Growing Together: Horticulture Sundays at Ocean Bay
If it’s Sunday, it’s a day in the garden at Ocean Bay Cornerstone Community Center!
It all began on July 26, when participants ranging in age from 11 to 14 planted their first seeds: string beans. Since then, they’ve been returning every Sunday for what has become known as Horticulture Sundays.
“The participants very much enjoyed themselves and look forward to returning every Sunday!” said Senior Program Director Rob Closs.
These young people are continuing a meaningful legacy at Ocean Bay. Seven years ago, then-Program Director Deborah Hoyle, Ph.D., started a hydroponic garden at the center. Hydroponics is the practice of growing plants in a nutrient-rich water solution instead of soil. Dr. Hoyle had seen two needs in the Rockaway community: fresh produce was scarce and often expensive, and opportunities for STEAM programming were limited—so she did something about it.
The garden grew an abundance of produce, including lettuce, cucumbers, and herbs. A reservoir irrigation system kept the plants hydrated, and participants became adept at managing the system themselves. The harvest made its way to students in the center’s culinary arts program, creating a true win-win: Participants had a hands-on opportunity to explore scientific concepts and see themselves as scientists, while families gained access to fresh, nutritious ingredients to cook with. The whole operation reflected the innovative spirit Child Center leaders are known for.
Sadly, Dr. Hoyle passed away five years ago. Her legacy lives on in countless ways here at Ocean Bay. This new garden is one of them. The garden is directly across the street from the community center at Rockaway Roots Urban Farms, which is managed by the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation. Dr. Hoyle initiated a partnership with the very same farm, while it was managed by a provider organization.
Every Sunday, as new seeds are planted and young gardeners return to tend them, that legacy continues to grow.
The garden is also growing a new generation of young people who are finding within themselves the initiative and determination to start something new, tend to it carefully, and watch it bloom into something beautiful.
"I enjoyed planting the seeds. It was amazing to see the progress!" said Miracle, now in sixth grade and a regular at the garden.
Carlos, also in sixth grade, agreed: "I liked that we were working as a team. I enjoyed planting and looking at the growth process!"
Special thanks to the NYC Parks Department for their partnership and to our Activity Specialist Fatiha Mannan, a dedicated community member who works with our youth and was the architect behind the summer program. Fatiha reinitiated a partnership with the Parks Department staff to bring our young people to the garden, and we couldn’t be more grateful. We are fortunate to have so many team members at Ocean Bay Cornerstone who serve as relatable role models and work every day to create opportunities for the community’s youth to discover their own potential.
