South Central Farm

South Central Farm was a community garden built on unused city land where hundreds of families grew vegetables, fruits, and herbs in individual plots. The project used a large open space in a densely populated area to give residents the chance to produce their own food.

The project started in 1994 when an empty city property was transformed into a working garden for the community. This effort grew from neighbors' need to have access to fresh food and pass on their skills in growing plants.

The garden brought together neighbors from different backgrounds who worked side by side and brought their families to help with daily tasks. People grew crops that connected them to their homelands and shared knowledge about traditional farming methods with one another.

The garden was easy to reach on foot and located in a residential neighborhood served by public transit. The best time to visit was during the growing season when plants were actively being tended and the space was most active.

The garden demonstrated how an empty piece of land could become a thriving meeting place that provided work and food for hundreds of families. Its story shows how grassroots efforts in urban areas can create real change.

GPS coordinates: 34.00896,-118.24123

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:25