Community gardens are neighborhood green spaces set aside for local residents to grow vegetables for their own consumption, who otherwise might not be able to. The City of Gainesville began its first Community Gardens Project at Southeast Fourth Avenue in 1998. Since that time, the program has grown to five gardens around Gainesville through the joint efforts of the City of Gainesville's Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department and the dedicated efforts of the residents of Gainesville.
The program's mission is to provide a place where Gainesville residents can participate in a healthy outdoor activity that can also improve public nutrition and the neighborhood environment.
Five of our community gardens are recognized by the USDA as part of the People's Garden Initiative. The People’s Garden Initiative is part of USDA’s broader efforts to advance equity, support local and regional food systems and access to food, and encourage use of conservation and climate-smart practices.
911 NW Fifth Ave.
1701 NE Eighth Ave.
This garden is USDA recognized.
400 NW Tenth Ave.
2445 NE 12th Ave.
2841 E. University Ave.
643 SW 40th St. (within Green Acres Park)
615 SE Fourth Ave.
4009 NW 53rd Ave.
1125 NE Eighth Ave.
2947 SW 40th Place
516 NE Second Ave.
1760 NE 31st Ave.
Phone: 352-393-8186
The program is managed by staff, but the individual gardens are coordinated by dedicated volunteers.