The Estrella Community Garden: A Place to Grow Together
Tucked beside The Presidio Resident’s Center, the Estrella Community Garden is more than just soil
and plants, it’s a place built by visionaries, volunteers, and neighbors who saw the power of coming
together to grow something meaningful in our desert home. How It All Began
In early 2020, a small group of passionate residents planted the se
ed of a community garden where
residents could gather, learn, and grow, both plants and friendships. Jennifer and Jan Polansky spent
countless volunteer hours developing the initial plans, consulting with Newland Communities, the City
of Goodyear, the HOA, and fellow residents. By August 2021, this dream took root when the Estrella Joint Committee granted a charter to form the
Estrella Community Garden Committee. Though the land adjacent to The Presidio was set aside,
development funding was unavailable. Volunteers stepped in, offering
their time, expertise, materials, and generous donations. A True Community Effort
Thanks to the support of Newland Communities, HPS Investments, Pioneer Title, DK Home Loans,
ASM Masonry, Diamondback Concrete, Agave Landscaper, Brightview Landscaping, and numerous
Estrella Realtors, the garden began to take shape. In January 2022, the first official Community Garden Committee was formed with Jennifer Polansky
as Chair and DeWitt Lang as Secretary. Overcoming challenges, including a costly water meter, the
committee members and donors worked tirelessly to ensure the garden could open. By September 2022, the Estrella Community Garden officially opened its gates. What You’ll Find at the Garden
Located on a 40’ x 40’ parcel at the southeast corner of The Presidio parking lot, the garden features:
12 raised bed boxes (3’ x 6’), each with its own drip irrigation system
Steel fencing to protect your plants
Monthly committee meetings
Educational activities and social events for gardeners and non-gardeners alike
Recent events have included
o Mentorship from University of Arizona Master Gardeners
o City of Goodyear Water Conservation Department
o Monarch Butterfly Migration Education/
o Helpful Tips from Jackrabbit Nursery
o Plant related arts and crafts projects
o Earth Day Recognition
Veteran Recognition
The garden season runs from September through June, with applications open mid-summer through
the HOA. Gardeners are selected through a random drawing, and each plot can be rented for just $75
per season. A Garden for Everyone
The Estrella Community Garden welcomes residents of all ages and experience levels. Even if you’ve
never gardened before, this is your chance to:
Learn how to garden in the Arizona desert
Get support and mentorship from experienced local gardeners
Meet new people and enjoy fun, educational events
Join a thriving, inclusive community
The space is open to all residents of Estrella and CantaMia to visit and enjoy. Whether you want to
rent a box, dig in and grow or just stroll through and relax, you are always welcome. Ready to Grow With Us? Whether you're a green thumb or just curious, the Estrella Community Garden is your place to start. Join us in cultivating not only plants, but community, knowledge, and friendships. To learn more or get involved, reach out through the HOA or stop by during one of our monthly
meetings, held the second Thursday of each month at The Presidio. Let’s grow together.
