A long-vacant lot on Withington Street in Dorchester is coming back to life as a vibrant community green space — one that celebrates neighborhood resilience, creativity, and healing. Once the site of a home destroyed by fire more than 30 years ago, the property has stood empty ever since. Now, local residents and partners are transforming it into a shared place for rest, connection, and renewal.

At the heart of this effort is Judith Foster, founder of the H.E.R.O. Nurturing Center, whose mission is to heal and empower communities impacted by trauma and violence. Judy grew up across the street from the lot and, together with her family, has quietly cared for the land for decades — planting, tending, and holding space for what might come next.

“This land has witnessed loss and strength,” Judy reflects. “We’re turning that history into a living legacy — a place that restores peace and reminds us of our power to grow together.”

Judy’s vision is shared by community advocate and artist Maria McKnight of 2 Birds No Stones and David Meshoulam of Speak for the Trees, who have joined forces to bring community into the design process. Two rounds of community surveys revealed a shared desire for a shaded, peaceful gathering space that reflects the neighborhood’s identity and creativity.

To bring that vision to life, landscape designer Jiayu Wu is creating concept plans inspired by the rhythms of the site’s mature trees, using their shifting shade patterns to guide the placement of seating, plantings, and gathering areas. The evolving design also makes room for new tree saplings to showcase natural cycles, alongside evergreens that offer color and life throughout the seasons. Growing up in Jamaica with year-round color, Judy knows that the space must feel alive throughout the seasons to get through the through dark days of winter.

“I was drawn to this project because I see how plants, colors, and textures can help people interact with and heal through nature,” Jiayu explains.

This fall, Jiayu and the community team hosted an initial engagement session, inviting residents and nearby Codman Square Health Center and Codman Academy to shape elements of the design. Future sessions will continue to refine the plan and prepare the neighborhood to move from idea to installation, continuing the transformation from a home to a long-vacant lot into a living symbol of community care.

As the vision for Withington Street continues to unfold, we’ll share updates from the community partners and designers bringing this space to life. You can also follow Judy’s advocacy and healing work through H.E.R.O. Nurturing Center and her passionate efforts to advance Bill S.791- Making Nature Prescriptive in the Massachusetts legislature which scales her mission to nurture resilience, justice, and hope from the ground up.