Many may have noticed the construction taking place in the longtime vacant lot located on the corner of 100 North and 300 East in Price. Utah Power Credit Union, located just on the opposing side of that same block, recently had the opportunity to purchase the ground.
Ryan Pollick, President and CEO of the credit union, stated that this opportunity was one that they were not sure was needed as the office in Price accommodates their banking needs.
However, after brainstorming, the idea of creating something that was not about the business but rather about the community where they conduct their business was introduced. A decision was made to create a community garden, and Price City Mayor Mike Kourianos was contacted, being cited as the essential force in getting a group of community members together.
A committee was formed to get the concepts, drawings and purpose going. Castleview Hospital, USU Eastern, Rocky Mountain Power and the Association of Local Governments are all credited as being instrumental in the project.
Pollick stated that they have been working on the project for nearly two years. The vision is that there is a spot that reinforces the commitment to the community and hopefully engages others with that same type of commitment while beautifying the thoroughfare of Price.
Pollick believes that it is important to beautify the community and show those that live here that the credit union is committed while also showing those traveling through that it is a well-loved area.
“We will be farming this acre piece of ground with 21 grow boxes and a fruiting orchard,” Pollick explained.They will be donating the food and will likely turn it into a farmers market on the weekend. The gardens will be available for harvesting, and the market will give opportunity to others with a home business to continue to assist and provide for the community.
“The credit union is paying it forward and giving back to the community, which is the best part of the project,” stated Mayor Kourianos. “They’re investing and believe in us.”
In conclusion, Pollick expressed that he hopes that this will give some people hope in the circumstances in wake of the spread of COVID-19. He feels that many people are retreating and Utah Power and Light is doing the opposite by moving forward.
The project is slated to be completed, coincidentally, with the credit union’s 85th anniversary, which will take place in June.