About Us
Our Mission
The Mission of the City of High Point is to serve as the catalyst for bringing together the community’s human, economic and civic resources for the purpose of creating the single most livable, safe and prosperous community in America. The City of High Point recognizes that a vibrant Urban Agriculture program is one key to successfully achieving this goal. Supporting citizens and community group participation in Urban Agriculture programs will have the following outcomes:
1. Create a sense of belonging and ownership in neighborhoods thereby reducing crime
2. Help alleviate food insecurity
3. Provide healthy food and promote healthier lifestyles
4. Create a stronger sense of community by embracing diversity and promoting respect through the act of gardening together.
Support from Our Mayor & High Point City Council
Whereas, Community Gardens in the City of High Point have seen a substantial increase within the past five years thanks to the initiative of the community minded citizens; and,
Whereas, Community Gardens assist in reducing crime by fostering a sense of belonging and attachment, in both the lives of the gardeners and in the life of the neighborhood; and,
Whereas, Community Gardens teach youth life skills through gardening, to be self-sufficient by providing healthy food and promoting healthy lifestyles in which families celebrate growing, cooking and eating together; and,
Whereas Community Gardens provide thousands of pounds of produce to stock local food pantries with fresh produce in addition to providing the elderly with fresh produce at their doorstep; and,
Whereas, Community Garden Leaders act as ambassadors to other gardens, neighbors and visitors of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to create unity. They empower individuals to use their own unique gifts and skills to participate in the garden in meaningful ways, utilizing differences to create a stronger sense of community; and,
Whereas, Community Gardens honor diverse viewpoints, valuing the strengths of each gardener, bridging differences, promoting understanding and developing respect through the unifying act of gardening together; and,
Whereas, Community Gardens help combat food insecurity within the neighborhoods by involving those with various knowledge in gardening and promoting sustainable practices including composting and water conservation.
Now therefore, be it resolved, that it is the desire of the Mayor and High Point City Council to present this resolution to all Community Gardens within the City of High Point in appreciation for their tireless devotion and service and to declare the week of June 24- July 1st as Community Garden Week.
History of High Point Community Gardens
The community gardens have provided a place for individuals and families to grow healthy, nutritious food while enjoying the pleasures and benefits of a natural setting. This opportunity was especially important to people who do not possess garden space of their own.
One of the first community garden started with the Macedonia Family Resource Center Mosaic Community Garden in 2010. The Macedonia Family Resource Center Mosaic Community Garden began through a partnership with Macedonia, Guilford Child Development, and GTCC. Each year on MLK Day, volunteers come together to clear the garden for the upcoming year. These volunteers consisted mainly of HPU Students and people from the city supporting the “Day of Service”.
The Southside Community Garden followed in 2014. The 20 plots in the Southside Community Garden was developed to meet the needs of this neighborhood who came together to grow fruits, vegetables, flowers, and herbs, on common ground. The Southside Neighborhood Association along with Family Service of the Piedmont (Fairview Family Resource Center), Fairview Elementary School, Guilford County Health Department, NC Cooperative Agriculture Extension Master Gardeners and the City of High Point (Parks and Recreation and Community Development & Housing Department) collaborated to make a dream come true for the neighborhood.
The Oakview Community Garden received a grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield and NCRPA in 2012. The garden is maintained by the City of High Point Parks & Recreation Department with a lot of neighborhood participation.
The West End Bountiful Harvest Community Garden was started in 2015 by one of HPU VISTA students after meeting with the community for about a year. Bountiful Harvest has been a bright spot for people in the community for many years and for many more to come.
Through High Point University’s Americorps VISTA program, the Hayden-Harman Foundation facilitated the development of the Cedar Street, Howard Street, and RC Baldwin Avenue gardens in early 2016. All three gardens have expanded since they first began. All three gardens have a shed for tools. All three have had stable leadership which has enabled them to flourish.
The East Avenue garden started in early 2017 with 10 raised beds. The Foundation facilitates monthly community garden leader meetings to support the gardens. Growing High Point also provides assistance to community garden leaders to bring additional resources to support their continued development.
The Burns Hill Community Garden first (20) beds were built on April 24, 2016. In January 2020 we added 10 more beds for a total of 30 now at our garden. Our plans are to add 10 more in April 2021. We hold our National Night Out, Community BBQ and other community events at our garden. The garden has been a community rally place for those in need of food or other resources.
Community gardens has become very popular in the City of High Point. It has taken the collaboration and partnership of many organizations and volunteers to bring people together and provide fresh produce and a healthy way to eat.