CommUnity Garden @ The Creek

The CommUnity Garden @ the Creek is a multi-purpose collaborative space that aims to uplift the Mill Creek neighborhood through gardening, education, art, and environmental care. Our mission is to enrich intergenerational relationships, creativity, and growth as we continue to honor and build upon the legacy of our community

Over the course of 2023, Root Catalyst facilitated an intergenerational community design process that brought dozens of Mill Creek residents (ages 7-77) and stakeholders together to build a collective vision for the future of this space. Since then, Root Catalyst has also served as the primary project manager for the implementation of these designs and physical development of the space, following the values and goals generated by the community which include:

An intergenerational space that brings youth, adults, and elders together (Play spaces for kids and adults, public seating and gathering for everyone, public games/events/workshops for families, etc.)
A space that local residents feel a sense of ownership over and youth feel a sense of belonging to
A safe space that reflects community interests and represents a shared/collective vision
A space that expands curiosity
A community garden to grow fruit, vegetables, herbs, and flowers together
Honoring the history, culture, and legacy of the Mill Creek community
An outdoor classroom for intergenerational learning (community workshops and partnerships with local schools)
Centering the Labyrinth as a space for mindfulness, meditation, reflection, and conflict resolution
Interactive pathways that inspire people to think, play, learn, create, and engage with the space in a variety of ways
Pop-up Shops / Vending Stations for people sell or give away stuff (lemonade stand, juice/smoothies, farm stand, art, vending, resources, etc.)
History & Story Telling around the sidewalk and throughout the garden
Spaces for relaxing (shade, recreational space, flowers, hammocks, swinging seats, places to take your shoes off, etc.)
Wide variety of seating and chill spaces
Art Everywhere (Lots of colors, art that highlights the community)
Bulletin boards that share information about community resources & events, and highlight local artists
Lots of interactive elements throughout the space (Public stage, games, toys, library, instruments, exercise equipment, etc.)
A space that can connect and unify surrounding West Philly blocks, the Lucien Blackwell and Tiffany Fletcher centers, and local schools
Accessibility and Safety (Accessible walking paths, safety signs & lighting, clear visibility)

Stakeholders and partners that have been engaged in this collaborative project include: The Lucien Blackwell Community Center, Tiffany Fletcher (Mill Creek) Rec Center, the Men Of Mill Creek, Mill Creek Community Council, Mill Creek Community Alliance, Alain Locke Middle School, Walkers of the Labyrinth, Blackwell Public Library, the Painted Bride Arts Center, Community Design Collaborative, Mighty Writers, Tiny WPA, Philadelphia Orchard Project, the Philadelphia Housing Authority, the Martha Washington School, Mill Creek Urban Farm, Aspen Farms, the West Philadelphia Landscape Project and MIT University, Deeply Rooted and University of Penn.

To learn more about the project, visit the garden’s website at: www.communitygardenatthecreek.org

Click HERE for more information about the mission and evolution of the CommUnity Garden @ The Creek

Click HERE to view the Community Design Final Report