Neighbors, nonprofits, and new friendships are blooming in this grassroots effort to bring fresh food and connection to Whitehall
WHITEHALL, MI — What started as one neighbor’s idea for building community has grown into a collaborative new garden space in the heart of Whitehall. The White Lake Community Gardens, now taking shape, is a labor of love powered by passionate volunteers, local businesses, and a shared vision for connection.
Amber Marks, a Whitehall resident and graphic designer, came up with the idea in March. “I didn’t know a lot of people when I moved here,” she said. “I figured if I was feeling that, others probably were too. I wanted to create a shared space that didn’t come with a financial barrier—a place where anyone could show up, feel welcome, and connect.”
She pitched her vision during a Whitehall City Council meeting—and it resonated. Ann Kraus, who would soon become her co-organizer and friend, reached out. The two had never met before, but that changed quickly. Now, they’re building something bigger than a garden—they’re building community.
More Than a Garden, a Gathering Place
The garden’s philosophy is simple: It belongs to everyone. Whether you want to grow herbs, pick a tomato for dinner, volunteer, or just sit in the sun during your lunch break, the space is open and welcoming. “We’re not trying to finish a project and invite people after,” said Kraus. “We’re building it together. It’s for everyone to shape.”
Located off Colby Street, the garden is easily walkable from most parts of Whitehall and Montague. And it’s not just for residents of one city—Marks compares it to a public park: “No one’s checking zip codes at Goodrich Park. This is for the whole White Lake community.”
A Community-Wide Effort
The garden has blossomed thanks to generous donations from businesses and individuals alike. Among the many local supporters:
- Weesies Bros. Garden Centers & Landscaping: Donated over 150 plants, soil, and compost
- Quilted Memories Inc.: Donated fabric for the festive bunting surrounding the space
- Gill-Roy’s Hardware: Provided the necessary hardware for building the garden beds
- Standard Lumber: Donated wood and built the raised bed boxes
- Whitehall City Councilman Steve Sikkenga: got wooden boxes donated to make raised bed boxes
- Affordable Fence Company: Donated all the fencing for this year—and next
- Whitehall DPW: Installed water access, enabling easy daily maintenance
- Walmart: donated 26 totes (the totes allow for a fully transportable garden the first year with the freedom to change and expand next year!
- Elie Ghazal: Donated wood and screws to help build the last 2 boxes needed for the year
Photos courtesy of White Lake Community Gardens
“We’ve been blown away,” Marks shared. “People reached out to us with offers of help and supplies. It shows how much our community wants to see this happen.”
One Build Day Left — Come Join In!
Want to get involved? There’s still one more official build day:
📅 Thursday, July 3
⏰ 5:30–7:30 p.m.
📍 Build Day Event on Facebook
Volunteers are welcome—no gardening experience necessary.
Photos courtesy of White Lake Community Gardens, volunteers help on one of the Build Days!
Looking Ahead: Grow With Us
While the initial planting is underway, the vision doesn’t stop here. Marks and Kraus hope to expand the garden space next year, and they’re already planning winter meetings to engage the community in what comes next.
They’re also dreaming up pollinator gardens, arched trellises, shaded benches, fruit trees, and maybe even gardening classes. “We want people of all ages to feel like they have something to offer,” said Kraus. “Whether you can dig in the dirt or just stop by to share your gardening wisdom, you’re welcome.”
Ready to Visit?
If you’re curious, just stop by. Want someone to go with? Message the organizers through the White Lake Community Garden Facebook page. “It can be intimidating to show up alone,” said Marks. “But we’d love to meet you.”
With friendships sprouting, tomatoes ripening, and a future full of possibilities, the White Lake Community Garden is already doing what it was meant to do: bringing people together. 🌱
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