Youth at Brian Coyle Center learn gardening skills and beautify the neighborhood around the new light rail.

On a sunny afternoon in June, youth from the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood in South Minneapolis gathered to plant vegetable and herb gardens in raised beds outside of Brian Coyle Center. With guidance from Brian Coyle Center staff, youth prepared the soil for planting; learned how to identify different types of plants; and began transplanting broccoli, tomatoes, basil, lettuce and more.

As part of Brian Coyle Center’s youth programs, the students will continue to care for the garden over the course of the summer, learning valuable lessons about gardening, wellness, and environmental awareness. The location for the garden was chosen because of its proximity to the new light rail line, and the kids say they hope the gardens will be something pretty to look at for commuters going between Minneapolis and St. Paul.

With its close proximity to Riverside Plaza and the recreational areas at Brian Coyle Center, the community garden offers kids another safe place to spend time outdoors, engage with members of their community, and help to make a positive impact in the neighborhood.

The project is being developed in partnership with Augsburg College and Mixed Blood Theatre, and there are plans to further develop and beautify the space. Eventually, the hope is to have the produce from the community garden help to supply the Brian Coyle Center food shelf.