Published: July 11, 2009 11:59 pm      

College students bring beauty to corner of city

University of Georgia student Kate Austin is spending her summer in Johnstown.

So is Nelson Peng, a Chinese graduate student attending the University of Pennsylvania, and Addison Pritchard, a student at the University of Arkansas.

The three are not in Johnstown to enjoy the scenery, see the sights or experience the wonderful weather.

They are here to construct a community garden at a vacant lot at 615 Franklin St. in Kernville.

The students are taking part in an internship program through the Pennsylvania Downtown Center and funded through the state Department of Community and Economic Development.

Johnstown was one of nine cities selected for the program based on an application the city submitted. The interns are paid a stipend by DCED, which also covered seed money for the project.

Although the city knew it wanted a garden, it was left up to the interns to design and carry out the plan.

The students held a series of public meetings and conducted door-to-door visits to gather feedback from residents. The garden was designed based on their needs and desires.

What they wanted was a place to watch people, to read a book, to relax.

The interns intend to see they get that.

Work started Saturday on the new garden.

When completed, it will include trees, shrubs, benches, a picnic table and a trellis.

It also will incorporate raised, wooden beds for adoption by groups, businesses and individuals in Kernville.

“They can grow whatever they like in them,” Austin said.

According to Austin, two of the beds, which vary in size, already have been adopted.

The interns plan to have the structure of the garden completed before August.

“It’s going to be a great location,” said Renee Daly, the city economic development specialist.

“I think they have done a stupendous job,” she said. “They are excellent workers and were really focused on creating a great area for the Kernville residents.”

It also has been a good experience for the three students, Austin said.

“We have really been enjoying it,” she said. 

“We’ve been having a great time in town. Everyone has been so friendly and the city has been very supportive.”

Anyone interested in adopting one of the raised beds can contact Austin at (678) 372-0442 or at kernvillegarden@johnstownpa.cc.