The Somerville Community Growing Center is much more than a green space; it is where community grows. Situated on a ¼ acre of gently sloped hillside near bustling Union Square, Somerville - a rapidly-changing neighborhood in the most densely populated city in Massachusetts - it hosts rich programming including nature education and cultural performances and offers unique volunteer opportunities. Just two blocks down the hill from the brand-new high school, the library, and City Hall in one direction, and three blocks in the other direction from Union Square’s popular cafes, restaurants and retail - plus the established seasonal Saturday Union Square Farmers Market and popular Bow Market development - it is a wellspring of nature in the midst of a busy urban hub.  

 

Initiated in 1994, the Center is a model for urban land use and collaboration between city government and local nonprofit and community agencies. This urban oasis was designed and built by local residents and is maintained by volunteers.

 

The Friends of the Community Growing Center is the non-profit organization that oversees the Center. A volunteer group, it coordinates on-site concerts, festivals, wellness, educational programs and other events, free to the public.

 

The Center provides a hands-on learning environment for local preschool children and people of all ages to learn about the natural world and urban agriculture, as well as space to simply play outdoors in a non-manicured space. Although through our Children in Nature Initiative, our primary focus is on young children, we are re-establishing partnerships and relationships with a diverse group of area nonprofits with a wide audience of participants. Additionally, our Open Hours offer everyone in Somerville a chance to come explore the space to relax, learn, play, picnic, or just be in nature. 

 

More about our History

More about our Children in Nature Initiative

More about our Site Renovation