New Garden opens at community center in City Heights

By SDCN Editor

San Diego, CA–A garden at the Park de la Cruz Community Center was created from an overgrown abandoned area in City Heights.

On Saturday, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the new garden, which has been under development since 2021 and is now available for community use.  

City of San Diego Parks and Recreation staff joined City Heights community leaders at the community garden that was constructed to the right of the community center. 

“The Park de la Cruz Program Garden is a fantastic addition to the City of San Diego Parks and Recreation Department, Therapeutic Recreation, and AgeWell Services,” said Kristi Fenick, District Manager for the Parks and Recreation Department. “Because of the generous donors, numerous community agencies, and volunteer support, the garden is thriving, resulting in the harvest being used for cooking classes, produce exchange, and garden/nutrition educational classes for individuals with disabilities and older adults.” 

Following the ribbon cutting, festivities were held throughout the community center and surrounding park to give the public a glimpse at many of the programs offered. There were also refreshments, entertainment, activities, and giveaways.   

Park de la Cruz Community Center opened in May 2020 with in-person programs commencing in June 2021. The center, a former YMCA building, has been transformed to include several amenities including a public gymnasium, fitness room, recreation room, sensory room, computer lab, multipurpose and community spaces, a kitchen, and space for the Parks and Recreation Department’s Therapeutic Recreation and AgeWell Services programs. 

The garden has been a planned addition to the facility since it opened and was made possible by several donors and community volunteers. The Park de la Cruz Garden aligns with the Parks Master Plan, as well as the Age Friendly San Diego Action Plan, adopted by the City Council in December 2021. 

The area has accessible garden beds, benches, and shade coverings for older adults, individuals with disabilities, and other community volunteers. Participants will learn gardening skills, harvest fruits and vegetables, and enjoy the tranquil outdoor space. To enhance the space further, a mural was also painted on the walls surrounding the garden. The mural was designed by a local artist and community members assisted with the painting.