THE ROGERS PARK GARDEN GROUP

An important part of the mission of the RPGG is to assist in the growth and development of green spaces in the public way. Seredipitously to the launch of the RPGG in 2007 some Morse Ave. and Loyola Park neighbors asked if the RPGG would be willing to help them renovate the circular planters at Morse Ave. and the park.

The RPGG jumped at the opportunity to dig right in and RPGG members stepped up by donating money, plant material, design expertise, time, and labor. In June 2007 a garden was born and in November 2007 the RPGG and Loyola Park Keepers planted in and around the planters 750 tulip bulbs generously donated by a RPGG member.  Since then, the Loyola Park Keepers (the Morse and Loyola neighbors) and the RPGG have continued to maintain and replenish the garden. 

In 2008, the RPGG worked with Lakeside Community Development Corporation and Greenleaf neighbors to create a Metra Garden at Greenleaf & Ravenswood, at the Metra station embankment.  Approximately 3000 square feet of embankment was cleaned and replanted. 

In 2009, the RPGG focused on expanding it small grants program, and awarded 17 grants to individuals, businesses, organizations, schools, and houses of workship to plant parkways, sidewalks, beaches, and planters.

The Circle Gardens at Morse Ave. and Loyola Park
The Metra Garden at Greenleaf and Ravenswood
Adopt the Public Way Gardens - Gale School, Devon Avenue, Goldberg Playlot

In 2007 and 2008, the RPGG solicited proposals for major community gardening projects to be done anywhere in Rogers Park (Devon Ave. north to the city limits, Lake Michigan west to Ridge Avenue) in a space in the public way. At the last meeting of the season, in October, proposals were presented and the membership voted on the project they want to undertake.

The RPGG believes that for community projects to be successful they must be enduring as a garden is a living thing.  To accomplish this goal, neigbors will have an ownership interest in the space - by working it, maintaining it, and raising funding to pay for it. The RPGG served as a collaborator with neighbors on these projects. The RPGG oversaw the design, helped plant and enlisted volunteers, donated money and plants, and helped fundraise - as a partner.

In addition to the larger projects, in 2008, the RPGG began a small grants program for smaller projects such as parkways and planters. In 2008, the RPGG provided funding for new gardens and planters at Goldberg Playlot, Devon Avenue planters, Gale School planters. In 2009, the small grants program expanded to 17 gardening projects. For 2010, the original community gardening program has evolved into an expanded grants program so that the RPGG can assist in the funding of many projects, irrespective of size, as opposed to a single large project. The grants program was a resounding success with 17 applicants and projects completed. In 2010, the grants program has been further developed to provide grants from $100 to $1000, depending upon the size and scope of the project. Additional information on the 2010 grants program is contained here.

Visit the Public way projects page for updates on existing and planned projects. 

The Adopt the Public Way grants program is overseen by the Community Gardening committee.  If you would like to join the Community Gardening committee, email us.

For a visual history of the RPGG projects to date, visit the Photo Gallery and visit the garden pages:             

              The Metra Garden: 2008

The Circle Garden: 2007

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