Thrive Allen County?s latest project will soon bear fruit.
Literally.
Several Thrive staffers were on hand Tuesday to put the finishing touches on the new Allen County Community Orchard.
On top of six apple trees that already had been transplanted at the orchard site ? between the 800 blocks of South State and Chestnut streets, or immediately south of the Happy Tails Dog Park ? the Thrive members planted three peach trees, three plum trees, six raspberry bushes, six blackberry bushes and 32 strawberry plants.
They also assembled a pair of heavy-duty park benches to adorn the orchard.
The orchard was made possible through a five-year lease agreement with the city, allowing Thrive to use city green space.
As part of the agreement, Thrive purchased three frost-free hydrants, with city crews installing them and removing older trees from the site.
Thrive will cover the utility costs.
The goal is to encourage more folks to take walks outdoors and help themselves to the assorted fruits as they grow and ripen.
