Why Include a Community Garden/P-Patch in the Park?
Community gardens are part of the concept of providing open space in an urban environment. When Seattle was working on its Urban Village strategy of denser, pedestrian-oriented neighborhoods in the city’s comprehensive plan, community gardens were considered essential public facilities. Urban gardening can be an important community development tool. The Blue Ribbon Committee recommended a philosophy to guide park use which basically related to the question, what will a use contribute to the park and its other users, and what public benefits would the use bring. A community garden in the park will contribute to park use by providing park users educational opportunities, amenities, as well as a place to bring people in the neighborhood together. Several community gardens have been developed in Seattle Parks including Bradner Gardens, Lincoln Park, and Queen Anne Terrace.
