Drake Garden

Placemaking Chicago contest
http://placemakingchicago.com/places/
Song is "New Slang" by The Shins

Drake Garden was established in 1997 on a vacant lot secured by NeighborSpace, Chicagos land trust for community gardens, on a site previously belonging to a synagogue. Through the hard work and dedication of volunteers, it has transformed into a green haven of trees, flowers, shrubs and open space. Located on the 4600 block of N. Drake Street in Albany Park the garden is just a 5 minute walk from the Kimball station of the Brown Line. It is always open to the public and has scheduled work days every other Saturday open to all.
When the weather is nice there is a steady flow of people enjoying the garden: working or relaxing, talking or quietly exploring. It is a social center—a green alternative to a bar or coffee shop. People from the neighborhood go to the garden because they know that it is the best place to meet neighbors and friends, and to hear the neighborhood news
Drake Garden is a place where bankers and businesspeople leave the cement of their everyday lives to put their hands in the dirt or sit among the flowers. A truly unique and peaceful place, it has had a profound impact on the community. Former garden leader, Luba Maslowskyj, said, This green space has become the catalyst for change in the area by growing community through gardening. It fosters exposure to new ideas, new tools and—most importantly—new friends.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Drake
• Garden
• Community Garden
• Placemaking
• contest