Community in Action Strategies: Neighborhood Gardens
Safe & Sound utilizes a variety of strategies that involve residents, youth and volunteers in cleaning up blighted areas and improving community safety. Many of these strategies are based on CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) principles and work towards making neighborhoods safer and bringing residents together to develop relationships and a sense of community. The goal of Community in Action strategies is to develop projects that can be run simultaneously which are scalable depending on the number of volunteers, community need and material resources available.
Community gardens are popping up all over Milwaukee on vacant lots and backyards. The gardens are an excellent way for residents to work together for a common good. Children definitely enjoy the planting and gardens contributes to their families health and well being long-term. Safe & Sound has worked with various resident groups and organizations to implement community gardens in different locations across the City. Groundwork Milwaukee is a fantastic technical resource for planning and preparation of community gardens. One thing is for sure, it brings the community together time and time again for a really positive activity.
A volunteer crew of three to five people is needed to install a new community garden or update an existing garden depending on the size and scope. Gardens plots and interested residents need to be identified well in advance and supplies estimates and materials made available. The cost is typically from $100 to $200 per garden bed. Another popular activity is the installation of rain barrels and stands to help with watering.
Garden Bed Construction Team
- 3-4 volunteers per bed for construction and filling
- 3 hours per bed
Supplies
- 2X1X8’2 lumber
- 3″ screws
- Staples
- Soil
- Wood chips
- Geotextile fabric
Provided by volunteers
- Shovels
- Power drill with extra battery and bits
- Pitchforks
- Extension cord
- Rakes
- Wheel barrow
- Gloves
Neighborhood Gardens Volunteer Job Description
