Homegrown: Mound View Garden Build Out

Good news for Mound View, with the announcement of a new community garden to bring together a neighborhood that just lost its school.

The following is from the Mound View Neighborhood Association and Matthew 25:

The Mound View neighborhood has experienced its share of challenges. In recent months, one of the most significant challenges facing families was the decision to repurpose Polk Elementary from the elementary school that numerous families call home. Although kids will be continuing their schooling in other areas, Mound View will always be a home, a source of learning, and a place to gather.

The Mound View Neighborhood Association, Cedar Rapids Community School District, Coe College, and Matthew 25 are teaming up. With financial and in-kind support from local businesses, organizations, and individuals we will build and establish a neighborhood garden at 1424 B Ave. NE (west of the fire station). We want you to get your hands dirty with us.

Green thumbs of the community are encouraged to join fellow neighbors for the Mound View Garden Build Out event! But you don't have a green thumb? No problem! Matthew 25 has the best in town. You can help move dirt, keep volunteers watered, or simply give handshakes and smiles from 1-5pm on Sunday, June 3rd.

If you are not able to attend the Build Out event, but would still like to help, please contact Nicole Sales at

(319) 310-0605 for more information on monetary donations and donations of gardening supplies.

Obviously, the garden will grow vegetables, right? Of course. So what other reasons make this important

to the Mound View neighborhood and our community? Gardens naturally gather people together. Our

children will learn about healthy eating, math, science, etc. They will also learn the importance of being

responsible individuals. And of course they'll be able to reunite with friends from school and cultivate

life-long relationships.

With the help of volunteers, fresh vegetables will be harvested by Matthew 25 staff that will be available at

the garden throughout the growing season. The food will then be provided to families of the neighborhood,

volunteers, and even local restaurants. Please contact Matthew 25 at (319) 362-2214 for more information on

vegetables from the garden.

To become a part of the event, simply show up! Tell us what you would like to help with and we'll point the way.