Location: NW 16th Ave - between Johnson and Kearney - below the 405 freeway.

Entering our 3rd Growing Season

Tucked away, between two neighborhoods, and below a highway overpass, sits an urban oasis known as the Northwest Community Garden (NWCG).  Planning for the project started several years prior to groundbreaking and has involved the help of many local citizens, businesses, and other organizations.  Sponsored by the Zimmerman Community Center, the goals of the garden are to make creative use of blighted land below the 405 freeway, create a "pocket park" green space, and to help enhance a gateway between the Pearl and Northwest Districts. 

In addition, the garden serves as a community space bringing people of various backgrounds together for common interests and goals. The garden gives local urban residents, the opportunity to get their hands dirty.  The NWCG differs from other community gardens in that it is not a vegetable garden where people rent their own plot space.  It includes 5 themed garden beds, as well as a large common area. 

Past grants from Oregon Community Foundation’s I-405 fund and NWNW’s small grants program, along with contributions from other local organizations such as Food Front, Pearl Hardware, and REI, have built the garden infrastructure.  This includes a painted metal perimeter fence, toolshed, irrigation system, and gravel path.  Much has been accomplished but there remains work to be done, and seasonal upkeep is an ongoing need. 

If you are interested in becoming a member, making a contribution to the garden, or would like more general info, contact garden manager Matt Krueger at 503-221-4012 or email mattkrueger1@hotmail.com with any questions.  Anyone living or working in the NW, Pearl, or Oldtown Districts is eligible to join the garden.  The beauty of the garden is open to everyone, year-round, dusk to dawn.  Feel free to stop by to enjoy this neighborhood treasure, the Northwest Community Garden.