SPHA is Springing into Action at the Jordan Park Community Garden
ST. PETERSBURG, FL (April 13, 2023) - Spring is the season for gardening! Beginning this month, the St. Petersburg Housing Authority (SPHA) is working to restore the community garden at Jordan Park, with the help of residents and community partners, including the University of Florida (UF)/IFAS Pinellas extension, Sustainable Urban Agricultural Coalition (SUAC), Earthsong Nursery, Laica Worms, Sunshine Fresh Market, Deuces Food Forest, Kidzonomics, and Youth Timebanking.
SPHA President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Lundy said, "'Creating Opportunities for Stronger Communities' is our goal, and the Jordan Park Community Garden is an example of that. This cooperative project is not just rejuvenating a garden, it's strengthening the relationships that make good neighbors and lasting community partnerships."
James Dates, Chairperson of the SPHA Board of Commissioners, said, "As we construct new homes in Jordan Park, we're also rebuilding relationships and instilling pride in the neighborhood. There's no better symbol for new life and growth than a garden!"
SPHA invited interested Jordan Park residents and community partners to join the newly created Jordan Park Garden Committee, which began meeting in March to kickstart garden plans. Resident Moneshea Harris is taking a leading role in the gardening effort, helping to organize the Jordan Park community as they choose what they want to grow in the garden and volunteer their time for its care.
Harris said, "The garden is important to me because it has everlasting memories. I remember when I first moved into Jordan Park, my daughter and my grandmother would garden together. It was a special time for my daughter to be with her great-grandmother, who has passed away. I would love to see this garden flourish again."
Abby Everingham, SPHA's Social Services Director, said, "The garden means so much to many of our Jordan Park families. Both the kids and adults alike are excited and have already begun working in the garden. In addition to the efforts of our residents, we really appreciate the time, expertise, and materials that our partners are investing in the garden."
Work started with the assessment of the garden by a local arborist and the removal of a dead tree that was deemed to be unsafe. The next steps for the Jordan Park Community Garden include removing invasive species, weeding, and adding mulch. A summer crop will be planted to restore the health of the soil so that the garden is prepared for a fall planting of fruits and vegetables.
SPHA is the leading affordable housing provider in the city of St. Petersburg, serving approximately 4,000 low-income households. In addition to the redevelopment of the Jordan Park community, SPHA is enhancing resident services programming and working to expand affordable housing options for income-eligible individuals and families. For more information about SPHA's programs and services, visit www.stpeteha.org or call 727-323-3171.
ABOUT THE ST. PETERSBURG HOUSING AUTHORITY (SPHA):
An independent quasi-governmental entity and a political subdivision of the State of Florida, operating under Chapter 421 Florida Statutes, SPHA is the local administrative agency for housing assistance programs funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). SPHA offers a variety of programs and services that provide affordable rental housing to low-income families, seniors, veterans, and the disabled in the greater St. Petersburg region. For more information, visit www.stpeteha.org.