Over 200 volunteers participated in revitalizing the community garden at Marlboro Houses in Gravesend. They replaced makeshift garden beds and contaminated soil while widening and mulching walkways. Executive director Valerie Payne emphasized the need for this initiative due to the garden's 50-year age, aiming to ensure durability for the future. The event also raised over $280,000 for citywide community efforts. Residents expressed excitement about the garden's transformation, highlighting its positive impact on their community and food quality.
"The garden is 50 years old and really needed some TLC. We're removing those dilapidated materials giving them fresh wood- reinforcing it- and making sure it sticks around for the next 50 years," said Rebuilding Together NYC executive director Valerie Payne.
"This is pillar of our organization, community revitalization taking away that old wood, replacing it with something sturdy," adding "today, we are fixing this garden up but there are many areas that also need new community gardens, and we are deeply involved in those efforts," Payne said.
Residents tell News 12 they are excited to see a fixture of their home that they see every day look even better and stronger. "I'm excited to see it look good, look clean, and help make the food more fresh," said resident Mona Huang.
"We had a resident come up to us and say how proud she is to have her plants grow here, offered us some to take home this is how important it is for them, and this is the kind of service we love doing at News 12," said Galindo.
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