This year has been transformative for SCLT’s community gardens network, with major infrastructure upgrades across multiple sites that have dramatically improved both functionality and gardener satisfaction. These improvements represent years of planning and community input, addressing longstanding challenges while setting the foundation for continued growth and accessibility.
The most comprehensive transformation took place at Brattle Garden, where the entire layout received a complete overhaul. Working alongside Building Futures and dedicated gardeners, SCLT staff tore out old rotting beds and removed unused, deteriorating infrastructure that had accumulated over years of piecemeal additions. The garden’s previous layout had been chronically underused, with dead spaces that went unmaintained and an inefficient design that made management difficult. The new layout gives each plot significantly more space, allows gardeners with multiple plots to have them conjoined, and eliminates the problematic dead zones. The results speak for themselves: the garden looks better than it ever has during SCLT’s tenure, gardeners express consistent satisfaction with their improved spaces, and the maintenance burden on staff has been notably reduced.
Safety and security improvements were prioritized at Potter Garden, where the old fence presented both aesthetic and functional problems. The previous barrier varied wildly in height, standing just three feet tall in some sections while reaching six feet in others, creating an inconsistent and inadequate perimeter. The new uniform six-foot fence not only improves security but also promises greater longevity, protecting the garden investment for years to come. A final seven-foot section remains to be completed in the coming weeks, which will wrap up this important security upgrade.
At Glenham Garden, a long-awaited dream became reality with the completion of a proper shade and rain shelter. For years, the garden had only a frame structure covered by temporary tarps; hardly a long-term solution for gardeners seeking protection from serious weather. Thanks to generous donor support, Down City Design was able to install a proper roof and create a complete outdoor workspace that fits the space perfectly. The project included new bench and table arrangements with built-in storage, plus a dedicated washing counter. The old table was relocated to Garfield Garden, where it fits better and serves that community’s needs. Gardeners have expressed tremendous satisfaction with finally having reliable protection from rain and sun during their garden work.
Galego Garden benefited from a People’s Garden grant that enabled significant site improvements focused on accessibility and youth programming. The project involved regrading the front area and rerouting pathways to improve both pedestrian and vehicle access for supply deliveries. New gravel pathways reduce dead space and help with ongoing weed management challenges. The work also opened up attractive new planting areas for both youth participants and community gardeners. Beyond the physical improvements, the grant allowed the garden to acquire high-quality compost to enrich growing conditions and beekeeping equipment for Ana, one of the garden leaders, enabling her to introduce young people to basic beekeeping skills as part of expanded educational programming.
Looking ahead to the coming season, SCLT is preparing for another significant accessibility initiative thanks to support from the Sherlock Center’s Access for All Abilities Mini Grant. Construction will begin this November on accessible raised garden beds at both Charles Street and Garfield community gardens. The project will install four new wheelchair-accessible raised beds designed at optimal heights with proper clearance for gardeners using wheelchairs, walkers, or those who have difficulty bending. Each location will also receive adaptive gardening tools with ergonomic handles and new stabilized pathways connecting the beds to entrances and water sources.
These accessibility improvements directly respond to longstanding requests from seniors at the Charles Street senior living complex and clients of Progresso Latino who have wanted to participate in community gardening but faced physical barriers. The project addresses a critical gap in inclusive outdoor recreation opportunities, ensuring that disability is no longer a barrier to experiencing the therapeutic benefits, nutritional advantages, and meaningful social connections that flourish in SCLT’s gardens. Construction will be completed by early spring 2026, with celebratory spring planting events planned to welcome new gardeners of all abilities to these transformed spaces.
Together, these infrastructure investments reflect SCLT’s commitment to creating sustainable, welcoming, and accessible spaces where all community members can thrive. From improved layouts and enhanced security to weather protection and universal design, these upgrades ensure our gardens will continue serving Providence’s diverse neighborhoods for decades to come, adapting to meet the evolving needs of our growing gardening community.
