The goal of the Sweet Cherry Beats project is to interweave spaces of respite and zones of human interaction within the garden beds. Expanding the garden to include community gathering spaces and artwork will engage more neighbors in the space. This project will deliver:
Mural focal point for art in the garden
Garden benches that provide functional art
Decorative Shade Oasis to create gathering space
Revitalization the flower garden into a welcoming space
Welcome signs to recognize the space and welcome the community
Four new raised beds to enable greater self-sufficiency for elderly and physically challenged gardeners
You see joy at work in the Cherry Street Community Garden in Milwaukee’s Midtown neighborhood. Garden Club members tend their garden beds, helping each other and sharing stories. Volunteers from local high schools and universities help prepare beds for planting and assist in watering and weeding activities. Children from the nearby PEAK Initiative and Penfield Montessori Academy visit the garden to discover its bounty and learn about growing healthy food. The garden is a place where neighbors gather around communion, conversation, and care—their interactions organizing them around shared joy and love.