About this Project:

The Magnolia Street Community Garden in Dorchester opened in Fall 2023 after 14 years of community-driven planning, advocacy, and collaboration. COG designers Hadley Berkowitz and Christine Tullius worked closely with residents to create a thoughtful design, incorporating garden plots, performance areas, and seating. Originally envisioned as a different type of public space, the park evolved into a vibrant multi-use green space, thanks to the efforts of local leaders like Ricky Guerra, who secured the land, and Michelle Moon, who guided the project with her expertise in environmental health and grant writing. A local student group funded the painting of a mural symbolizing peace and healing on an adjacent building. Today, the garden serves as a beloved hub for gardening, education, and community gatherings, embodying the resilience and vision of the Dorchester neighborhood. Design development was completed by Heather Heimarck, a frequent collaborator with COGdesign.