On September 21, 2023, the ParKit team set up outside Walter Salvo House, a low-income housing development established for older folks. The ParKit was invited to Walter Salvo as part of their one year anniversary of collaboration with Grow Food Northampton. The collaboration between Walter Salvo and Grow Food was funded by the American Rescue Plan, which paid for the construction of 22 community garden plots behind Walter Salvo. The gardens have helped residents fight COVID-19 related isolation (Lingle 2023). They have bonded over shared labor and spending time outside.
The celebration at Walter Salvo was a bustling success. Over the course of the event (which took place from 4:30-7:30PM), around a hundred people came to enjoy the festivities. Notable attendees included Massachusetts Senator Jo Comerford, Northampton Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra, Massachusetts Representative Lindsay Sabadosa, and Malden City Commissioner Nate Bae Kupel. We are excited about the visibility this event afforded ParKit, which was the center of the celebration.
Many thanks to Reid, Emma, and Claire for taking care of the kit during this event!
Works Cited: Lingle, Mercy. “Growing food and friendships: ARPA money boosts gardens at subsidized housing.” The Daily Hampshire Gazette. July 16, 2023. https://www.gazettenet.com/Grow-Food-Northampton-expands-garden-plot-program-throughout-city-51562665.
