Inviting community through the outdoors

By Sara Wiercinski

Research proves the importance of social interaction to overall human health. Alongside are studies detailing the benefits of being outside, including improved mood.

There are many examples across south Kansas City of residents carving out beautiful spaces in nature that bring people together for the greater good. Here are three:

Volunteer-powered urban pocket park

The Marlborough Village Commons Pocket Park was born in spring 2016, after the Marlborough Community Coalition acquired two landbanked lots on The Paseo. Volunteers planted hydrangeas as a memorial garden for neighborhood advocate and coalition founder Betty Topping Ost-Everley.

Sarah Sommerkamp, Program Manager for Marlborough Community Coalition, said the garden’s purpose has always been a welcoming space for the community. A recent partnership with the Missouri Department of Conservation advances the vision:

“We also want to create an oasis for pollinators while showing visitors how they can incorporate native plants in their own yards.”

At a work day on April 13, volunteers from the neighborhood and the Urban Ranger Corps installed 150 native plants at the park.

Marlborough is an area of high need, qualifying the project for MDC’s Community Conservation cost share program. MDC provides up to 90% of the cost while the coalition supplies its 10% as volunteer labor.

Last year, MDC assisted with removing an invasive tree of heaven, and a private donation funded planting four native trees. Neighbors with landscaping expertise have coordinated multiple redesigns over the years.

A Shumaker Family Foundation grant supported the park’s application as a designated Monarch Waystation, which will eventually include plant labels for each specimen.

In the future Sommerkamp wants to see shaded seating, like a pavilion, and space to set up barbecue equipment. Longtime garden volunteer Tanya Slavens dreams of hosting outdoor movie nights at the park.

“This park encourages learning and coming together,” said Sommerkamp. “It’s a place right in the city to see plants in action.”

Learn more at wearemarlborough.org.

Greenhouse skills for youth

Tucked off Holmes Road south of Martin City, the Ozanam day school provides high school students with specialized education alongside therapy services.

Megan Sperry teaches horticulture therapy to youth.

“The greenhouse is a place where everyone belongs and can thrive,” said Sperry. “I feel like the therapeutic part is not only in how they care for the plants, but how they interact with each other.”

The curriculum includes career exploration in conservation/landscaping or seed-to-plate themed culinary arts.

For more than 20 years, the Thyme for Kids Plant Sale has raised funds for the program. The sale is open to the public on April 25 (9 am to 6 pm) and April 26 (9 am to 4 pm), with herbs, vegetables, annuals, hanging baskets and flowering plants available for purchase.

“The students take pride in nurturing their plants and feel a sense of belonging and ownership as they help to prepare for the upcoming sale,” said Sperry.

The sale is at Ozanam Campus Greenhouse, located at 421 E. 137th Street. Learn more at cornerstonesofcare.org/plantsale.

A community garden, 32 beds strong

The City of Leawood launched its Community Garden site seven years ago in a tidy fenced-in area behind the old city hall and fire station, near 96th and Lee Boulevard. The garden has since grown to 32 individual beds available for rent by the season.

Kelly Finke is Outdoor Recreation Specialist for the City of Leawood Parks, Recreation & Arts.

“This garden allows residents a chance to get outside and the community benefit of getting to know friends,” she said.

Rental applications open January 1 to previous season gardeners. The remaining plots open February 1 to Leawood residents, then March 1 to non-residents.

Cost to rent a garden plot from March 1 to November 28 is $25 ($40 for non-residents).

Finke says some gardeners have participated all seven years, and they always like to see new faces. The majority of gardeners are retired people, though there are families with young children.

At an April 12 season kickoff, gardeners can meet and swap tips over coffee and pastries. Summer vacation schedules are shared to coordinate watering.

Finke says tomatoes are the most popular plant.

Leawood’s Governing Body is considering relocating the garden, which could mean more plots and gardeners participating. Finke’s dreams include a garden market event selling produce to neighbors.

“Allowing individuals a chance to connect with nature, a space to come to and congregate at, is important.”