In recent years, the South Side of Springfield has seen a blossoming of new community gardens and neighborhood parks, which offer residents more opportunities to grow their own food, buy fresh produce at affordable prices, get exercise, or simply enjoy beautiful places. Ten of these spots will be open to the public during the free “South Side in Bloom” tour on Saturday, July 30, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Featured Places
Gammon House
620 Piqua Place
This National Historic site is one of only three Underground Railroad “stops” still in existence in Ohio that was owned by a family of color. A garden is being added to this site. Volunteers will guide visitors in tours of the house and garden.
Green Environmental Outreach
724 S. Plum St.
This community garden will offer demonstrations of how to grow plants above the soil in the urban environment and self-guided tours. Snacks and water will be provided.
Green Environmental Outreach
724 S. Plum St.
This community garden will offer demonstrations of how to grow plants above the soil in the urban environment and self-guided tours. Snacks and water will be provided.
Hartman Rock Garden
1905 Russell Ave.
The Hartman Rock Garden has been welcoming visitors since 1932. While this visionary art environment is known for its concrete and stone art, flowers were Ben Hartman's first true passion. South Side in Bloom coincides with Tchotchke Palooza, the museum's annual summer event. The day will include new self-guided tours, special tours and programs for kids, and a new flower scavenger hunt.
Innisfallen Inspiration Garden
1051 S. Yellow Springs
1159 South Development Corp. created this park with three patios, a plaque honoring Hattie Moseley, and a Youth Walk of Fame, with bricks purchased by South Side residents.
Jefferson Street Oasis Garden
1027 West High St.
At this site, visitors can explore 2.5 acres of garden plots available for anyone to cultivate on a first-come basis. The Oasis also includes a herb garden, pastured chickens, children’s cottage, and a greenhouse. Tour coincides with annual “Grilling in the Garden,” so visitors can enjoy freshly cooked vegetables, pizza, and sweet corn.
Keep Clark County Beautiful Sunflower Field
500 West Grand Ave.
A brownfield has been transformed into a scenic spot. Photo opportunities will be offered on tour day. Visitors can take home a sunflower seed planting activity. The Community Cleanup Trailer will be on display.
Melrose Acres Urban Agriculture Project
1030 McCain Ave.
Springfield Ohio Urban Plantfolk grows vegetables to sell affordably at South Side farm stands. Fruit trees, beehives, a hoop house, and chicken coops are being developed. Tour activities include a scavenger hunt and a children’s activity.
Promise Neighborhood Visioning Garden
1217 Linden Ave.
This is a community garden with plots available to the public. Visitors can enjoy self-guided tours, children’s crafts, cooking demonstrations, and tacos with fresh vegetables.
Woodward Avenue Family Park
1615 Woodward Ave.
One of three neighborhood parks developed by The Conscious Connect, this spot includes a basketball court with a mural, a “little library,” disc golf, and two benches. On tour day, visitors also can enjoy music and corn hole. Students can receive free books, and educational materials will be distributed about an unsung local hero.
Auburn Tolliver Peace Garden
South Limestone St. at Prairie Ave.
This neighborhood park offers a peaceful haven from the traffic zipping by on Limestone. Brian Keith's family has spearheaded the development of site, which is named for his great-grandfather, a civil rights activist in the 1960s and '70s.
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Get in Touch
For information about South Side in Bloom, contact Steve Schlather at sschlather@sbcglobal.net or use the submission form below.
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