Project EverGreen, in partnership with the New York City Parks Department’s GreenThumb division, is proud to announce the completion of its 10th GreenCare for Communities renovation project in New York City – the transformation of the Corona Peach Tree Community Garden at 54-01 101st Street in Corona, Queens. The renovation was completed on September 17, 2025.
With an estimated project value of $50,000 and $30,000 in volunteer time, this effort marks the first GreenCare for Communities project in Queens and underscores the power of healthy green spaces to create greener, healthier, cooler communities.
Photos by Christian Hernandez and Luke Truetken
A garden that brings people together
Nestled beside Louis Simone Park, the Corona Peach Tree Community Garden is a small but vibrant oasis where neighbors grow food, connect with nature, and celebrate community. Volunteer gardeners often share fresh produce, honey, and even tours with visitors. The garden is more than just green space; it is a place for families to learn, children to explore, and neighbors to gather, as well as a respite from the heat of the city.
Project scope
The renovation focused on access, growing capacity, and long-term durability:
- Installed 100 feet of ADA-friendly pathways made from brick and bluestone to improve safety and accessibility.
- Constructed and filled 15 new raised planting beds to expand food production and improve soil health.
- Planted approximately 100 pollinator-friendly plants to add beauty, biodiversity, and resilience.
These improvements ensure that the Corona Peach Tree Community Garden thrives as a welcoming, functional, and sustainable space for years to come.
Photos by Christian Hernandez and Luke Truetken
Why green spaces matter
In a dense urban environment like New York City, community gardens deliver outsized benefits:
- Cleaner air and cooler blocks through reduced heat island effects.
- Better stormwater management and flood prevention.
- Improved public health, with access to nature linked to lower stress and more opportunities for physical activity.
- Increased food access and education through community-grown produce.
- Strengthened biodiversity and pollinator support.
- Greater community cohesion, safety, and pride of place.
“Every renovation brings not just new pathways or planting beds, but a stronger, healthier, and more connected community,” said Cindy Code, executive director of Project EverGreen. “The Corona Peach Tree Community Garden is a perfect example of how green spaces can transform lives and neighborhoods.”
A Legacy of Impact in NYC
Corona Peach Tree marks Project EverGreen’s 10th NYC community garden renovation. Past projects include Liberty Island (2014), Clinton Community Garden (2018-19), Jackie Robinson Community Garden (2020), Wishing Well Community Garden (2021), Bradhurst Garden (2022), Pappa & Momma Jones Historical Garden (2023), and Joe Holzka Community Garden (2024).
“Community gardens are labors of love. Having highly skilled volunteers create new pathways, raised beds, and gathering spaces makes a huge difference in ensuring these green oases are accessible and welcoming for all New Yorkers,” said Carlos Martinez, Chief of NYC Parks GreenThumb. “We are proud to celebrate our 10th collaboration with Project EverGreen at the Corona Peach Tree Community Garden, helping bring the gardeners’ vision to life and strengthening this space as a resource for the entire community.”
With every project, Project EverGreen and its partners reaffirm the vital role that accessible, well-maintained, and healthy green spaces play in creating resilient, thriving communities.
