“Urban Nature, when provided as parks and walkways and incorporated into building design, provides calming and inspiring environments and encourages learning, inquisitiveness, and alertness.” This is one of the facts revealed from research done by an environmental psychologist and research being done at the University of Washington (Mental Health & Function from the University of Washington Urban Forestry/Urban Greening Research Department). Green spaces also provide educational opportunities, community unity, and economic benefits. The vision goes beyond the renovation of green spaces at Mill Brook Houses.

The South Bronx is a food desert and due to covid19 more people are in need of access to healthy food options and for them to learn new skills to find available jobs.

Mill Brook Garden was started because of the above studies stating that open spaces and growing food can help people improve their mental health. Open spaces provide multiple benefits for people, from building community unity, promoting healthy food options, reducing air pollution. reducing water contamination, and community empowerment. 

Mill Brook Garden achieved its first campaign goal to accumulate funds to start the first phase of the project. The Project has three phases: 

1. Constructing Major Structures and identifying what skills are needed and what it will take to have a sustainable project. 

2. Programming and Beautification of the space. To use the space for educational programs, gardening, and artistic expression. Have guidelines and have someone to maintain the space. 

3. Skills development and more gardening. 

Mill Brook Garden completed its first phase of the process. We have constructed the main structures and now want to beautify the space and develop educational programs for residents of the neighborhood. The garden is multi-purpose: a communal space and gardening space. The garden space is for growing vegetables and food, and the other space is for relaxing and cultural activities. 

The garden first phase was completed with the support of residents, the Bronx Institute for Urban Systems, Tenant Association president, NYCHA staff, The Open Space Institute, Project Petals, and Citizens Committee. This all started with the donations of individuals. Without their support this won't have started: Thank you. This campaign is to move to the next phase and start using the space for educational, artistic expression, and cultural activities.

The Guardians of the Garden was formed to oversee the project and to assist in maintaining the space. The Guardians are Mill Brook Houses residents and they have helped in many forms. From planting, to removing gardbage, painting benches, and other garden activities. 

The garden has a fence that has covered the exits because of NYCHA construction. When the construction is done we will open the garden two or three days per week. We want to include more raise beds for residents to plant and use shrubs to create a natural barrier. The funds will be used to have composting workshops and other educational uses. Looking to construct an educational poster board to have information about activities of the garden and some historical information about the community.