Stories

Growing community

Come play in the dirt! That’s the invitation Hamilton’s kids received from the Children’s Garden, a resident-led project that has transformed a corner of Gage Park into a safe place where children of all ages can play freely outdoors, connect with nature and grow flowers, herbs and vegetables.

The garden opened earlier this summer with contributions from landscape architects, community volunteers and City of Hamilton staff.

Supported by a grant from HCF’s Environmental Endowment Fund, the garden hosts pop-up education sessions, planting events and field trips, as well as opportunities for spontaneous play. Children, their families, gardeners and community members take care of planting, maintenance and the harvest. An Indigenous-led section features the Three Sisters Garden and a medicine garden and is intended to be an inclusive space for strengthening Indigenous presence, health, community and knowledge sharing.

 “Working together in a children’s garden helps instill togetherness and a common purpose,” say founders Juby Lee and Hazel Cho. “While children are learning a lifelong love of growing things, we can create community.”

Excerpt from 2022 Fall Legacy newsletter