Community Gardens Expand

On Saturday, October 2, the Community Development Department with help from the Tommy A. Brown Sports Association and area residents built a new 2,000 s.f. garden at the former Blue Island Rec Center, 141st Street and Francisco. A project of Blue Island’s Communities Putting Prevention to Work (CPPW) program, the garden is now ready for planting in spring 2012.

Volunteers from the Urban Forestry Board and Eisenhower HS joined sixth Ward Aldermen Johnson and Frausto preparing the beds and spreading compost. Larry O’Toole of Growing Home and Val Kehoe of Christy Webber Landscapes helped kids plant a winter garden – they were eager to get started… check out the photos!

Thanks to Tommy Brown, his family, and TABSA for hosting a fun afterwork party with great food and tunes – and healthy options! If you would like to sign up for a 2012 plot please call (708) 396-7037 or email the Community Development Department. Thanks also to Doran’s Landscape, Ultra Foods, and El Ranchito.