This October, take a break from your day and explore Jardin by the River! This is a garden in Ronceverte that offers a welcome respite from the day in a calming, beautiful environment to stroll along, sit within, and enjoy. There is a shop on-site where you can buy local goodies, crafts, art, plants, pumpkins, herbs, flowers, and much more! They also sell large quantities of flowers for special events. Hours of operation are Thursday-Saturday from 8a-4p and this October and November, they will be selling Fall items and foliage as well as items decorated by Autistic children. Jardin is located on Island Park beside the ball field.

In early 2019, Gateway Industries was seeking a new training opportunity for its program participants. Simultaneously, the City of Ronceverte wanted to repurpose the swimming pool on Island Park. Gateway saw the potential that this small plot of land and accompanying buildings had for developing a new training program, community garden, and retail garden store.

With the goal to preserve the French historical roots of Ronceverte, Gateway applied the name “Jardin” for the garden (Jardin means “garden” in French). Renovations of the existing buildings began early this year and work on the Jardin went into full swing which included tilling, weeding, removing stones, and ultimately sowing seeds for vegetables and beautiful flowers.

Gateway Industries Inc. is a private non-profit Community Rehabilitation Program (CRP) providing employment and vocational services to individuals with disabilities. The Jardin project is a new business venture for Gateway and has successfully created additional training and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities and now employs about 10 program participants on a rotating basis. This project has also contributed to the rejuvenation of the City of Ronceverte. The continued work is provided by dedicated volunteers, program participants, and Gateway staff.

Additionally, the efforts and energies invested into this project is one more step towards restoring Ronceverte and Island Park to its former beauty.   

If you would like to gain access to Jardin by the River during off-hours, please call Gateway Industries’ office and one of their staff will assist you, 304.645.3165.

– HashtagWV #118. October 2019.