El Paseo Community Garden
El Paseo’s mission is "Empower Through Nature"[1] and its goals are:
- environmental stewardship and civic engagement of equitable green space on behalf of the community
- governance allowing for anyone to make an impact, growing both healthy food and community leaders
- an active community center and partner for anyone willing to share accessible community resources
LINKTREE: https://linktr.ee/elpaseogarden
| Position | Apply By | Listing |
|---|---|---|
| Compost Specialist | 31 March, 2023 | doc |
| Food Production Manager | 31 March, 2023 | doc |
| Program Facilitator (Kids/Seniors) | N/A | [2] |
| Reiki & Sanacion Coordinator | N/A | [2] |
***LOCATION***
The garden takes its name from the walking path (El Paseo) that runs through it: on one side, a native prairie + permaculture food forest; on the other, raised beds + an apiary.[1]
| Address | Ward | Hood | GPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 944 W 21st St | 25th | Pilsen | 41.855078, -87.650184 |
***STEWARDS***
Contact
| PHONE | |
|---|---|
| (773) 234-6168 | <elpaseo.communitygarden@neighbor-space.org> |
Active platforms:
- Website | https://elpaseogarden.org/
- Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/ElPaseoGarden/
Records
Public
| Title | Notes |
|---|---|
| Permaculture Plant Library | re: Food Forest |
| Dog Run Rules & Guidelines | re: El Pawseo |
Private
| Title | Notes |
|---|---|
| Contact List | spreadsheet updated MM-YYYY |
| NeighborSpace Wikibase | >>> What is Wikibase? <<< |
History
Est. 2009 (as "Growing Station"); former brownfield converted to garden under phase one of rails to trails project "El Paseo".[1][3]
***PROGRAMS***
Gardening
Two types of beds: private allotment beds or collective beds. Collective beds eliminate waiting lists for allotment beds and allow anyone to get involved. Free food beds are included on the perimeter of the collective beds for visitors.[1]
MEMBERSHIP = $25
(discounts available for those who show leadership the year prior)
Membership benefits:[4]
- Garden tour and required orientation (TBA)
- Access to internal work group (Slack)
- Free reservation for fire pit and patio (min $25 value)
- Access to the compost program
- Scholarship opportunities for select educational programming
Beekeeping
Per N/S profile, currently hosting three (3) beehives.[3]
MEMBERSHIP = $50
(full waivers available for those who show leadership the year prior)
Membership benefits:[5]
- Beekeeping Theory course online/in-person
- Hands on Practicum from April to November
- 4 oz. jar of honey after harvest day
- Access to the compost program
- Free reservation for fire pit and patio (min $25 value)
- Included in garden internal work group (Slack)
- Scholarship opportunities for select educational programming
Composting
We are part of Chicago’s Community Compost Pilot Project to divert food scraps from land fills and help our garden grow!
You can drop off up to one gallon of compost during stewardship days starting April 23rd from 11am to 1 pm.[6]
- JOB OPPORTUNITY: Compost Specialist. We are looking for an experienced composter to manage the city’s pilot compost program. This position will input and track how many food scraps are being deterred from landfills in addition to sharing knowledge and leading participants in composting. Learn more and apply here!
Food Forest
Our permaculture food forest sits on the north end of the garden (towards Cullerton). Please remember to take proper care and follow the Foragers Rule of Thumb: take less than ⅓ of a particular harvest. Visit our Plant Library to learn about our plants and their uses.[7]
- JOB OPPORTUNITY: Food Production Manager. We are looking for an experienced farmer/ gardener to manage a food production program. This position will be responsible for improving community access to food grown and sharing gardening knowledge with gardeners and volunteers. Learn more and apply here!
***PROJECTS***
The garden plans to add a dog run, nature play area for kids, community stage, fitness area, and several more gathering spaces and plants to their half acre expansion within the next few years as funding is secured.[1]
Nuestra Herencia (film)
Nuestra Herencia: Legacy Film Project brings together a series of short documentary films exploring histories, gardens, and legacies through the lives of 10 senior gardeners of El Paseo Community Garden in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood. An On The Real Film original in collaboration with El Paseo Community Garden.[8]
"The Lot" Expansion
We are expanding our stewardship to include “The Lot” (947 W. Cullerton)! Formerly the side of Loewenthal Metals.[9]
El Pawseo Dog Run
Currently the dog run is in the testing phase and has temporary construction fencing until the committee has self-governing leadership and our lot expansion becomes shovel-ready (possibly next year). Contact us to join the Dog Run Committee![10]
The Hive
The Hive is an outdoor classroom and storage shed area. Its design takes inspiration from the beekeeping activites on site, and is biomimetic of the langstroth hive. Constructed thanks to a 2019 grant.[11]
Contractor: Human Scale
El Convivio
Over the years we have strived to accommodate our senior members by providing seating, ergonomic tools, and other safety measures. We now have the resources to improve overall accessibility and to continue serving our senior members. El Convivio (“The Gathering”) improves food security and accessibility for our aging population and those with limited capacity while strengthening intergenerational relationships by improving public space.
The project consists of: large 320 sq.ft. ADA planting station; 400 sq.ft. outdoor kitchen area with brick-paved patio and -enclosed grill; 168 sq.ft. ADA accessible seating area with planters; 300 feet of ADA accessible, crushed stone pathways; plus solar panels and solar power equipment on our existing shed to power lighting, outdoor speakers, and charge cellphones for the new outdoor kitchen area.[12]
Contractor: Human Scale
El Paseo Pale Ale
For the third consecutive year, Lo Rez Brewing is partnering with El Paseo community Garden to collaborate on El Paseo Pale Ale. This beer is brewed with hops grown at El Paseo Community Garden using a wet-hop method. Proceeds from every can will be donated to El Paseo Community Garden. The beer will be released mid-October during El Paseo Community Garden Showcase Event. Order your El Paseo Pale Ale at Lo Rez’s website and pick-up at El Paseo Community Garden during the event. Pick-up times TBA.[13]
High School Solar Techs
In 2018, high school juniors and seniors at Horizon Science Academy – McKinley Park (HSA) partnered with El Paseo Community Garden to execute a multidisciplinary project on energy and sustainability. Students designed and constructed five solar arrays to power various electrical systems in community gardens around Southwest Chicago—communities in which our students and their families live and work. These solar arrays provide the gardens with at least 100 kW hours of energy per season.[14]
***EVENTS***
Specials
- 14th Annual Harvest Festival -- (TBD? website still lists last year's)
- Grief Circle Program[15]
This summer the wellness coalition leads two cohorts as part of a 6 week grief support group. (Suggested donation $5). Registration closes 7/22 for the second cohort.
Cohort 2 Dates [6:00 - 8:00 pm]:
8/4, 8/11, 8/18, 9/1, 9/8. 9/15
Weekly
| SUNDAY | MONDAY | TUESDAY | WEDNESDAY | THURSDAY | FRIDAY | SATURDAY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stewardship Day | Yoga / Kids Yoga | {rotating events} | Meditation | Kids Garden Day | Flamenco 101 | Yoga (Gentle) |
| 10 am to 2 pm | 6:30 pm | submit a proposal! | 6:30 pm | 4 to 6 pm | 6 to 7 pm | 9:00 am |
| start: April 16 | - | - | Full Body Strength | - | - | Music Time |
| end: November 5 | - | - | 7 to 7:45 pm | - | - | 10:30 to 11:15 am |
Stewardship Day (Sun)[17]
Help us work on projects and maintain our community green space. Bring your masks, work/garden gloves, water, and sunblock. You should wear closed toe shoes and weather appropriate clothing.
On Holiday weekends we may reschedule for Saturday instead. Contact us to RSVP.
You may compost up to one gallon while volunteering during our weekly Stewardship Days.
Yoga / Kids Yoga (Mon/Sat)[18]
- Yoga with Edith Rodriguez
- Kids Yoga with Sandie
NOTE: Kids Yoga only on 1st Saturdays of the month
Meditation and Sound Healing (Weds)[19]
Led by the Papalotzin Collective. A gathering of stillness, rest, and reconnection. Be in community, be yourself and be in harmony. For cancellations or questions, please text Cristina at 773-953-9228 or IG @pilsenchica
Full Body Strength (Weds)[20]
For all fitness levels as well as ages. Each class will consist of a warm up, interval training (exercising for 30-45 seconds, then taking a 15-20 second rest) and a cool down. All classes will be bodyweight low intensity, with the option/modifications for higher intensity. Led by Sandra Magana
Kids Garden Days (Thurs)[21]
- length of event will vary depending on activities
All ages summer family programming in the works for 2023. The program will have rotating facilitators including friends from Pilsen Arts and Community House.
Flamenco Fridays (Fri)[22]
Taught by Clinard Dance. Open to all members of the community, as participants or audience. Come out and participate in a relaxed introduction to the basics of flamenco. No prior experience necessary (formal flamenco shoes not required). Please note we will be dancing on the grass and wooden platforms. Social distancing will be practiced. Pay-what-you-feel donations will be accepted before and after the class. 100% of donations will be contributed to a non-profit (TBD). Donate Here!
Music Time (Sat)[23]
- with Mr. Sam! register here
Join children’s musician and former Wiggleworm Mister Sam for three 45-minute music classes at El Paseo Community Garden. The classes will include movement songs, sing-alongs, colorful scarves, and even some bubbles. Make an egg shaker with us or bring your own hand instruments and be ready to sing the classics!
The class is free, but there is a suggested $5 donation. 100% of proceeds go to the artist.
Monthly
Reiki + Sanación Community Clinics
- First Tuesdays
- 5:00 to 8:00 pm
Community Healing Mercado
- Third Sundays
This market series will provide opportunities for practitioners and vendors to offer services at a sliding scale and will serve as a fundraiser for the coalition. Sign up to be a vendor or to offer wellness programming!
NOTE: The June Healing Mercado will be the 3rd Saturday in observance of Father’s Day.
{references}
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 https://elpaseogarden.org/
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 https://elpaseogarden.org/jobs/
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 http://neighbor-space.org/el-paseo-community-garden/
- ↑ https://elpaseogarden.org/garden/
- ↑ https://elpaseogarden.org/beekeeping/
- ↑ https://elpaseogarden.org/compost/
- ↑ https://elpaseogarden.org/permaculture-site/
- ↑ http://www.pilsenstories.com/
- ↑ https://elpaseogarden.org/lot/
- ↑ https://elpaseogarden.org/dogrun/
- ↑ https://elpaseogarden.org/the-hive/
- ↑ https://elpaseogarden.org/el-convivio/
- ↑ https://elpaseogarden.org/elpaseopaleale/
- ↑ https://elpaseogarden.org/green-power-for-green-spaces/
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 https://elpaseogarden.org/wellness-coalition/
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 https://elpaseogarden.org/events/
- ↑ https://elpaseogarden.org/stewardship-days/
- ↑ https://elpaseogarden.org/yoga/
- ↑ https://elpaseogarden.org/events/meditation/
- ↑ https://elpaseogarden.org/fitness/
- ↑ https://elpaseogarden.org/kids-garden-days/
- ↑ https://elpaseogarden.org/flamenco/
- ↑ https://elpaseogarden.org/music-time/