Being fully inclusive in raising the quality of life in their community, Havenwoods Economic Development Corporation (HEDC) completed an adaptable community garden.   In partnership with the Milwaukee County Parks, Ground Works, McGovern Park Senior Center, Imagine Aquaponics, Earn and Learn youth workers and the Helen Bader Foundation, HEDC created a gardening space that seniors of all abilities can use to grow their own healthy foods. “Milwaukee has emerged as a leader in urban agriculture. It’s important that we include our elder stakeholders in this urban gardening trend. It’s a healthy activity, it makes good produce more accessible, and it encourages social engagement. All of those factors contribute to quality of life”, said Stephanie Harling, Executive Director.

Equipped with a self watering system, the McGovern Park Adaptable Garden includes eight raised garden beds that stand waist high and 4 feet wide allowing seniors to garden without having to get down on the ground or reach too far across a garden bed.   There are also benches attached to all of the adaptable beds for those gardeners that need to take an occasional load off their feet while gardening.

In addition to the garden build HEDC in partnership with Concordia University provided workshops to seniors about safe movement, healthy southern cooking, and staying safe in the heat.

Havenwoods Economic Development Corporation is one of Milwaukee’s Healthy Neighborhoods with the support of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation.

To see a photo gallery of the garden click here:

https://www.dropbox.com/home/Adaptable%20Community%20Garden%20Build