Phoenix Community Garden in Brooklyn Marks 10th Community Garden Renovation

Phoenix Community Garden in Brooklyn Marks 10th Community Garden Renovation Partnership for Project EverGreen and NYC Parks GreenThumb

Project EverGreen and NYC Parks GreenThumb will celebrate a significant milestone on Thursday, September 10, when volunteers and green industry partners come together to renovate Phoenix Community Garden in Brooklyn – the organizations’ 10th community garden renovation project together in New York City.

Located in the Ocean Hill-Brownsville neighborhood, Phoenix Community Garden is a half-acre green oasis created from a formerly vacant lot. The garden provides residents with fresh food, green space and a welcoming place to gather, learn and connect with their neighbors.

Phoenix Community Garden in Brooklyn - Project EverGreen

Project EverGreen volunteers and NYC Parks GreenThumb partners transform Phoenix Community Garden in Brooklyn, marking their 10th community garden renovation together.

The transformation continues Project EverGreen’s GreenCare for Communities mission of bringing together volunteers, donors and community partners to create healthier, greener and cooler communities.

“Reaching our 10th renovation project with NYC Parks GreenThumb demonstrates the power of partnership and the lasting impact healthy green spaces can have on communities,” said Cindy Code, executive director of Project EverGreen. “Together, we’re helping Phoenix Community Garden remain a valuable source of fresh food, environmental benefits and community connection for years to come.”

Cultivating Community in Brooklyn

Phoenix Community Garden demonstrates what can happen when residents take ownership of an urban green space. Gardeners transformed what was once a vacant lot into a productive community resource that is open to everyone.

The garden produces nearly 2,000 pounds of beans, corn, collards, bitter melon, tomatoes, zucchini, herbs and callaloo, providing fresh, culturally relevant food for neighborhood residents.

The renovation will focus on improvements designed to make the garden healthier, safer, more accessible and productive. Planned work includes:

  • Improving pathways to provide safer and easier access for visitors of all abilities.
  • Removing overgrown brush and trimming trees where needed to improve access, safety and overall plant health.
  • Adding new plantings to provide seasonal color, support pollinators and strengthen the garden’s long-term sustainability.
  • Enhancing planting beds to increase opportunities for growing fresh food and creating healthier, more productive soil.

“Our community gardens are oases of green within our city, giving New Yorkers a space to connect with the earth and with each other. This transformation of Phoenix Community Garden is a great example of the work we do across the five boroughs to make sure community gardens have the tools and support they need to thrive,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura. “We’re grateful to our partners at Project EverGreen for sharing our commitment to cultivating these vital community spaces, and we’re proud to celebrate our tenth garden renovated together.”

A Decade Plus of Growing Together

The Phoenix Community Garden project extends a partnership that has improved community gardens throughout New York City.

Last year’s GreenCare for Communities project transformed Corona Peach Tree Community Garden in Queens with ADA-friendly pathways, 15 new raised planting beds and approximately 100 pollinator-friendly plants.

The Phoenix Community Garden project builds on that legacy while addressing the specific needs and goals of its gardeners and surrounding neighborhood.

Healthy community green spaces can deliver benefits far beyond their boundaries. Trees, plants and healthy soils help capture pollutants, cool urban neighborhoods, absorb stormwater and support pollinators. Community gardens also provide opportunities for physical activity, access to fresh food, environmental education and stronger connections among neighbors.

Since 2008, Project EverGreen and its partners have renovated community parks and public green spaces representing more than 200 million square feet of living green space nationwide. Through GreenCare for Communities, professional volunteers connect people, plants and communities to maximize the environmental, health and social benefits of well-maintained green spaces.

Partner donors and in-kind supporters for the Phoenix Community Garden project include NYC Parks GreenThumb, Artisan Gardens, Greengage Urbanscape, Landscape SEO, LIMAR Landscape Management, Mike Darling Construction, Outdoor Digs and Plant Detectives.

Continuing to Restore Community Green Spaces

The Tyler Adams Soccer Pitch follows another GreenCare for Communities renovation completed in June at the Yawkey Boys & Girls Club of Roxbury in Boston, where Project EverGreen, Scotts and industry partners restored a heavily used natural grass baseball field.

Through GreenCare for Communities, Project EverGreen continues to partner with companies throughout the green industry to restore parks, athletic fields and other public green spaces. Each project helps create healthier neighborhoods while showcasing the lasting value of professionally maintained landscapes.

 

Tyler Adams Soccer Pitch Opens in Wappinger Falls Following Community Field Restoration

The newly restored Tyler Adams Soccer Pitch at Martz Field is once again ready to serve young athletes and families in Wappinger Falls, New York.

On July 22, Project EverGreen joined Scotts®, U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team standout Tyler Adams, Every Kid Sports, the Town of Wappinger Falls and green industry partners to celebrate the completion of the community athletic field renovation. The project transformed a worn natural grass playing surface into a safe, healthy field where the next generation of athletes can play, learn and grow.

Supported through Scotts’ Keep It Real initiative, the renovation is the latest GreenCare for Communities project led by Project EverGreen. It demonstrates how collaboration across the green industry can create lasting benefits for local communities by investing in healthy green spaces.

A Homecoming for Tyler Adams

For Adams, the ribbon-cutting was more than the opening of a renovated soccer field. It was a return to the place where his own soccer journey began.

“Growing up in Wappinger, this field played an important role in shaping who I am, both as an athlete and as a person,” said Adams. “It’s meaningful to return home and see it ready for the next generation of players. Every kid deserves access to safe places to play, and I’m proud to help bring that opportunity to my hometown community.”

Following the ceremony, Adams met with local youth and families, celebrating a project that reflects his commitment to giving back to the community that helped launch his career.

Green Industry Partners Make the Project Possible

Project EverGreen coordinated the restoration alongside Scotts, Every Kid Sports, the Town of Wappinger Falls and numerous green industry partners that donated products, equipment, expertise and volunteer labor.

Contributing partners included:

Together, these organizations restored the natural grass field while demonstrating the environmental, recreational and community benefits of professionally managed landscapes.

“Projects like this demonstrate what’s possible when the green industry comes together around a common purpose,” said Cindy Code, executive director of Project EverGreen. “From manufacturers and suppliers to contractors and volunteers, every partner played an important role in creating a field that will benefit local athletes and families for years to come. We’re grateful to Scotts, Tyler Adams, Every Kid Sports and everyone who helped make this transformation possible.”

Investing in Youth Sports Through Keep It Real

The Tyler Adams Soccer Pitch project is part of Scotts’ Keep It Real initiative, which helps improve access to high-quality natural grass playing fields so more children can experience the benefits of youth sports and outdoor play.

The initiative partners with organizations like Project EverGreen and Every Kid Sports to create healthier places where children can develop confidence, teamwork and lifelong memories.

“This project represents what Keep It Real is all about – investing in the places where kids can learn, grow and build confidence through playing sports,” said John Sass, senior vice president and general manager of North America at ScottsMiracle-Gro. “Seeing Tyler return home and celebrate a transformation alongside the Wappinger community makes this renovation really special.”

Continuing to Restore Community Green Spaces

The Tyler Adams Soccer Pitch follows another GreenCare for Communities renovation completed in June at the Yawkey Boys & Girls Club of Roxbury in Boston, where Project EverGreen, Scotts and industry partners restored a heavily used natural grass baseball field.

Through GreenCare for Communities, Project EverGreen continues to partner with companies throughout the green industry to restore parks, athletic fields and other public green spaces. Each project helps create healthier neighborhoods while showcasing the lasting value of professionally maintained landscapes.

 

Renewal & Remembrance to Be Led by Project EverGreen Beginning in 2027

Renewal & Remembrance, one of the green industry’s longest-running volunteer service traditions, will begin an exciting new chapter in 2027 as Project EverGreen assumes leadership of the annual initiative at Arlington National Cemetery.

Following the 2026 event, stewardship of Renewal & Remembrance will transition from the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) to Project EverGreen, ensuring the annual day of service continues to honor America’s veterans while engaging lawn and landscape professionals from across the country.

For nearly 30 years, Renewal & Remembrance has united volunteers who generously donate their time, equipment, and expertise to enhance the grounds of Arlington National Cemetery, preserving one of the nation’s most sacred landscapes while paying tribute to the men and women who served.

Renewal & Remembrance - Project EverGreen

Landscape professionals donate their time, talent, and expertise during Renewal & Remembrance, helping preserve the beauty and dignity of Arlington National Cemetery.

“Renewal & Remembrance has always represented the very best of the landscape industry,” said Britt Wood, CEO of NALP. “As NALP looks to the future, we believe Project EverGreen is uniquely positioned to carry this tradition forward. Their history of organizing meaningful community service projects and their commitment to military families, veterans and healthy green spaces make them the ideal organization to lead Renewal & Remembrance into the future.”

Founded by lawn and landscape industry leaders more than two decades ago, Project EverGreen has built a national reputation for mobilizing volunteers, donors, and community partners to restore and maintain healthy green spaces. Through signature initiatives such as GreenCare for Troops and GreenCare for Communities, the nonprofit has developed a proven model for coordinating volunteer projects that serve military families, veterans, and communities nationwide.

“We are honored to be entrusted with the future of Renewal & Remembrance,” said Cindy Code, executive director of Project EverGreen. “This event has a powerful legacy, and we understand the responsibility that comes with caring for sacred ground and honoring those who served our country. Project EverGreen was created to bring the green industry together in service, and we look forward to working with Arlington National Cemetery, volunteers and supporters to preserve this event while building on its impact for years to come.”

To ensure a seamless transition, NALP will continue to champion Renewal & Remembrance while working alongside Project EverGreen to maintain continuity for volunteers, sponsors, and industry partners.

“From the very beginning, Renewal & Remembrance has been bigger than any one organization,” Wood added. “We are proud of what NALP and our members have built, and we are confident that Project EverGreen will build on that legacy.”

This year’s Renewal & Remembrance will take place July 20, 2026, when hundreds of landscape and lawn care professionals will once again gather at Arlington National Cemetery to continue the event’s longstanding mission of caring for one of America’s most treasured green spaces. The event is made possible through the generous support of industry partners, including title sponsor Stanley Black & Decker, along with NALP Elite Partners Aspire Software, Caterpillar, and STIHL.

Additional support is provided by Gold Partners Carter Machinery, John Deere, SiteOne Landscape Supply, and Visterra Landscape Group, as well as Silver Partners Envu, Exmark/Toro, Heritage Landscape Supply Group, Hunter Industries, Proven Winners, RealGreen by WorkWave, and Vermeer.

As Project EverGreen prepares to guide Renewal & Remembrance into its next chapter, the organization’s commitment remains unchanged: bringing the green industry together in service to honor our nation’s heroes while preserving one of America’s most meaningful landscapes for generations to come.

TOCA Volunteers and Project EverGreen Help Cleveland Park Bloom Again

TOCA volunteers and Project EverGreen helped Cleveland’s Helen Simpson Park bloom again as green industry communications professionals from across the country came together on April 29 to revitalize the Cleveland green space through a collaborative day of community service, landscape enhancements, and neighborhood stewardship.

Read More About Helen Simpson Park’s Transformation Through the Years

Led by Project EverGreen, the community refresh project brought together volunteers and industry partners including Yardmaster and Turf Pride Lawn Care to enhance one of the valued green spaces near Cleveland’s Shaker Square neighborhood.

TOCA volunteers - Project EverGreen

Turf and Ornamental Communicators Association (TOCA) volunteers Together, these partners continue to demonstrate how the green industry can create lasting impact well beyond the landscape itself.

The project focused on planting enhancements, landscape bed improvements, pruning, edging, and general park cleanup to create a cleaner, safer, and more welcoming environment for residents and visitors. Project EverGreen originally renovated the park in 2022 with a much-needed facelift to enhance the aesthetic appearance, vibrancy and accessibility to the park. Since then, The Morelands Group, a volunteer group of neighborhood residents, waters the plants, picks up litter and keeps a close eye on their beloved park.

A key component of the volunteer effort included members of the Turf and Ornamental Communicators Association (TOCA), which held its annual conference in Cleveland during the final week of April. TOCA members include writers, editors, podcasters, public relations professionals, marketers, and communications leaders representing companies and organizations across the green industry.

The annual meeting combined professional development, networking, industry education, and hands-on experiences throughout the Cleveland area. As part of the conference, TOCA members wanted to give back to the host city through a meaningful community service project focused on improving a neighborhood park and supporting local residents.

The project was supported through generous plant material donations from Bremec Nursery, Lake County Nursery, Willoway Nurseries, and LaCava Landscape, whose contributions helped transform key areas throughout the park.

The day also highlighted the importance of maintaining healthy green spaces in urban neighborhoods; places that improve community pride, support environmental health, and provide gathering spaces for families and residents.

“This was a wonderful opportunity for TOCA members to get their hands dirty, give back to the host city, and see firsthand how neighborhood parks help bring communities together,” said Cindy Code, executive director of Project EverGreen. “It was especially meaningful to have green industry communicators volunteer their time and talents to help create a more welcoming space for local residents.”

“What a wonderful day at Helen Simpson Park last week,” said Meg Weingart of the Morelands Group. “Thank you so much for bringing TOCA members, Yardmaster, Turf Pride, and of course Project EverGreen to our park. It really meant a lot to us, and the park looks fantastic.”

Susan Rotatori of the Morelands Group also shared her appreciation for the project and volunteers.

“The Morelands Group cannot thank Project EverGreen enough for all the donated wonderful plants and all the people power to get it planted and landscaped,” said Rotatori. “The park never looked so inviting and beautiful. We’re a little park, but it means so much to many.”

Volunteers worked side-by-side with community stakeholders to install new plant material around the park fountain and sidewalk areas, edge landscape beds, prune shrubs, remove debris, and refresh the appearance of the park ahead of the busy spring and summer seasons.

Projects like Helen Simpson Park reflect Project EverGreen’s ongoing commitment to creating greener, healthier, cooler communities through collaborative green space revitalization efforts nationwide.

Project EverGreen extends sincere appreciation to all volunteers, donors, and partners who helped make the day possible:

Get Involved

Ready to make a lasting impact beyond your own lawn? Join Project EverGreen in restoring and sustaining healthy green spaces for communities in need. Whether you volunteer your time, become a program sponsor, or make a donation, your support helps transform underperforming turf into vibrant, functional spaces that improve quality of life.

Get involved with a community park renovation project and be part of creating greener, healthier, cooler communities.

 

Shared Values and Measurable Impact: How Hunter Industries and Project EverGreen Are Advancing Healthier Communities

Shared values and measurable impact are at the heart of the long-standing partnership between Hunter Industries and Project EverGreen. Together, both organizations recognize that healthy, well-managed landscapes do more than enhance curb appeal, they strengthen communities, support environmental resilience, and improve quality of life.

In this Project EverGreen Partner Q&A, Warren Gorowitz, Director of Sustainability and Social Impact at Hunter Industries, shares how a commitment to responsible water management and community investment continues to drive meaningful progress for green spaces across the country.

What inspired Hunter to get involved, and why has that commitment remained strong over the years?

Hunter Industries has always believed that healthy landscapes are essential to thriving communities. Our involvement with Project EverGreen was a natural extension of that belief, supporting an organization that champions the environmental and social value of green spaces aligns closely with our purpose. What has kept that commitment strong is the tangible impact Project EverGreen delivers. Whether it is revitalizing community parks or supporting military families through GreenCare for Troops, their work consistently demonstrates how landscapes improve quality of life. That combination of shared values and measurable outcomes continues to reinforce our long-term partnership

Shared Values and Measurable Impact - Project EverGreen

Healthy, well-managed landscapes do more than enhance curb appeal – they strengthen communities, support environmental resilience, and improve quality of life. That shared commitment is what brings Hunter Industries and Project EverGreen together, including Hunter’s support of the 2017 ballfield renovation in San Marcos, California – home to the company’s headquarters.

How does Project EverGreen’s mission align with Hunter Industries’ approach to sustainability and responsible water management?

Project EverGreen’s focus on the environmental, social, and economic benefits of green spaces closely mirrors Hunter’s holistic approach to sustainability. At Hunter, we think about sustainability not just in terms of resource efficiency, but in how landscapes contribute to climate resilience, human well-being, and community vitality. Responsible water management is central to that, ensuring landscapes are both beautiful and efficient. Project EverGreen helps elevate that conversation by highlighting the broader value of managed green spaces and reinforcing that well-designed and properly maintained landscapes are part of the solution, not the problem.

Why is it important for companies like Hunter to support initiatives that demonstrate the real-world value of managed landscapes?

There is often a disconnect between perception and reality when it comes to landscapes. Initiatives like the Clean Air Calculator and community revitalization projects help quantify and visualize the real benefits, including carbon sequestration, temperature reduction, and improved mental health. For companies like Hunter, supporting this work is critical because it brings credibility and clarity to the role our industry plays. It helps shift the narrative from landscapes as purely aesthetic to landscapes as essential infrastructure. That understanding is key to driving better policy, smarter water use, and more sustainable practices overall

Why is it important for industry leaders to give back and invest in the communities they serve?

The green industry is uniquely positioned at the intersection of environment and community. The work we do shapes the spaces where people live, gather, and connect. With that influence comes a responsibility to give back. When industry leaders invest in communities, whether through volunteerism, funding, or partnerships, they help ensure that the benefits of green spaces are accessible to everyone. It also strengthens the industry itself by building trust, demonstrating value, and inspiring the next generation of professionals. Giving back is not just the right thing to do, it is essential for long-term impact and relevance

What opportunities do you see for continued collaboration between Hunter Industries and Project EverGreen?

Looking ahead, there is a strong opportunity to deepen our collaboration around education, advocacy, and measurable impact. As water scarcity and climate pressures continue to evolve, we can work together to promote best practices in sustainable landscape design and irrigation. Expanding tools that quantify environmental benefits, supporting more community-based projects, and elevating the role of efficient water use in healthy landscapes are all areas where we can make a meaningful difference together. Ultimately, our shared goal is to ensure that green spaces remain a vital, sustainable part of communities across the country, and that is a mission we are excited to continue advancing with Project EverGreen.

Warren Gorowitz, CLIA, EMSL is Director, Sustainability and Social Impact for Hunter Industries – a GreenCare for Communities donor partner. He is member of Project EverGreen’s Advisory Council.

Join the Mission – Learn More About Project EverGreen

Whether you volunteer, partner, or advocate, you play a role. Explore how you can get involved and discover the impact of green spaces in your own community. Because when we can measure the difference, we can multiply it.

Learn more about our initiatives and programs, and see where you can lend your time and talents.