Rock Hill Community Garden Faces Closure for New Recreation Site

Plans to put in recreational facilities where Rock Hill's community garden now sits has sparked strong pushback from South Side residents who depend on the space to feed their families.

As the city pushes to add more recreational spaces, neighbors are working to save their garden. The situation highlights the challenges of meeting different community needs in limited urban areas.

Started in 2021 with help from local groups and city workers, the plot now feeds both bodies and minds. Kids and adults pick up tips about growing food, cooking, and healthy eating through hands-on classes.

Residents want to keep both garden plots and play areas. While city leaders say they'll look into this option, they haven't given a timeline for their decision. The uncertainty worries gardeners who've put in countless hours of work.

In a neighborhood with no grocery stores nearby, the two-year-old garden provides essential fresh food.

"This garden has become a beacon of hope for the community," said Jonathan Nazeer, who leads Victory Gardens International, to wcnc.com. Time spent in green spaces helps people stay mentally and physically healthy.

Local schools and businesses support the garden, seeing its value for education and health. People are getting together to figure out how to protect their beloved space from development.

Without access to cars, many South Side families have trouble getting fresh vegetables. The garden lets them grow food right near home, a crucial resource they're fighting to keep.

Through hands-on work, people learn how to grow food at home. These skills spread from garden to dinner table, transforming how families eat and live.