Community Gardens
Urban, suburban, and rural community gardens are growing in popularity across the country and Metro North has established a community garden on Basswood Street in the Metro Gardens neighborhood. Residents can grow flowers and vegetables or undertake any type of community-based horticulture endeavor. Community gardens like Metro North’s are also a great way to get both children and adults involved in beautifying the neighborhood and establishing healthier eating habits, all while working with nature. In 2017, 2nd Mile Ministries in partnership with Metro North assumed ownership of the garden and continues to engage with the neighborhood in making the garden available to community.
Benefits of a Community Garden:
- Improves quality of life
- Provides a catalyst for neighborhood and community development
- Stimulates social interaction
- Encourages self-reliance
- Beautifies neighborhood
- Produces nutritious food
- Conserves resources
- Creates opportunities for recreation, exercise, therapy, and education
- Reduces crime
- Preserves green space
- Creates income opportunities and economic development
- Provides opportunities for intergenerational and cross-cultural connections