Home : Our Work : Resilience Generation (ReGen) Resources : Hazelwood Green Space Sustainability Plan Hazelwood Green Space Sustainability Plan Share this project Grounded has touched down in verdant Hazelwood. In partnership with The Hazelwood Initiative we explored means by which to increase the degree of connectivity between green spaces in the neighborhood. We began by identifying key community assets, both in terms of the land (important geographical touchpoints like community gardens, playgrounds, parks, and trails) as well as in terms of the human and animal communities in the neighborhood. As we investigated the resources this region has to offer, we paid special attention to the links between them. After all, a playground with no one to play in it soon becomes another weedy, overgrown eyesore. Through our close work with the chairperson of the Urban Agriculture Committee in Hazelwood, we helped to reknit frayed community ties. By shining a light on the example demonstrated by several neighborhood farmers, we helped interest in the green scene flourish in this community. Eventually, this interest could blossom into a bustling local food scene (local produce already stocks the shelves of the local market “Dylamato’s”). As Hazelwood grows, perhaps this green space sustainability plan could bear the fruit of a robust local economy. This would create a more resilient neighborhood, better able to cope with stressors such as fluctuating food and fuel prices. A great deal of the groundwork for this plan was laid in the form of contributions of previous and current residents to the green spaces in their area. A prime example of this preparation was Everybody’s Garden, at the corner of Lytle Street and Elizabeth Street. Previously rife with contamination it has undergone a radical transformation. Today, this site has deep, fertile soils with nary a trace of the previous pollutants. A smattering of wonderful fruit trees dots the site, with peaches, apples, mulberries, and figs available on site throughout the year. Many sites such as this exist throughout the neighborhood, and throughout the city. Without a clear succession plan for stewardship however, fantastic community resources such as these can easily be squandered. Reshaping the perception of these areas from weed infested warrens to abundant natural spaces is an important aspect of this work. Thank you to the dedicated residents of Hazelwood for your continued effort in evolving the green space narrative in Pittsburgh! "The web of life supports us all" Jim McCueGarden Steward Gazebo with Greenspace at Johnston and 2nd Avenue A typical Hazelwood Street Volunteer sunflowers at EvGard Freshly cleared paths at EvGard Jim stands humbly beneath his orchard at EvGard. Deep, fertile soils abound at EvGard, a testament to diligent site stewardship. A few of the magnificent peach trees living at EvGard. Seating is an important consideration when encouraging people to explore and enjoy greenspace. A playground near EvGard. A lovely space for children to play while their guardians garden. Greenspace creeping forward into under-utilized sections of town. A prime opportunity for a mural. Shelter and waste management are important factors in greenspace planning. Hazelwood Initiative’s summer marketplace serves as a friendly entrance for entrepreneurs in the neighborhood. Dylamato’s Market is a critical community resource. The local library sets a fine greenspace example, with a lovely green stormwater infrastructure rain garden front and center. Part of Matt’s responsibility as the Urban Agriculture Committee’s chairperson is garden security. He takes this duty very seriously. Caring for communal perennials is another of the Urban Agriculture Committee Chairperson’s roles. Here Matt prunes off some damage caused by reckless mowing. Matt and Alf showcase some of the bounty of YrGardn. Small grocery stores like Dylamato’s help to reinvigorate local economies by offering a space for small-scale producers to market their goods.