In a display of community spirit, the Gustine-Newman Garden Club, under the guidance of President Pat Rocha, embarked on a transformative journey to revive the front of the Al Goman Community Center. The project, initiated in March 2023 and concluded in September of the same year, has left an enduring mark on the heart of Gustine.

The club members, alongside generous support from local businesses, successfully raised over $5,000 through their Garden of Tables fundraising event. This financial backing fueled the club’s commitment to revitalizing the Schmidt Park area, which had started to show signs of neglect.

“We went and talked with the city and asked, ‘What do you need? What can we do?’” recalled Rocha. 

The response was a call to action, the Al Goman center’s front face. 

“We can’t have it looking bad, we stepped in and said, ‘We will do the front of the building.’”

The project involved a multifaceted approach, with community members contributing to the planting of flowers in the ground, while Joe’s Landscaping & Concrete took charge of the landscaping and tree planting. Rocha’s careful research over the past year ensured the selection of flowers was enough to withstand the local duck population. Their efforts proved fruitful as the garden continues to flourish.

The collaboration extended beyond Gustine, with plans to engage neighboring Newman in similar initiatives. 

“We need to discuss this with Newman and see if they have some project that they would like to have some assistance with,” Rocha expressed.

Beyond the initial transformation, the Gustine-Newman Garden Club has committed to ongoing maintenance of the front garden in collaboration with the city. This dedication reflects the impact of their efforts, not just as gardeners, but pride and unity.

In the heart of Gustine, the Al Goman Community Center now has a commitment from the community. Under the power of community collaboration, the roots, planted by the Gustine-Newman Garden Club continue to blossom.

To learn more about the Gustine-Newman Garden club, contact Pat Rocha at (209)761-6890.