The location of the Community Teaching Garden Literacy Project is West Boylston Drive. This site was the location of the former West Boylston Street School.

 

By 2018, the site had become a visible eyesore to the community. There was 40-year-old metal barrier wall which was in a complete state of disrepair. The land was filled with dense vegetation, overgrowth, and trees which had not been maintained and were in dangerous condition to the community. 

 

The Indian Lake Community Association led a community effort with the DOT and other community partners to rehabilitate the site. Together, they replaced the barrier wall. They removed the overgrown vegetation and damaged trees. In their place, new trees, shrubs and plants were added, creating a fresh and vibrant new community space. In March of 2021, ILCA, numerous community partners, and volunteers from Carpenters Union Local 336 assisted in constructing 20 raised garden beds. Furthermore, a garden curriculum was developed in partnership with Regional Environmental Council, New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, and the Massachusetts Collaborative. This curriculum development project was led by Andrea Cameron, a Forest Grove Middle School English teacher and Coordinator of the after-school garden club. 

​

The story of this garden is far from over. It will be used to build a healthy, connected community by providing a living laboratory for students to learn about plant science, biodiversity, food and water insecurity, and land stewardship. This garden will inspire students to become agents of change, future change-makers, and positive global citizens.