“I have waited more than two years for this moment,” said Friends of Atlantic City Nursery Co-Chair Peter Masundire when he recently announced the official ground breaking of the Rainier Beach Urban Farm and Wetlands Preserve at Atlantic City Nursery.

Indeed, it was December 2009 when Seattle Parks and Recreation held its first public hearing to determine the future use of the 7-acre site. After more meetings and a public survey, Seattle’s Board of Park Commissioners voted unanimously last fall to recommend the establishment of an Urban Farm and Wetlands Restoration site at Atlantic City Nursery.

Shortly thereafter, the Parks & Green Spaces Levy Citizens Oversight Committee recommended $500,000 funding for the Rainier Beach Urban Farm and Wetlands Project, taking the community effort one step closer to reality.

Then, earlier this this year, Seattle Parks & Recreation selected the Friends of Atlantic Street Nursery and Seattle Tilth as site operators. Since that time, Seattle Tilth has hosted weekly work parties to prepare the site for the official groundbreaking planned for Sat., Oct. 1, from 10 am to 3 pm.

The family friendly event will include farm and wetlands walking tours, food, entertainment, special guests and much more.

“The Rainier Beach Urban Farm at Atlantic City Nursery is your farm,” said Masundire in his announcement. “It could not have happened without your support. Please come and celebrate this momentous occasion in the life of Rainier Beach.”

Atlantic City Nursery is located at 5513 S. Cloverdale Street in Rainier Beach. Photo/Rainier Valley Post