Grand Rapids Inc. neighborhood experience manager Kendsie Channing says the community garden on Seward Avenue started in 2024 because apartment building residents want a place to grow vegetables.
“The thing that constantly comes up is access to fresh produce, affordable access to fresh produce.”
There are 55 raised beds in the community garden alongside the Las Canchas futsal courts. Project manager Lauren Suidgeest says the Downtown Development Authority is providing tools and infrastructure.
“Equipment irrigation repair and composting at the space.”
The DDA also pays for training sessions by the urban gardening experts at Jade Rabbit.
“They do all of our education and facilitation at the garden, all of our workshops making sure people know what they are doing so they can be successful.”
The community garden is primarily for city residents who live in buildings without yards. Organizers say the plots provide fresh food, green scenery and this year they hope to add art.
“A mural to finally hopefully get painted on our shipping container there.”
