Phoenix Community Garden on Somers Street in Ocean Hill has received upgrades aimed at improving safety, access and the use of the neighborhood green space, according to News 12 Brooklyn.
The renovation was a collaboration between NYC Parks and Project EverGreen, with improvements based on community input. The work included improving pathways, enhancing planting beds and restoring areas of the garden that had become overgrown.
The garden is located in a neighborhood where food insecurity and limited access to green space are concerns. Hannah Wargo, a community engagement coordinator for NYC Parks, said the garden provides more than a place for residents to grow food. It also gives people a place to sit outdoors, gather and participate in community activities.
“This is an area where there's a lot of food insecurity and there's a lack of green space. So while it's important that we're growing food and allowing people to come in and grow food, it's also really important for people to just sit in the grass,” said Hannah Wargo, community engagement coordinator for NYC Parks.
The renovation reflects the role community gardens can play in neighborhoods across Brooklyn. In addition to growing food, the spaces can provide areas for events, social gatherings and outdoor recreation.
The improvements are part of a broader collaboration between NYC Parks and Project EverGreen. Phoenix Community Garden is the 10th garden to receive a renovation through the partnership.
The project also gives residents an improved space for gardening and community activities while maintaining the garden's role as a neighborhood gathering place. The upgrades were designed around the needs identified by people who use the garden.
Project EverGreen is continuing its collaboration with NYC Parks on community garden improvements. Information about the partnership and its garden renovation work is available through Project EverGreen.
