Community Proposal

Let's Grow
Together

A proposal to bring a community garden to Hunters Run in Loveland, Colorado. Productive growing space, native pollinator habitat, and a gathering place for our neighborhood, built on the same sustainability values driving our landscape modernization.

I'm Interested - Take the Survey Learn More
Owen Kent with his dog in the Hunters Run neighborhood

About This Proposal

Hi, I'm Owen Kent, a Hunters Run resident. I put together this community garden proposal because I believe our neighborhood has an incredible opportunity right now.

With the Board's ongoing work on xeriscape conversion, native plantings, and irrigation modernization, the infrastructure and momentum are already in place to add productive growing space that benefits everyone. A community garden isn't just about vegetables - it's about giving neighbors a reason to meet, share, and build something together.

I've reviewed the HOA's financial documents, landscape plans, reserve study, and governing documents to make sure this proposal is realistic, compliant, and aligned with what the Board is already working toward. The numbers work, and the timing is right.

Take the Interest Survey

The Vision

Hunters Run is already investing in xeriscape conversion, native plantings, and irrigation modernization. A community garden is a natural next step - converting underutilized turf into productive, water-efficient growing space while creating a neighborhood gathering point.

Raised Beds

Individual 4'x8' cedar plots for resident families. Start with 16, expand based on demand.

Native Pollinators

Shared herb gardens and pollinator sections using plants from the HOA's approved native landscape palette.

Water-Wise Design

Drip irrigation connected to the HOA's modernized system. Uses 50-70% less water than equivalent turf.

Community Space

Gathering area with benches, a shared herb spiral, and space for neighborhood events and learning.

Accessible Design

ADA-compliant pathways and raised beds. 4-foot wide crushed stone paths for wheelchair and walker access.

HOA Aligned

Compliant with CC&Rs, ARC guidelines, and consistent with the Board's landscape sustainability direction.

Why a Community Garden?

Benefits that extend well beyond fresh tomatoes.

Community Building

A natural gathering space for neighbors across Champion Circle, Sedgwick Circle, Tabernash Drive, and beyond. Shared projects bring people together in ways that newsletters can't.

Property Values

Studies show community gardens increase nearby property values 3-5%. An active, engaged community is a selling point in the Loveland market.

Health & Wellness

Fresh produce at 5,000+ feet. Outdoor activity, stress reduction through gardening therapy, and healthier eating, right in our neighborhood.

Environmental Impact

Supports local pollinators with native plantings. Converts turf to productive use. Raised beds with drip irrigation use 50-70% less water than equivalent lawn area.

Aligns With What We're Already Doing

The Hunters Run Board has already committed to landscape sustainability. This garden builds on that momentum:

  • 2025 Landscape & Irrigation Plan
  • Xeriscape Educational Sign Program
  • Native Entry Beds Proposal
  • Existing Turf Analysis & Conversion
  • Water Savings Estimate Documentation

Garden Design

Designed for Northern Colorado's Zone 5b climate. Last frost ~May 15, first frost ~October 1.

Individual Plots

  • - 4' x 8' cedar raised beds
  • - 16 plots to start, expandable
  • - Annual allocation with renewal priority
  • - Quality garden soil included

Common Areas

  • - Shared herb spiral
  • - Native pollinator garden
  • - Fruit trees & berry bushes (Zone 5b)
  • - Compost bins & tool storage

Infrastructure

  • - Drip irrigation system
  • - ADA-compliant pathways (4' wide)
  • - Deer fencing (optional)
  • - Seating area with benches

Budget Overview

Transparent cost estimates based on 2025-2026 Northern Colorado pricing.

Initial Investment

Site Preparation $2,000 - $4,000
Raised Beds (16) $3,200 - $5,000
Water Infrastructure $1,500 - $2,300
Pathways & Accessibility $1,700 - $2,250
Tools & Storage $1,140 - $1,440
Signage & Misc $1,340 - $1,940
Total Initial $10,430 - $16,980

Recommended budget: $12,000-$14,000 (middle range with contingency)

Annual Operating Costs

Water usage $200 - $400
Mulch, compost & soil $300 - $500
Tool replacement & misc $200 - $350
Total Annual $700 - $1,250

Self-Sustaining Model

At $35/plot/year with 16 plots, the garden generates $560/year in plot fees alone. Combined with modest donations, this covers annual operating costs, making the garden self-sustaining after the initial investment.

Average plot produces $500-1,000 in vegetables annually - that's $8,000+ in community value each year.

Timeline

A phased approach timed to Northern Colorado's growing season.

1

Approval & Planning

February - March 2026

Survey residents for interest, present to HOA Board, review governing documents, evaluate potential sites using the Master Plat Map and Turf Analysis.

2

Site Preparation

March - April 2026

Form Garden Committee, secure Board approval, conduct soil testing, finalize design, coordinate with landscape vendor, install water infrastructure.

3

Construction

April - May 2026

Build and install raised beds, pathways, irrigation, storage, signage, and seating. Timed for spring before planting season.

4

First Planting Season

May 2026

Assign plots, host orientation meeting, and celebrate the grand opening. First planting season runs May through September.

Interested?

We're gauging interest from Hunters Run residents. Whether you'd want your own plot, enjoy the shared spaces, or just want to support the idea, we'd love to hear from you.

Fill Out the Interest Survey

Takes about 2 minutes. Your responses help us build a stronger proposal for the Board.