Making the Greenway Accessible to ALL
We are incredibly proud to announce the Designing and building of the first truly ADA-accessible garden in the Richmond community!
This project began years ago, inspired by heartfelt conversations with our community members about how we could improve our gardens to offer greater access and inclusivity. Urban Tilth’s goal was to ensure that local seniors and individuals with disabilities could fully engage in the joys of gardening—whether it’s tending to edible plants, nurturing pollinator habitats, or simply connecting with nature—along the Richmond Greenway.
Designed with accessibility at its core, this garden will provide a welcoming environment for seniors, wheelchair users, and those with mobility challenges. Beyond its accessibility, the project also addresses a long-standing issue by transforming a site previously plagued by illegal dumping into a vibrant, much-needed community asset.
Together, we’re cultivating not just a garden, but a space where everyone can grow, thrive, and find connection.
Timeline
- 2022: Secured the grant.
- 2023 & 2024 : Community Outreach:
- We hosted 7 design sessions with 163 community participants. Our first survey, open to all community members, their families, and caregivers, provided an opportunity for locals to shape the project. The final design unveiling celebration was attended by 36 community members. We also distributed a second survey focusing on the planting plan and the selection of produce for the garden.
- We hosted 7 unique design sessions which involved 163 participants from the community.
- We released our first survey which was open to all community members, their families, and caregivers—giving locals the opportunity to impact their community.
- We hosted a final design unveiling celebration which was attended by 36 community members.
- We sent out our second survey which focused on the planting plan for what produce would be planted in the garden.
- We hosted 7 design sessions with 163 community participants. Our first survey, open to all community members, their families, and caregivers, provided an opportunity for locals to shape the project. The final design unveiling celebration was attended by 36 community members. We also distributed a second survey focusing on the planting plan and the selection of produce for the garden.
- 2025: Groundbreaking Ceremony and Construction + the Grand Opening.
Proposed Features
The project will widen walkways throughout the edible forest and from 17th Street, ensuring safe access for individuals using wheelchairs. It features specially designed beds that accommodate seated gardening, shaded areas with trees, an ADA-accessible water fountain, and fencing with joyful signage to welcome seniors and individuals with disabilities. These thoughtful additions, inspired by direct input from local seniors and disabled individuals, create opportunities for active living, meaningful connections, and a space where their voices and needs have been truly heard and honored.
Location
The garden will be located at 17th Street along the Richmond Greenway, in a currently vacant area adjacent to the Edible Forest Garden, originally intended as a resource for the park. Sadly, this space has become a hotspot for illegal dumping. By transforming it into a vibrant, welcoming garden designed especially for elders and individuals with disabilities, we aim to deter dumping, foster community pride, and inspire local residents to cherish and protect this special space and those who will benefit from it.
Curious to dive deeper into this project?
For additional information or to actively participate contact us at greenway@urbantilth.org
The ADA Accessible Garden on the Richmond Greenway is supported by California Strategic Growth Council’s Transformative Climate Communities Program