gardens in lynn
Lynn has a growing city-wide community garden network thanks to the collaborative work of the Lynn Food and Fitness Alliance (Now known as the Lynn Food Security Taskforce), the Parks and Recreation Department, The Food Project, and a variety of community organizations. This community garden program seeks to develop spaces for residents to cultivate community and enhance food access. There are currently 10 community gardens in Lynn including 4 sites at LHAND residences, 1 managed by the YMCA, 2 managed by The Food Project, and 3 in public parks. For more information about garden policy and how to get a community garden plot, keep reading. To stay up-to-date on community garden happenings, check out the Lynn Community Gardens Facebook Page.
New Farm at Lynn Vocational Technical Institute
The farm will provide opportunities for residents of all generations to get their hands in the soil and grow fresh produce for their families and neighbors. In 2020, The Food Project’s youth crews broke ground for a new farm at Lynn Vocational Technical Institute (Lynn Tech). Working with shovels and rakes, youth and staff spread 100 tons of gravel and 360 cubic yards of nutrient-rich soil that will serve as a foundation for a multicultural, multigenerational community growing space. Thanks to this project, teenagers working at The Food Project, students of Lynn Tech, and local residents will get their hands in the dirt and tend to fruits, vegetables, and herbs—all while giving back to the community. This seed is now taking root at a time when access to affordable, fresh food could not be more important. With a farm right on the Lynn Tech campus, The Food Project can grow more culturally diverse crops for distribution and offer space for residents to grow the varieties that they love for their own families. From the moment the first shovel hit the ground, neighbors have stopped by to ask questions about and express enthusiasm for the soon-to-be urban oasis.
Cook St Park Community Garden
Garden policy
In 2015, the Park Commission approved Lynn's first garden policy, which allows Lynn residents to petition for a community garden in any City-owned parks. This policy was developed by LFFA staff in partnership with community organizations. In order to apply for a new community garden, you must have a garden group with at least three volunteer gardeners and a designated Garden Coordinator to act as liaison between the City and the community garden.
Garden Plots in Lynn
Lynn community garden plots are assigned each year by a lottery process, to ensure that the process is as fair as possible, and the cost is $25. Plots in Warren Park and Ames Community Gardens were available this growing season.
Because this information is subject to change at any time, contact the following for any questions:
Mary Gatlin - lynncommunitygardens@gmail.com or (781) 691-5246
Tish Mukala - (781) 469-5162
In 2022, Lynn Grows partnered with Mass General Brigham Health Care Center in Lynn to build 18 raised beds behind the hospital. These beds are meant to provide produce to patients at Mass General Brigham as part of their Food Is Medicine program. For more information, please contact Hazel:
Lynn Medical Village (480 Lynnfield Street)
Hazel Kiefer - hkiefer@thefoodproject.org
Constructing garden plots at Ames Community Garden
