Project team

Head: Fairfax Renaissance Development Corporation (FRDC)

Project description and goals

The project’s intent is to foster the ecological development of a vacant lot that has lain fallow for over 20 years. In addition, the project involves designing recreational and meditative opportunities through the development of sustainable infrastructure within this tract of land. The goals of the project are in accordance with documented FRDC sustainability goals which involve the following: the creation of neighborhood green corridors, the creation of learning labs regarding ecological processes, and the promotion of both stewardship and conservation practices.

Existing conditions

The one-half acre site covers eight parcels currently owned by the City.  The parcels—all within the block of E. 100th and Quebec—are heavily canopied by 10 mature trees, and contain minimal designation as far as ground cover outside an existing walking path. Also, preliminary inspection show relative stability as far as soil conditions. Spatially, the site abuts single-family homes to the north and east, while on the southwest corner the lots are near a church and an apartment building. Within blocks of the plots include the following: a public swimming pool, Bolton Elementary School, and the Juvenile Justice Center.

Proposed interventions

The interventions involve fostering this stretch of urban wild that has been naturally occurring over the past two decades.  Methods involve: safeguarding the existing tree canopy, planting “low-mow” ground cover that creates habitat for fauna, accentuating the existing walking path, introducing trees and bushes with edible fruits, making place for urban gardening, and integrating rain gardens and other natural irrigation methods into the site.  The intervention will also encourage community educational opportunities, including partnerships with the recently built Juvenile Justice Center allowing for volunteer work for both staff and youth.  Lastly, to encourage illegal dumping, installation of fencing will cover the garden’s perimeter.

Site maintenance

FRDC has partnered with neighborhood block clubs in the development of a maintenance program. As well, partnerships with the Juvenile Justice Center are on-going as an attempt to involve non-residential support. Manicuring tasks include debris removal and weeding.  Watering is to be managed with on-site irrigation. If it is determined that water must be imported periodically, FRDC will seek City permission for the creation of a locked spigot.