Project team 

Head: The E. 143rd St. Gardeners

Project description and goals

The proposed community garden will serve as a learning laboratory for various sustainability initiatives. The park will consist of stations involving lessons relating to: planting, growing, maintaining, recycling, and harvesting. Beyond those horticulturally-related, other goals include diversifying the food supply in an inner city neighborhood, building self-esteem through production, and creating health awareness   

Existing conditions

The 8,000 sq. ft. site is a vacated double lot (parcels 115-01-027 and 115-01-028) located at the corner of E. 143rd and Aspinwall. The site was chosen because of its proximity to existing neighborhood gardens, thus allowing for a stretch of greenspace that will allow for a tying of the neighborhood fabric. Currently, the lot is in disrepair, having been filled with not only physical debris from dumping and littering but also from various unsightly and illegal activity.

Proposed interventions

Land preparation involves site remediation relating to garbage and potential contaminants in the soil. Installation of educational exhibits involves—in short—the planting of the vegetable garden, as well as allowing for interactive signage/talks to show the different stages of the garden’s growth and harvest. To facilitate the footing for both tours and garden labor, footpaths will be created using pavers. As well, fencing will be installed to the edge the space.

Site maintenance

Routine site maintenance will be divided between garden club members. Initial duties include land prep (e.g., weeding, debris removal), while ongoing duties include mowing and watering. Watering will be through a fire hydrant that has been legally made accessible.