Home >> Focus on 5 >> Afton Land Plans
What would you do with 44 acres? This was the question we asked you in November 2006. We’ve heard from you, and most of your suggestions will be incorporated into the development of 10-11 acres of our 44 acres in Afton for interim use.
So what will our interim land use look like?
Plans are underway to develop the southernmost section at the corner of Manning and Bailey. Since this is interim use, whatever is incorporated into the plans has to be flexible for change when building begins. The interim use will consist of:
Community Gardens: Approximately 4.4 acres of the land will be used for community gardens. This section of land will be divided into 10’ x 10’ and 10’ x 20’ plots. People will be able to sign up for a plot of land on which to grow their flowers and vegetables. This will benefit not only the congregation but serve as outreach to the community, too.
Open Grass: The largest section of the land will be planted with grass this spring (weather permitting). A local farmer and congregation member is helping with the physical work on the land and advising on what, how and when to plant. The Interim Land Use Committee sees this as one of the most versatile pieces of the land. If you need open space to play games and gather, this is it! Land sign up will be handled in the same way as room sign up in the church is handled.
Worship Area: A section of the open grass or open area will be an assigned “worship” or gathering area. We will install a small fire pit where groups can gather for song and praise, Bible study, worship or other small group activities. This should be a great area to gather, worship and thank God for all that He has blessed us with.
Prayer Path: The Interim Use Committee is looking to have a ½ -1 mile woodchip trail run through the land. This trail will have approximately ten “stations” throughout with devotions posted. We also envision benches where people can sit and pray in quiet.
Parking Lot – Driveway: A necessary part of using the land and probably also the most expensive. We need to put down Class 5 gravel for the parking lot and driveway.
Sign: Brad Zager is designing and installing a sign for his Eagle Scout Project. The sign will not only give us a presence in the community of Afton, but will also show that we have a vision for our future.
A great deal of work will need to go into the land this spring. There are also many items we will need to transform the 10+ acres into something usable for the congregation and community. If you, or someone you know, can get deals on gravel, grass seed, port-a-potty services, and general lumber materials and equipment rental, please contact Vicar Chad. Also, all questions and comments are welcome. Contact Vicar Chad at the church office 651.739.5144, ext. 220, or cell phone, 651.707.4834, or by e-mail.