Oneida Square Project Community Garden
By: Rachel Polansky
Updated: August 3, 2012
An empty parking lot has been transformed into a beautiful community
garden on Henry Street in West Utica. The Community Foundation of
Herkimer and Oneida Counties gave nearly 18 thousand dollars to the
Cornerstone Community Church to create the Oneida Square Project
Community Garden. Coordinators say the garden improves the area's
appearance, while bringing the neighborhood together.
"It's brought the community together, long time residents and even new residents, its been a place to unite around take an interest in," says Mike Ballman, Cornerstone Community Church Pastor.
"My boys have somewhere to play with other kids and neighborhood families and it kind of brings everybody together, and just the convenience of it," says Melissa Lopsey, Utica resident.
Coordinators say the garden has become a community center for families. Neighbors takes part in seeding, weeding, and taking care of the garden - and it's a safe place for children to play.
"It's brought the community together, long time residents and even new residents, its been a place to unite around take an interest in," says Mike Ballman, Cornerstone Community Church Pastor.
"My boys have somewhere to play with other kids and neighborhood families and it kind of brings everybody together, and just the convenience of it," says Melissa Lopsey, Utica resident.
Coordinators say the garden has become a community center for families. Neighbors takes part in seeding, weeding, and taking care of the garden - and it's a safe place for children to play.
