I think it's a great idea. There is a real sense of community and pride that comes with working together in a garden. It can change a neighborhood so much and bring people together. An intelligent, practical design, artistically done, will make it that much more pleasing. It's intergenerational and bold in its concept. I hope it happens.
I think this is brilliant. I know how amazing I feel after just spending a few minutes out in my garden. This is going to be really great for the kids, and of course the community. Getting more green in the mix is important for our future. On so many levels this is a great plan. From the drawings alone I can imagine what an inviting place it will be. I hope to see this become a reality.
I think it wil have real and lasting benefits for the youth and the community. It will be something that will continue on in the community with each year and each season bringing more youth participants (and ideally more gardens through out the city).
And what I think is one ofthe best parts of the project is that it is truly hands on and the youth will have something tangible and alive and growing to show for their work. While I believe there is great benefits to knowing technology (video, digital photography etc.) what is important is the direct human connection this project offers, with others and with the land.
As a side note this project will have a website and teach the kids about photography and web technology. (To document and archive the process of the garden from start to finish and in each season.)
There are a few ways I would go about securing a city lot. The first would be to work directly with the city of Pittsburgh to idenify city lots that they own in neighborhoods that may benefit from such a project. (The Northside, Greenfield, Homewood, East Liberty (for example)). Many times these lots are more difficult to maintain and get used as dumping grounds. I would negotiate to have the taxes abated and ultimately for the lot to become part of the city parks system. It could be structured as a public/private venture. (Much the way the Central Park Conservancy is in New York)
Another avenue would be to find lots in forclosure or with back taxes due and negotiate with the owner or bank to donate the lot to the project.
Ultimately, I think, given all the benefits of the project, securing a lot will go smoothly. I do not underestimate some of the difficulties in dealing with public spaces (insurance etc...) but this is part of creating public art.
This is a great idea. No doubt, children would benefit from an interactive garden. I have seen this first hand at a children's garden that was built as part of a park from land that was donated by my family. The most active and lively area is where children can grow, see, smell and touch veggies, herbs etc.
Comments
I think it's a great idea. There is a real sense of community and pride that comes with working together in a garden. It can change a neighborhood so much and bring people together. An intelligent, practical design, artistically done, will make it that much more pleasing. It's intergenerational and bold in its concept. I hope it happens.
I think this is brilliant. I know how amazing I feel after just spending a few minutes out in my garden. This is going to be really great for the kids, and of course the community. Getting more green in the mix is important for our future. On so many levels this is a great plan. From the drawings alone I can imagine what an inviting place it will be. I hope to see this become a reality.
Thank you for your comments.
I think it wil have real and lasting benefits for the youth and the community. It will be something that will continue on in the community with each year and each season bringing more youth participants (and ideally more gardens through out the city).
And what I think is one ofthe best parts of the project is that it is truly hands on and the youth will have something tangible and alive and growing to show for their work. While I believe there is great benefits to knowing technology (video, digital photography etc.) what is important is the direct human connection this project offers, with others and with the land.
As a side note this project will have a website and teach the kids about photography and web technology. (To document and archive the process of the garden from start to finish and in each season.)
thanks again-
Guy Ambrosino
Dear Guy,
Really interesting idea! I'd love to see this in my neighborhood.
I'm curious about the steps needed to secure a city lot. Could you outline the necessary steps?
Have you or any of your proposed partners done this before?
Looking forward to hearing from you,
Joseph
There are a few ways I would go about securing a city lot. The first would be to work directly with the city of Pittsburgh to idenify city lots that they own in neighborhoods that may benefit from such a project. (The Northside, Greenfield, Homewood, East Liberty (for example)). Many times these lots are more difficult to maintain and get used as dumping grounds. I would negotiate to have the taxes abated and ultimately for the lot to become part of the city parks system. It could be structured as a public/private venture. (Much the way the Central Park Conservancy is in New York)
Another avenue would be to find lots in forclosure or with back taxes due and negotiate with the owner or bank to donate the lot to the project.
Ultimately, I think, given all the benefits of the project, securing a lot will go smoothly. I do not underestimate some of the difficulties in dealing with public spaces (insurance etc...) but this is part of creating public art.
thanks for your thoughts.
Guy Ambrosino
This is a great idea. No doubt, children would benefit from an interactive garden. I have seen this first hand at a children's garden that was built as part of a park from land that was donated by my family. The most active and lively area is where children can grow, see, smell and touch veggies, herbs etc.
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