Special treatment along the borders to keep out the weeds will not be very effective. An underground barrier about 6" to 8" deep will help prevent the spread of grasses, such as quackgrass, that spread via roots. Weed seeds carried by the wind, birds, and animals will find new homes in the garden plots regardless of peripheral barrier.
A variety of fence designs are available to assist in keeping out deer:
Ohio: http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/wildlife/Hunting/pub138/pub138.htm">http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/wildlife/Hunting/pub138/pub138.htm
Virginia: http://www.ext.vt.edu/news/periodicals/commhort/1997-10/1997-10-02.html
West Virginia: http://www.wvdnr.gov/Hunting/DeerConHomGar.shtm
eXtension: http://www.extension.org/pages/Deer_Damage_Management
Remember, gates have to be kept closed to keep out deer.
Rabbits will go through the openings in standard chain link fencing, especially in the spring when the young ones are out and about. For rabbit control, wire netting with a mesh of 1" or less can be used. Rabbits sometimes have a tendency to dig under the barrier, so it will need to be buried in the ground for about 10" and extend about 24" above ground. There is more information on rabbit damage management at Cottontail Rabbits.
On the pathways, you may want to consider lawn grass. For ease of maintenance, the pathways should be wide enough to accommodate a riding mower. Also, edging should be used on the sides to help prevent the grass from spreading into the garden plots. Other materials, such as crushed rock on plastic, have some disadvantages when compared to sod. With rock, if you ever want to re-orient or change the size of the plots, you would need to remove the rock. Also, debris gets in the rock to a point where it will support weed growth. Further, in time, the underlayment of plastic will break down, and weeds will appear. Finally, and perhaps not a concern, remember that people can throw rocks. Community gardens need to be good neighbors to those who live nearby.
