Project team

Head: Watterson-Lake School

Partners: Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization (DSCDO) 

Project description and goals

The project demonstrates a unique partnership between local citizens and a school that will allow educational labs to be created out of the space of vacant plot. In particular, a lot abutting Watterson-Lake Elementary will be donated for the construction of a learning garden that will provide living lessons in math, science, social studies, and nutrition. As well, the byproducts of the garden create greater food choices in the cafeteria, allowing the school a chance to implement various healthy body initiatives outside of traditional physical education.

Existing conditions

The lot (parcel # 002-18-022) measures nearly 3,000 sq. ft., and its location on W. 75th is situated just to the south of the school property. Given the school’s lack of unpaved greenspace, the lot’s location was central to its selection. As well, the school stewardship will also provide a measure of beautification for the rest of the community given its current unsightly state.

Proposed interventions

The intervention involves the building of garden beds and arbor, with various green practices as rain barrel and composting systems being put in place.  Vegetable selection will be guided in concert with cafeteria workers, with produce eventually going to fill a salsa station and salad bar during school lunch.  Where vegetation isn’t, stone and wood chips will lay the path for footing, while flowers will be planted strategically to create for a butterfly habitat. Lastly, educational signage will be created and placed tactically so as to set up the learning lab component of the garden.

Site maintenance

A Garden Responsibility Plan will be created by the project director, who is both a teacher at the school as well as a resident of the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood where the garden will sit. In all, students and teachers—as well as local volunteers—will be involved with the Plan, with a calendar being posted throughout the school to help with the organization of tasks. Watering will be provided by the rain barrel system, as well as through a nearby fire hydrant when need be.