Community Garden Fence Made Possible by Port High Student

Construction has been underway for Hales Trail Community Garden —  — since early spring, and, piece-by-piece, the garden has become ready for planting thanks to a variety of volunteers.

 sophomore Azariah Pargulski is one of those volunteers largely behind the construction of a tall fence surrounding the entire garden.

"The fence was much bigger than I first thought. We finished on our anticipated dates, and everything went smoothly," he said. "My leadership and hard work have paid off which made me feel all the more accomplished once finished."

Pargulski took on the fence project to fulfill his Eagle Project requirements after becoming a Life Scout last year, he said. His scout master knew the garden's organizer, Derek Strohl, and recommended Strohl work with Pargulski on the project.

"I have been a resident of Port for all my life and in Scouts since about 7 years old," Pargulski said. "I came along at the right moment to get involved in coordinating building the fence. ... I would like to give a great thanks to Derek Strohl for starting this project and always helping work, round up, and guide volunteers to start and complete the necessary tasks. I feel that God has given me guidance throughout this project and held all problems at bay, and I feel he should be given great recognition.  

"Additional thanks to my parents, especially my dad, Tom Pargulski, who gave me invaluable advice and has stuck by my side being very helpful through the whole project. Also, a special thanks to (my scout master) Mr. Wichmann for setting me up with this project and his continued support because it really has been very rewarding. Many thanks to all the volunteers from the surrounding communities including friends, siblings, scouts and their families. Thank you to everybody who was involved."

There are a few final touches that need to be added to the fence, Pargulski said, and volunteers can still get involved to help out in other construction and maintanence projects. People interested in volunteering or purchasing a plot can contact Strohl by e-mailing ourgardeninport@gmail.com.

"Gardening is the perfect summer activity to get you outdoors and spend time with your neighbors," Pargulski said. "Take a stop by the Garden on Hales Trail Drive in Port Washington. The community came together for a good cause and their efforts made this possible."