The Ceres City Council on June 12 okayed an agreement to let the Ceres Garden Club to use a city-owned parcel south of the Clinton Whitmore Mansion at 2732 Fifth Street for a community garden.

The council also approved a 90-day extension for the exchange of real property.

City Public Works Director Sam Royal explained that in August 2022 the council approved an agreement for an exchange of property at 2936 Fifth Street with Shane Parson who owns the house at 2761 Sixth Street. Parson now wants to move the house from 2761 Sixth Street to the community garden site at the corner of Fifth and Lawrence streets. Parson wants to move the garden first to 2732 Fifth Street and has agreed to pay for the costs, including water and utility services.

The city’s Recreation Division, in coordination with the Ceres Garden Club, will maintain the garden, said Royal.

The city wants Parson’s property opposite Walter White Elementary School for a well extension, said Vice Mayor Bret Silveira.