The vacant property is an approximately 37’ by 90’ city lot situated between two residential structures. There is a concrete pad at the back of the lot and a former garden area in the middle. The area is well known for high concentrations of lead in the soil, and much planning has been done to limit residents’ exposure from gardening activities.
57 N. Rural St.
Indianapolis, IN 46201
Work day description: Participants will work with members of the Englewood Community Development Corporation to prepare a vacant city lot for a community garden. Activities will include site clean-up, building raised beds, building a compost site, and mulching paths.
Meeting location: Participants will park behind Englewood Christian Church, which is located across from the garden site at 57 N Rural St, Indianapolis, 46201. From campus, take New York St east to Rural St. Turn right. The entrance to the parking lot is on the left hand side before you get to the church. If you get to Washington St you’ve gone too far.
Participants must wear clothes appropriate for outdoor field work. Long pants and closed toe shoes are required (no Crocs, Keens, or similar type). Water, granola bars, gloves, and equipment will be provided.
The history of Englewood is nearly as old as Indianapolis, and encompasses a myriad of people, events, and social changes. From its roots as a rural, farming community to its current state as a transitioning neighborhood, Englewood has been the home of several groups of concerned citizens working to make a safe, healthy, thriving community.
In 1995, the Englewood Community Development Corporation (ECDC) was formed to help foster social and economic development in the area. The latest project completed by the ECDC was the renovation of the former IPS School #3 building into a mixed income apartment building, The Commonwealth. The project was completed 3 years after the housing market crash and has provided area residents with affordable housing in a setting that fosters community and interdependence.
The current project that members of the ECDC have initiated is the development of a community garden. Students from IU Indianapolis are partnering with them to transform a vacant lot into a fruit and vegetable producing garden. The goals of this project include teaching a diverse group of residents how to garden, introducing a source of fresh food into a food desert, improving community relationships, and increasing the quality of the environment.
Center for Earth and Environmental Science (CEES)IU Indianapolis
723 West Michigan Street