Environment & Health News
The McKinely Park Community Garden, on hiatus in 2017 due to the sale of its previously donated site, is set to resume activities in 2018 with garden plots at a new, permanent location. Sited in the large split between the northbound and southbound lanes of Damen Avenue north of Pershing Road, the garden's new home has official approval from the Chicago Park District and participants gearing up to get it ready for 2018.
Read more: McKinley Park Community Garden Plots Return in 2018
The long-underused green space just south of the McKinley Park library is due for a big overhaul — one that neighborhood kids will love. A coalition of local community groups, active neighbors and supporting institutions is coming together to build a play garden where children can climb, dig, imagine and explore while enjoying nature.
Although plans and meetings have been underway since 2016, the effort kicks into high gear this Saturday, March 25, at a gala fundraiser in Bridgeport. Held at the Co-Prosperity Sphere at 3219 S. Morgan St., the benefit starts at 7 p.m. and includes drinks and light appetizers. Tickets for this 21-and-over event cost $25 and are available to purchase online at the event's online signup page.
Children who play in natural settings benefit from physical activity, are less likely to be overweight and enjoy expanded creativity through diverse play. A coalition of McKinley Park neighborhood and municipal groups are coming together to overhaul the underused green space south of the McKinley Park branch of the Chicago Public Library to create a nature play garden.
Members of the public are invited to a community meeting on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2016, to hear plans and offer ideas for the garden, located at 3518-28 S. Wolcott Ave., Chicago. The meeting takes place 9:30 a.m. to noon in the basement of Bethany Baptist Church at 3532 S. Hoyne Ave.
Read more: Nature Play Garden Planned for Library Green Space
The McKinley Park neighborhood's annual Garden Walk returns for the fourth time from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. this Sunday, August 14, 2016. Held at a variety of residential and institutional gardens throughout McKinley Park, the walk will feature the hard work of local gardeners and many activities for all ages.
"McKinley Park is home to many gardeners from all walks of life: All of us are excited to open our homes and community spaces to visitors and share our love of gardening," said organizer and McKinley Park neighborhood resident Jessica Fong. She added that some locations will feature sustainable living elements such as chicken coops, compost systems and rain barrels, and that private, school and church gardens will be featured.
Read more: McKinley Park Garden Walk Set To Showcase Neighborhood Gardens This Sunday
The McKinley Park Garden Walk, an annual tour of the McKinley Park neighborhood's gardens and gardening community, seeks participants for the upcoming walk scheduled for mid-August 2016. Organizers will help neighborhood gardeners showcase their hard work by opening their outdoor garden spaces to walk participants. The event is planned for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. either Sunday, August 14, or Sunday, August 21, depending on feedback, and is designed to coincide with the McKinley Park Farmers Market.
Interested gardeners should act fast: The deadline for submitting a garden location for the event is July 26. To apply, fill out and submit the 2016 McKinley Park Garden Walk application form, which is also available following the Readmore link.
Read more: Got a Green Thumb? Show Off Your Garden at the McKinley Park Garden Walk
