To transform an empty field into a programmable greenspace, nurturing connection among community
members and providing educational opportunities while mitigating local flooding and stormwater issues.

The diversity of organizations engaged in this project – from a social service agency, to federal health
agency, to environmental nonprofit, to municipal partner, to funders – and the attention that has been
given to keeping all partners in regular communication with one another around shared goals – has been
crucial to success. Further, though addressing issues like a city’s long-term climate resiliency can feel
massive and overwhelming, there is surprising pride in taking small steps, like adding green infrastructure
to a 0.54-acre empty lot, that can build momentum and inspire others to lead to more systemic and lasting
impacts.

Some key lessons are:

• It is important to hold onto the team’s guiding vision to persevere through obstacles and to
  ultimately achieve the project goal.
• Community power lies in collective devotion to see each other in each other and recognize a
  shared humanity.
• It is critical to recognize that systemic change involves long-term, sustained efforts to be achieved.
• Regular team meetings aid in project process and establishing good communication and trust.
• To be successful, the team must stay committed to the vision