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CITY, ND – A proposal to build a wild rose garden and orchard in Valley City is being advocated by a few people in the community. Under the proposal 3.5 acres of land in the former lime pit located along 5th avenue northeast would be made into a wild rose garden.

But others believe the site would be ideal for a softball diamond according to Valley City Park Board President Dick Gulmon.

City Commissioner Mary Lee Nielson agrees. She says the city will lose one diamond due to the permanent flood protection project and the location would be perfect to build a new one on the former lime pit site. Nielson says a number of other location including the Old Mill site would be a perfect location for a wild rose garden and orchard.

City Commissioner Madeline Luke says a number of people worked to promote the idea and no one seemed interested in the site until now. Luke says members of the Valley City Beautification Committee and one department at Valley City State University would like to use the site for a rose garden and orchard. She says that site would add beauty to the city and also serve as a much needed pollinator site to enhance plants and insects.

Valley City School District Activities Director Marty Brautrud said the rose garden presents another concern with students who are susceptible to allergies from a possible bee sting.

This issue will be discussed again during a future Valley City Commission meeting.