Project team

Head: International Services Center

Partners: Stockyard Redevelopment Organization, the Greater Cleveland Beekeeper Association, the Lorain County Beekeeper Association, the Friends of the International Services Center

Project description and goals

Part of the difficulties of relocating to a foreign land includes a lack of access to native foods.  The project proposes to increase food access to local immigrant communities, with the intent to fill in the gap that is the limited culturally variant fresh food options existing in the region. Various cultural gardens will include those foods representing areas of Africa, the Far East, the Middle East, and the Caribbean. Other goals involve creating a sense of ownership for those that do not have other stewardship opportunities, with the premise that sweat equity in a city is a major means of acclimation.

Existing conditions

The large 67,000 sq. ft. site (parcel 016-03-006) is located on W. 65th St. in Cleveland’s Stockyard neighborhood. The lot has high brick walls from the side of adjacent buildings, providing for closure to the space.  The site was chosen because of its size in that it allows a number of immigrant groups access to their respective plot. Also, the site is highly visible, and its place along a busy stretch will provide a showcase to citizens that there is life beyond the vacancy of our city’s spaces.   

Proposed interventions

After soil testing and preparation, plantings will be done in stages. First, both fruit trees and shade trees will be planted, with the latter providing for areas of respite and relaxation between gardening sessions. Next, a solar-powered water garden will be created as an attraction to both birds and bees. This will provide a necessary wildlife attraction to the site. Regarding the bees, an apiary will be instituted next, with the beehives creating for a cross-pollination setting which has proven to be a facilitator to a garden’s growth. As for the actual garden itself, ten raised beds will be prepared with various cultural distinctions. After the first year, more trees and raised beds will be implemented, furthering then the capacity of the garden to fill Cleveland’s culturally variant fresh food gap.

Site maintenance

Maintenance will be divided between various immigrant groups that are being served by the lead agency. Site vans will be available to take groups to the site between the hours of 1-3 pm on Mon thru Fri.  Also, the agency’s wide volunteer network has committed their support.  Maintenance tasks include mowing, weeding, watering, planting, and harvesting, with the watering to be provided by a nearby hydrant, as well as a series of rain barrels installed along the roof lines of the nearby factories.