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Community Gardens are shared green spaces typically in urban settings where community members gather to grow plants and food. Pocket Parks small green spaces found in urban settings and can be found along the side of the road, in an unused lot, or in a vacant building space.  These spaces serve as gathering points for community members with lack of outdoor spaces in their locations who otherwise would have no opportunity to grow their own food or garden.

 

Community Gardens and Pocket Parks provide a place for people to connect with nature, grow food and enjoy outdoor spaces, but also serve as a means to address food insecurity and sustainability. With rising food costs and concerns about food deserts, Community Gardens provides people with access to fresh, affordable, and organic produce. They also provide community building, foster healthy eating habits by increasing access to fresh vegetables and fruits. 

 

Gardening is a wonderful way to promote physical activity, encourage young people to explore the benefits of gardening, reduce stress and promote wellbeing. Many Community Gardens bring people together, fostering relationships between neighbors, reducing isolation, and creating a sense of shared responsibility and pride. Community Gardens and Pocket Parks can also provide a learning space to teach children and adults about gardening, nutrition, and environmental sustainability.

 

Gardens and Pocket Parks reflect the diverse background of the people tending them, allowing for the exchange of cultural food traditions and gardening techniques, their purpose extending far beyond just growing food or flowers.