Our vision for Fiesta Place Garden is to create a learning and edible community garden destination that provides a positive environment where children and adults gather and celebrate healthy, sustainable living through community engagement, gardening, education, and serve as a creative outlet through the integration of the Arts.

In 2013, our vision for Fiesta Place Garden was beautifully crafted on paper by the Neighborhood Design Center (NDC) in Riverdale Park, Maryland. Ms. Turner and Ms. Olatunji worked with NDC to develop a design that spoke true to the vision for Fiesta Place Garden.

The program would like to now build upon what has already been accomplished by continuing the development of the raised beds, and create a special Gathering and Education space for the community to enjoy, in the wooded area located at the northern side of the lot. We would like to install seating, tables, eco-décor/art, and demolish/level the ground surface to make it accessible to all individuals; using eco-friendly ground materials such as grinded granite, to create a surface for the gathering space.

The existing site was actually a City street that was closed-off, and is approximately 0.5 acres. Asphalt still exist under the grass; thus our reasoning for using raised beds. We also want to extend the site out the street, by creating a permanent street art that creates an identity and brings life to the site, which currently does not exist. We want the community to know they have arrived at Fiesta Garden Place, through the permanent street art installation. We will use rubber based paint for the street art project.

The project will also serve as an additional opportunity to involve youth and families in the community. The garden will also serve as an outlet for exerting their physical strength in soil preparation, weeding, harvesting, and help bridge the generational gap between the students and the adult residents in the community. The site currently have 10 raised beds that are rented by community members on an annual basis. Four additional beds are designated for education and exploration for youths and adults. The garden was created to address the need to have positive outlets for community members to gather to help curtail to growing issue of crime in the area, as well as promote and provide healthier food options in the community. Currently, there is a shortage of healthy food stores in the community and surrounding area. The Garden program is also a part of Prince George’s County “Healthy Heights” initiative which aim to promote health and wellness in the District Heights and Capitol Heights communities, which was identified as food deserts.

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