Corona Peach Tree Community Garden in Queens Receives Project EverGreen Renovation

Project EverGreen, in partnership with the New York City Parks Department’s GreenThumb division, is proud to announce its 10^th GreenCare for Communities renovation project in New York City – the transformation of the Corona Peach Tree Community Garden at 54-01 101st Street in Corona, Queens. The renovation was completed on September 17, 2025.

With an estimated project value of $50,000 and $30,000 in volunteer time, this effort marks the first GreenCare for Communities project in Queens and underscores the power of healthy green spaces to create greener, healthier, cooler communities.

A Garden That Brings People Together

Nestled beside Louis Simone Park, the Corona Peach Tree Community Garden is a small but vibrant oasis where neighbors grow food, connect with nature, and celebrate community. Volunteer gardeners often share fresh produce, honey, and even tours with visitors. The garden is more than just green space; it is a place for families to learn, children to explore, and neighbors to gather; as well as a respite from the heat of the city.

Project Scope

The renovation will focus on access, growing capacity, and long-term durability:

• Installation of 100 feet of ADA-friendly pathways made from brick and bluestone to improve safety and accessibility.
• Construction and filling of 15 new raised planting beds to expand food production and improve soil health.
• Planting approximately 100 pollinator-friendly plants to add beauty, biodiversity, and resilience.

These improvements will ensure that the Corona Peach Tree Community Garden thrives as a welcoming, functional, and sustainable space for years to come.

Why Green Spaces Matter

In a dense urban environment like New York City, community gardens deliver outsized benefits:

• Cleaner air and cooler blocks through reduced heat island effects.
• Better stormwater management and flood prevention.
• Improved public health, with access to nature linked to lower stress and more opportunities for physical activity.
• Increased food access and education through community-grown produce.
• Strengthened biodiversity and pollinator support.
• Greater community cohesion, safety, and pride of place.

“Every renovation brings not just new pathways or planting beds, but a stronger, healthier, and more connected community,” said Cindy Code, executive director of Project EverGreen. “The Corona Peach Tree Community Garden is a perfect example of how green spaces can transform lives and neighborhoods.”

A Legacy of Impact in NYC

Corona Peach Tree marks Project EverGreen’s 10^th NYC community garden renovation. Past projects include Liberty Island (2014), Clinton Community Garden (2018-19), Jackie Robinson Community Garden (2020), Wishing Well Community Garden (2021), Bradhurst Garden (2022), Pappa & Momma Jones Historical Garden (2023), and Joe Holzka Community Garden (2024).

“Community gardens are labors of love. Having highly skilled volunteers create new pathways, raised beds, and gathering spaces makes a huge difference in ensuring these green oases are accessible and welcoming for all New Yorkers,” said Carlos Martinez, Chief of NYC Parks GreenThumb. “We are proud to mark our 10th collaboration with Project EverGreen at the Corona Peach Tree Community Garden, helping bring the gardeners’ vision to life and strengthening this space as a resource for the entire community.”

With every project, Project EverGreen and its partners reaffirm the vital role that accessible, well-maintained and healthy green spaces play in creating resilient, thriving communities.

Community Benefits 

New York City’s dense neighborhoods need healthy green spaces to balance the built environment. Community gardens like Corona Peach Tree deliver outsized benefits for residents and the city as a whole:

• Cleaner air and cooler blocks: Trees and plants capture pollutants and lower street-level temperatures, reducing urban heat island effects during summer heat waves.
• Stormwater management: Rain gardens, soil, and permeable areas soak up stormwater, helping reduce flooding and easing pressure on the city’s drainage system.
• Public health and wellbeing: Access to nature is linked to lower stress, improved mental health, and more opportunities for everyday physical activity.
• Food access and education: Community plots provide fresh, culturally relevant produce and hands-on learning for youth and adults.
• Biodiversity and pollinators: Native plants and flowering beds support bees, butterflies, and birds – critical for a resilient urban ecosystem.
• Community cohesion and safety: Shared stewardship fosters neighbor-to-neighbor connections, volunteerism, and pride of place, which can positively impact neighborhood safety.
• Climate resilience and equity: Green spaces make neighborhoods more resilient to extreme weather and deliver environmental benefits that support NYC’s broader equity goals.

About Project EverGreen

Project EverGreen is a national nonprofit organization committed to bringing people together to create and maintain healthy green spaces in communities where they’re needed most. Through our GreenCare for Troops, GreenCare for Communities, and educational initiatives, we promote the vital role that yards, parks, and public landscapes play in enhancing quality of life, supporting environmental health, and building stronger communities. As a trusted source for sustainable landscaping information and advocacy, Project EverGreen empowers homeowners, businesses, and volunteers to grow a greener, healthier, cooler Earth – one green space at a time. Learn more at www.ProjectEverGreen.org.