Boston Celebrates Grand Opening of Revitalized Centre-Linwood Community Garden

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~ Boston, MA - The City of Boston's Office of Urban Agriculture, GrowBoston, has announced the completion of the Centre-Linwood Community Garden in Roxbury's Highland Park neighborhood. This project celebrates the transformation of five formerly City-owned parcels into a vibrant community garden, restored urban forest, and welcoming neighborhood gathering space.

The project was made possible through a collaboration between GrowBoston's Grassroots Program and the Community Preservation Fund. In 2024, the Mayor's Office of Housing sold the five parcels to the Edward L. Cooper Community Gardening & Education Center (ELCC), who spearheaded the project with support from GrowBoston.

According to Shani Fletcher, Director of GrowBoston, community gardens are about more than just growing food. They also create opportunities for neighbors to connect, improve public health, strengthen environmental resilience, and foster a sense of shared ownership in communities. The Centre-Linwood Community Garden is a prime example of what can be achieved when residents have access to resources and support to bring their vision to life.

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The completed project transformed five adjacent parcels into three connected community assets: an expanded community garden with 12 raised beds and a municipal water connection, an improved urban forest known as "LinWoods," and an open lawn designed for community gatherings and events. The site also features accessible pathways, fencing, improved safety features, and enhanced landscaping that preserves tree canopy while making the space more welcoming and accessible for residents.

Thadine Brown, Director of the Community Preservation Fund, expressed pride in supporting projects that preserve and enhance Boston's unique neighborhoods. She believes that this project not only protects valuable green space but also creates opportunities for recreation, environmental education, and community connection. These investments ensure that these neighborhood assets will continue serving residents for years to come.

The Edward L. Cooper Community Gardening & Education Center has been serving the Highland Park neighborhood since 1991. For over three decades, they have provided a community resource center, food pantry, meeting space, community gardens, and gathering areas. Through these efforts, they have built strong relationships with residents and volunteers while promoting food access, education, and community engagement.

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The project received $150,000 through GrowBoston's Grassroots Program, which supports community-led open space projects that improve neighborhoods through urban agriculture, environmental stewardship, and public gathering spaces. The Community Preservation Fund has also pledged support for future phases of the project.

The Centre-Linwood Community Garden serves residents within walking distance of the site and is located in a neighborhood where more than 61 percent of residents are considered low- to moderate-income. This project helps expand equitable access to healthy food, green space, and outdoor recreation for the community. With the completion of this project, the City of Boston continues to prioritize the well-being and empowerment of its residents through initiatives like GrowBoston's Grassroots Program.

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