Community gardens are green spaces that are communally cultivated and cared for; these spaces may consist of individually worked plots, communally tended areas, sitting areas, and small-scale children's play areas.  Urban farms are similar, but are cultivated by a single individual or organization.  Community gardening is an effective community-building strategy that contributes to neighborhood revitalization, beautification, crime deterrence, and enhanced property values.  

Community gardens are a source of fresh and healthy food for the gardeners, often food that is a critical supplement to a family’s resources.   In 2008, the Boston Natural Areas Network completed a 3 year study indicating that $1.2 million of food is grown each year in approximately 300 garden plots in the City of Boston, equivalent to $431 per gardener.  Community gardens are especially important to seniors and immigrants, who value community gardening for social benefits and opportunity to grow culturally appropriate food.  Gardens are integral to the active living of residents, providing a source of recreation and increasing appreciation of natural beauty.

Most community gardens are supported by resident advocates and volunteers, some of whom benefit from the support of organizations such as the Boston Natural Areas Network.  New and expanded networks of community gardens and gardeners, with increased support from organizations and municipalities, can support advocacy, collaborative resource development, and dissemination of best practices.  

While some community gardens are permanently protected through ownership or easement, others have no such protection (including many publicly-owned community gardens).  Municipalities should enact policies (such as a zoning designation) that prohibit or restrict the development of community gardens
There is also a need for safe gardening and soil remediation strategies to lower pollutant levels of contaminants that may exist in garden soil due to the use of railroad ties and pressure-treated lumber as plot dividers. 

20.a    Create local and regional community garden networks

20.b    Municipalities should adopt Urban Garden Zoning to designate and protect community gardens.

20.c    Municipalities, nonprofits, and institutions should collaborate to apply best practices for remediation of contamination at community gardens and urban agriculture sites

20.d    Municipalities should partner with immigrant advocacy organizations to develop new community gardens

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