- South side of Masaryk-Cowan Community Centre
- Photo: © Emily Nixon
Inspiring in its intent, this bountiful new community garden has a funky yet functional layout. Named the HOPE (Healthy Oganic Parkdale Edible) Garden by the diverse energetic Youth Green Squad, this green oasis is an example that growing healthy food is both possible and fun.
The HOPE garden is part of a summer initiative called "From the Ground Up" that employs and empowers local youth as stewards of change in the community. The initiative is sponsored by Greenest City, a local, non-profit environmental organization. Their goal is to regenerate urban life by involving the community in locally relevant projects that address global environmental issues. Their "hope" is a garden that will serve as a gathering place where Parkdale residents can share ideas and learn about ecological gardening.
During the summer of 2007, the Parkdale Youth Green Squad was responsible for building, planting and maintaining the HOPE garden as well as other vegetable and native plant gardens in the area. The youth also co-ordinate the garden volunteers and share their insights with others who visit the garden. Building practical gardening knowledge was an added bonus to building a sense of community ownership and fostering a generation of positive young leaders.
The garden has plots for local community groups, active volunteers and a "pick-your-own" herb garden. Greenest City plans to sponsor regular workshops on gardening and other environmental issues as well. The gardens are open to everyone to enjoy.
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Funding for the program is generously provided by:
