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

Q. When was the Community Garden be built?
A. The construction of the NWCG was completed the summer of 2005.

Q. Can I sign up for my own individual plot?
A. No, due to the size and scope of this project in addition to this being a community-building program, there are no individual plots in the RDCG. Instead, the Garden Steering Committee voted to have the garden divided into community run plots with ‘team leaders’ who will be responsible for general operation and coordination of garden enthusiasts.

Q. Will there be vegetables in the garden?
A. In response to concerns over the environmental quality of the site’s air and soil, the committee has placed a moratorium on edible plants for a period of one year. The resulting, organic, ornamentals garden will be cultivated in raised beds using new topsoil. A small test garden of edible plants will be monitored and tested at the end of the moratorium to determine future planting schemes and evaluate the safety of incorporating edible plants in the garden.

Q. Will any mature trees currently on the proposed garden site be removed?
A. The initial garden designed approved by the committee and neighborhood associations proposed the removal of 4 birch trees from the site. Subsequent redesigns remove only 2 trees currently located at the site. Replacement trees will be planted in accordance with an agreement with ODOT and the Urban Forester. A new design has been submitted and was approved in August, 2004. Please contact us if you have additional concerns regarding this or any other design issue.

Q. Is this a Portland Parks and Recreation Community Garden?
A. No. This garden is being sponsored by the Zimmerman Community Center, a non-profit, neighborhood based community center with a mission to build community in the River District.

Q. What is the Zimmerman Community Center?
A. The Zimmerman Community Center is a private non-profit with a mission to build a community gathering place and serve as a neighborhood resource to connect people for fun, education, recreation, and reflection to enhance the spirit of this urban place called the River District. The Zimmerman Community Center is currently located at 816 NW Hoyt. ZCC offers a variety of programs, classes and events in support of their mission. Go to the links page to find out more about ZCC!