The highlight of the project has been the positive community reaction to the park and garden.
Residents said they wanted a community vegetable garden.
One-third of the space is now used as a garden.
The shed has lighting, a community bulletin board and a countertop workspace for gardeners.
The garden opened to the public in November 2019.
The Wilmington Alliance recruited a farmer-in-residence to engage the community and support the garden.
(The farmer lives in the neighborhood, so has existing relationships with residents and local businesses.)
The farmer-in-residence has been crucial to the spaces success and has really made the garden work, says Semmelroth.
Once the renovation was complete, residents signed up to garden the beds.
Those new to gardening could learn from the farmer and the University of Delawares Cooperative Extension program.
Semmelroth says the AARP grant helped the garden receive grants from other sources.
The 7th & West park is the largest programmed green space in the neighborhood.
The garden and its adjacent park space saw decreased usage during stay-at-home orders stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Semmelroth says the AARP Community Challenge grant helped the effort qualify and receive grants from other sources.
First and foremost, change has to come from residents, and building trust is critical, says Semmelroth.
She notes that the garden and programming were requested by people who live in the neighborhood.
The best part of the project for other communities to replicate, Semmelroth says, is the farmer-in-residence.
The farmer is the cheerleader and guide for first-time gardeners.
