Initiative: Sustainable Neighborhoods

The Bevo Gardens project transformed an unused, overgrown vacant lot into an attractive intergenerational neighborhood gathering space. The project surrounds a skateboarding rink on the same lot (recently built by KHTV, a local group that promotes skateboarding) with benches, a kiosk for community announcements, community garden plots with rain barrels, native shrubs, trees and perennials.
In addition to holding regular community garden work days, residents have held Garden Parties and instructional gardening classes such as “How to Build a Raised Garden Bed,” “Composting for City Slickers,” and “Drought Resistant Plants.” This unique recreational space, by supporting a diverse range of activities, aims to increase community safety by promoting interaction among multiple generations and ethnic groups.

Timeline:

July 2013- Collaboration and planning meetings with KHTV and Refab STL; created site plan
August 2013- Ordered benches; preparation for September Bevo Garden Party
September 2013- Hosted Bevo Garden Party
October 2013- Garden members and class/workshop sign-ups
November 2013- Hosted “How to Build a Cold Frame” workshop; began construction of garden shed

Project Scale: Neighborhood

Related Plan Sections: Education, Training & Leadership