WASHINGTON — Hidden from the rest of the bustling city, the Newark Street Community Park and Garden features a playground, dog park and tennis courts. But the hallmark of this four acres of public land is its community garden, the largest in D.C., which gives city residents the chance to plant a variety of veggies and flowers.
This year the Newark Street Community Garden Association celebrates their 40th anniversary. Where military offices and housing stood during WWII, is now green space, founded on National Food Day. Susan Akman, former president of the garden association, said nothing formal is yet planned but she hopes they find a way to commemorate the occasion.
Vibrant colors fill the 200 plots with an assortment of vegetables from carrots to radishes, zucchini and lettuce. And because the District is such an international city, Akman said, “We have people from all over the world.” Gardeners learn from each other and bring ideas from their native countries as well.
Akman coordinates the children’s progam, and said she likes to think of their organization as an educational one in general, for all ages. “We have a lot of families with children and they’re learning,” she said, adding that she often sees the tasks of planting, weeding and watering become a family affair, especially with the adjacent playground and dog park,
At the other end of the spectrum, Akman said some gardeners keep at it even into their 90s, but sometimes that means needing the help of fellow gardeners.
“We are a community and we promote that community by helping each other,” she said.
To be a member of the garden, owners of a plot must volunteer 10 hours of service a season or pay a $15 fee. The goal is to beautify the whole area, she said, and that means everyone pitching in. Many residents also donate produce to area food kitchens.
“We never asked the city for anything. We give back to the city,” Akman said.