POSTED BY Taylor Casale June 26, 2024
At BestPLUS, we are committed to providing innovative and sustainable solutions for communities nationwide. Our plastic lumber, made from 98% recycled materials, is designed to be durable, versatile, and environmentally friendly. We are proud to have recently contributed to a significant community initiative in Somerville, MA—the Glen Park Community Garden Expansion Project.
BestPLUS plastic lumber boards in the color cedar used to make raised garden beds.
The Glen Park Community Garden Expansion Project
The Glen Park community garden, purchased by the city of Somerville in 2017, aimed to revitalize the land both visually and functionally. With a strong focus on sustainability, the city, under the leadership of Mayor Ballantyne and the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development’s (OSPCD) Public Space and Urban Forestry Division, sought materials that aligned with their eco-friendly goals. After putting the project up for bid with a requirement for sustainably sourced materials, BestPLUS was selected by the city’s contractor for the project.
Glen Park before the ground-breaking ceremony in 2023.
Why BestPLUS?
Jim Nishina, Project Manager at JJ Phelan & Son Co., chose BestPLUS plastic lumber for this project. With our lumber being inherently sustainable, as it is composed of 98% recycled plastic, this not only aligns perfectly with the city's environmental objectives but also provides a durable and long-lasting solution for the community garden. Jim and his team chose us to execute this project for our plastics recycling initiatives, competitive pricing, and board sizes.
The JJ Phelan & Son Co. team installing one of 18 raised garden beds on site.
Our Contribution
The Glen Park Community Garden project saw the construction of 18 raised garden beds, with various levels of accessibility, including beds specifically designed for gardeners in wheelchairs. From January 2024 to May 2024, our high-quality plastic lumber was transformed into these raised beds, creating a beautiful and functional space for the community. Several of our board profiles were used to create these beds, including our 1x4 boards, 2x4 boards, and 4x4 boards.
A portion of the beds at Glen Park in Somerville, MA.
Impact on the Community
The garden beds have already been allocated to 18 city residents, who can now grow produce of their choice in this newly expanded garden space. This initiative provides a source of fresh produce and promotes community welfare and engagement. The use of BestPLUS plastic lumber ensures that the garden beds are accessible, durable, low-maintenance, and environmentally friendly, aligning with the city's sustainability goals.
Mayor Ballantyne State Representative Mike Connolly, staff from OSPCD (multiple divisions), Roberta Cameron – OSPCD’s Community Preservation Act Manager, members of the Somerville Commission for Persons with Disabilities, and staff from Groundwork Somerville cutting the ceremonial ribbon May 4, 2024.
Looking Ahead
BestPLUS is proud to have played a key role in the Glen Park Community Garden Expansion Project. This project is a testament to the power of sustainable materials and their potential to transform community spaces. We look forward to continuing our mission of providing eco-friendly solutions that benefit communities and the environment.
By choosing BestPLUS recycled plastic lumber, cities and organizations can support sustainability efforts while creating durable, long-lasting spaces for their communities. We are excited to see the positive impact of the Glen Park Community Garden and are committed to supporting similar initiatives in the future.
If you have questions surrounding the community garden, visit the city’s project page here. For more information about BestPLUS plastic lumber and our projects, visit our website or contact us directly.
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