McQuesten Urban Farm
McQuesten Urban Farm
Hamilton, Ontario
Size
125372 square feet
Year
2016
Age Group
All Ages
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Overview:
An award-winning collaborative project that is feeding local residents, offering employment opportunities, and facilitating relationships in the community.
As part of an initiative to increase food security in the McQuesten area, Bienenstock designed this natural playground and helped to develop the 3+ acre urban farm in the green space behind the former St. Helen’s school in Hamilton Ontario. Not only does the MaQuesten urban farm address the issue of securing a nutritious and sustainable food source for the community, but is creating a positive change in the neighbourhood by empowering members of the community; creating team building opportunities, helping to develop skills that are transferable to the workplace, and by minimizing stigma against receiving subsidized or free food.
Project Background, Public Input and Goals
Designed by nature play and outdoor education specialists Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds, McQuesten Urban Farm is the first of its kind in Hamilton, Ontario. The urban farm provides an inclusive and welcoming space for the McQuesten neighbourhood. Fresh produce is available to residents for greater food security, opportunities for social enterprise, volunteer, skill-building, environmental and food education are just some of the benefits of the farm. The McQuesten Urban Farm is a Neighbourhood Action Strategy partnership between the McQuesten Community Planning Team, City of Hamilton and the Social Planning and Research Council.
