Courtesy of CommunitiesTakeRoot

Hoping to revitalize public spaces across the country, CommunitiesTakeRoot recently launched a nation-wide contest that will provide neighborhoods with their very own fruit orchards. Sponsored by Edy's Fruit Bars and the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation, the contest will award twenty communities with fruit tree orchards for places ranging from food banks and public parks to community centers and gardens. The competition launched in mid-April and will consist of four rounds, with the last one ending in late August. After each round, five participants with the highest number of votes will receive orchards.

Right in our hometown, the Friends of Edgewood Park recently decided to use SeeClickFix to raise awareness about its participation in this sweet competition. Viewed over 360 times, Issue #95410 - Vote for a Fruit Trees Orchard in Edgewood Park! hopes to bring over 45 fruit-bearing trees and shrubs to the New Haven park, ranging from apple and sweet cherry to pear and plum. If the Friends of Edgewood Park win, the city will even match the award by planting the same number of fruit trees across the city. With comments ranging from 'awesome' to 'excellent,' residents have responded enthusiastically to this initiative. In fact, one user said he would vote every day.

We must admit we're not surprised this issue has generated such positive feedback. These orchards benefit not only current residents, but also future generations. From growing fresh, nutritious fruit to improving air and water quality, orchards can provide healthier and more vibrant communities for all citizens.