June 12, 2013
Worcester Common Ground in partnership with Regional Environmental Council and Lutheran Social Services have jointly developed community gardens located on Oread Place as well as 8 Preston Street, which helps promote continuous improvements in the neighborhoods of Central Worcester. The flourishing community gardens have already displayed its benefits for the residents as well as the community as a whole.
In addition, a part of creating and maintaining a thriving neighborhood is establishing a sense of individual responsibility which can start with making healthy choices. The garden encourages healthy living and embeds habits to the residents that may have otherwise been nonexistent while supplying themselves with an abundance and variety of produce. The gardeners are also provided the opportunity to participate in the local Mobil Farmers Market where they can sell their excess produce. Now, they can gain some skills pertaining to small business/entrepreneurship while contributing to their community.The community gardens give an opportunity for the residents in the neighborhood to gain knowledge about agriculture while simultaneously learning farming skills. Due to the diverse backgrounds of the gardeners, some come to the gardens with previous experience. This can provide a connection to their past that may had been lost when they moved into the neighborhood as well as provide help to others working on the gardens that may not have the same skills instantly.
Due to the fact that the community gardens are volunteer based, the gardeners that participate come with a sense of motivation and purpose. They are given a chance to interact with one another that may have not occurred without the gardens. It encourages them to work together, get to know one another and create a sense of community within their neighborhood. The community gardens also help connect the community with the surrounding organizations in their own neighborhood.
The community gardens allow the residents to participate in an activity, despite their economic background as well as jumpstart healthy living habits if they haven’t already. Furthermore, the gardeners who have their own plots gain a sense of ownership, pride and responsibility. The gardens have been a great addition to the Central Worcester neighborhood that will continue to unify the community as well as create a safe, positive environment for current and future generations.
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