05/20/2026
Hi Community Members,
We here at Banana Kelly are proud to share that The College Avenue Community Garden of Hope got a full refresh this week, and we’re grateful for every hand that showed up.
Thank you to our partners at Acacia Network for bringing strong energy, harm‑reduction values, and real labor to this cleanup effort.
We also want to uplift Ms. Wanda Sweeney longtime garden steward, resident council leader, and the heart of this green space.
For decades, Ms. Sweeney has protected, nurtured, and fought for this garden on College Avenue, right across from Patterson Houses. Her leadership keeps this space alive for the community.
Together, we cleared overgrowth, opened up pathways, and prepared the garden for a season of growth, gathering, and healing.
This is what Bronx collaboration looks like organizations, residents, and elders working side by side to care for the land and each other.
If you’d like to get involved with the College Avenue Community Garden of Hope or support future green‑space work, contact:
Shen’naque Sean Butler [email protected] | 516‑669‑0218