The last two weeks have been very consequential for our project. We had our active garden programming and final preparations underway for the big Neighborhood Innovation Summit.

For our youth summer programming, the second week’s theme was Laying the Groundwork. Our Urban Development Ambassadors (UDAs) engaged in gardening activities and experienced the intrinsic value of green urban spaces. The goal was for youth to familiarize themselves with the 59th Street Englewood Community Garden and the processes involved in gardening. They saw the hard work involved to build a garden, but also how these challenges make the fruits that grow taste even better.

With our new tent in place, we welcomed our UDAs to the nascent community garden. The task was two-fold: first, we updated the UDAs on the garden’s current status, our aims, and our plans to meet them. Second, students got to gardening—preparing the soil, placing the seeds, and ensuring they were set to avoid weeds.

It was a long week, and the UDAs faced challenges many had never encountered in gardening. By the end, they adapted to the new difficulties. Thanks to their hard work, we managed to get some fruits and vegetables growing.

Pictured: First batch of tomatoes growing in the lot.

The week of July 15 was challenging. A storm and tornadoes hit the Midwest region one night, tearing down our tent and leaving the garden and lot slightly inundated. Despite the unfortunate situation, this did not deter the UDAs’ commitment. They arrived for summer programming with high hopes of continuing to keep their community fresh, clean, and green.

Pictured: Our white tent following the Midwest storms.

The theme for the third week was Planting Seeds for Peace. Originally, we planned to continue crop work, engage with the community by spreading the word about the garden to Englewood’s youth, and learn about the impact a community garden can have. Because of the storm, we also spent time making repairs. The UDAs did a great job getting the garden back in shape.

On July 18, the programming focused on connecting the practical and theoretical sections about community and peacebuilding from the first week with the gardening work from the prior week. They were split into small groups and presented how community gardens could improve their neighborhood to demonstrate their understanding of why green urban spaces benefit communities.

Pictured: UDA teams presenting why and how a community garden can enhance a neighborhood.

Preparations for the Neighborhood Innovation Summit are on track. Joseph led meetings with partner organizations involved in the event: Gambit Chicago, Mansueto Institute of Urban Innovation, Urban Equities, RAGE, Teamwork Englewood, The Chicago Community Trust, and The University of Chicago’s International House.

The programming for the two days of the Englewood Innovation Summit is set. Our first day will introduce youth participants to the topic, presentations, and a case study. The second day will focus on giving a tour of the opportunities at the University of Chicago for community projects that can impact local communities and beyond, as well as a showcase of their case study and more!

Pictured: Schedule of the Englewood Innovation Summit Programming.

The Neighborhood Innovation Summit is next week, and there is a lot of work ahead of us. The advice and support of our partners has been invaluable in making the summit a reality. We are super eager to continue providing the UDAs with a unique and memorable experience. Here is hoping things turn out great!