Episode 008: Intentional Gardening with The North Philly Peace Park

This week we are back with another exciting episode! In this episode, Shana sat down with Bird form the North Philly Peace Park. Bird is a mental health consultant, urban gardener, herbalist, and chef. She shared her life long love of gardening and cooking, which started at a young age. Bird credits her family, especially, her paternal grandparents, who were sharecroppers from the South for influencing her love in gardening. 

During their discussion, Shana and Bird talked about the story behind the North Philly Peace Park. The North Philly Peace Park is situated in the small north-central neighborhood of Sharswood in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The park, which occupies half a city block services a largely black community. Bird talks with Shana how the park not only offers the community access to fresh produce and space to plant their own herbs and vegetables but other activities and services like yoga and psychotherapy. Bird also talks about how the park has become a safe place for the community to gather and resolve conflicts. Conflicts that would have otherwise resulted in different and more problematic circumstances without the existence of the Peace Park. She shared with Shana how the community has benefited from the park and continues to give back to it. Volunteers who help to weed, harvest, and plant the park’s herbs and vegetables are also recipients of services like their Free Produce Days. 

Later in the conversation, Bird and Shana also talked about what defunding the police could mean for their community. Funds that could go to social services and other programs that would help elevate food insecurities. They also talked about their up and coming Peace Pavilion that is in the process of being built and will be a space for education programs other activities. She shared with Shana how some of the youngest members of the park are a major influence behind the pavilion's design and function. 

If you would like to learn more about gardening and it’s many benefits check out the Weekly Ingest Newsletter publish on June 29th. To learn more about North Philly Peace Park, its mission and events, visit phillypeacepark.org. You can also follow North Philly Peace Park on Facebook and Instagram.