REC is happy to announce that in the coming weeks, we will begin preparation to build 20 garden beds at Grant Square on the corner of Northampton and Windsor Streets, right below Green Hill Park in the Bell Hill neighborhood. Half of the space will be dedicated to the REC’s YouthGROW program as their second urban farm campus for local teens, while the remaining beds will be utilized for community gardeners of all ages.

The 20 beds will be ready for planting in the spring and the space will eventually grow to house 100+ garden beds over the next few years. DPW&P is providing the use of the park, and will also be providing compost deliveries and installing a water source at the site. East Side CDC is a partner and welcoming liaison to ensure the success of this project in Bell Hill. UMass Memorial Medical Center has provided financial support of the YouthGROW program over the past several years, and is sponsoring the Grant Square Initiative.

We would love to have your involvement in helping to plant the garden, sponsoring individual beds, and attending our kick-off party in the spring. Individuals who would like to become community gardeners or are interested in the garden coordinator role should fill out the application and can contact Julius Jones at 508-799-9139 or ugrow@recworcester.org.