With the addition of the JSOSP Community Garden to the City's Strategic Plan for 2026-27 (see page 6: https://www.alamedaca.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/alameda-pio/progress-report_alameda-strategic-plan-2026-2027.pdf) the community garden is finally moving forward. At the last Recreation and Park Commission meeting on May 14, 2026, Director Justin Long gave an update on the Community Garden at JSOSP. Expected start date of construction is this coming August!
Last week, ABG representative, Birgitt Evans, joined Assistant Director Matt Nolan for a walk-through of the “wild” garden site entering from the Eighth Street side. The area is currently dense with grasses, fennel, blackberry, acacia, and other overgrowth — making for quite an adventurous trek through the future garden space!
One major highlight: between 12 and 15 young oak trees have been identified within the approximately two-acre garden area. Most have now been tagged for preservation, with the goal of keeping as many healthy oaks as possible as planning moves forward.
Site preparation will be a significant undertaking. Current estimates to clear vegetation and debris, grade the site, and chip invasive plants are between $100,000 and $120,000. Plans also include a setback from the Eighth Street entrance, as well as identifying practical locations for composting areas, deliveries, and other garden infrastructure.
Importantly, the garden design will remain flexible as the site evolves. Existing trees, shade patterns, access needs, and educational spaces will all help shape the final layout.
The visit was an exciting reminder that this long-awaited community garden is becoming more real every day. As costs and opportunities become clearer, ABG may also begin exploring community fundraising and crowdfunding opportunities to help bring the full vision to life.
Stay tuned for more updates — and thank you for growing this vision with us!
