. Community gardens offer easy, low-cost opportunities for families to spend time together planting and harvesting fresh foods to put on the dinner table."

"Growing up on a farm, our family spent a lot of time working in the garden," said Commissioner Paula Brooks. "Sadly, too many families in central Ohio don't have access to those home-grown, nutritious foods. Community gardens are an excellent way to make healthy and fresh produce accessible and affordable to all central Ohio families."

"Obesity related illnesses among children, such as Type II diabetes, are increasing at alarming rates," said Commissioner Marilyn Brown. "Community gardens provide parents and kids the opportunity to learn, grow and eat healthy foods and begin to address this national epidemic one step at a time."

The Gantz Road Community Garden is expected to open on April 17th, the start of the 2010 growing season, and will remain open through October 31, 2010. Plot recipients will be determined by a lottery system and will be notified of plot assignment and size on April 1. Approximately 60 plots will be available.

Applications are being accepted through March 22 and are available on-line at www.franklincountyohio.gov/communitygarden or by calling (614) 525-3322.

Plot sizes and fees range from $10 for a 12'x10' plot to $30 for a 36'x10' plot. Garden fees are per plot for the entire 2010 growing season and include on-site water for garden use and access to the garden during daylight hours. Some scholarships are available.

For additional information contact the Garden Coordinator at 525-3322 or email CommunityGarden@FranklinCountyOhio.gov . .