Owl Creek Park Seeks Grant to Expand Community Orchard

St. Francois Co., Mo. (KFMO) - Owl Creek Park could soon welcome even more fruit trees to its Rotary Club Community Orchard as officials pursue grant funding through the St. Francois County Rotary Club.

The park recently received approval to apply for the grant, which would provide funding to expand the existing orchard. Parks Director Mike Sumpter says the project would allow the park to plant an additional 21 fruit trees, further enhancing the community resource.

The expansion would build upon the orchard that has already become a feature of Owl Creek Park, providing fresh fruit while promoting community involvement and education.

St. Francois County Rotary Club Past President Heather Garner says the community orchard is one of two Community Assistance Program (CAP) grant projects the club has supported within the past year.

Garner says Rotary leaders expect to learn in August whether funding will be available to award the grant for the orchard expansion. If approved, the project would allow Owl Creek Park to continue growing the community orchard with 21 additional fruit trees.