Lincoln Peace Garden
History Becca's Garden Blog The Lincoln Peace Garden in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA is located in the southwest corner of Penn Av N and 12th Av N (inside the fence around the athletic field across from Lincoln School). Google Map (Try satellite & street view) Unfortunately it is currently only open when there are athletic events or when it is being maintained (typically on Fridays or weekends) or by appointment. It can be viewed somewhat thru the fence any time. We are seeking volunteers to help maintain the garden; playing in the dirt can be fun and satisfying. Contact us. For more information contact Becca or Fred by email: garden at justcomm.org 612-588-9532 A diagram of the garden from 2004 The rectangle shown is about 70 feet wide (East-West) and 44 feet North-South. The label code - marginally readable in upper left is: DW = Dogwood The shapes with crosshatch are beds that were prepared to plant SR = Shrub rose with kids, for which this diagram was made. The S shaped lines EB = Elderberry represent the paths thru the garden. they are crushed rock but have considerable dirt mixed in so sprout weeds regularly. Arch for Roses . The arch over the path for the roses was originally plastic pipe but was inadequate. The new wood arch July 2011 is much more sturdy tho it does not have real footings. As of Sep 1, 2011 the roses from each side have just met over the arch. It will take a while to be as extensive as in the pictures of the old arch with roses below. Bare new arch 2 3 2011-08-05 Bare old arch 2010-04-10 Old arch with roses looking NE toward Penn & Plym 2007-06-07 Old arch with roses in bloom looking SW * 2007-06-28 Old arch with roses in bloom 2 looking west * " Old arch with roses in bloom 3 looking NE * " Old arch with roses in bloom 2008-07-17 ( * There was a smudge on the camera lens, sorry 'bout that.) History The garden was started about 1996 by North Minneapolis gardeners with the aid of Lincoln School teachers. It was dedicated to Charles Johnson who died May 6, 1996. He was leaning out a school bus window to shout to friends when the bus began to move and his head slammed against a tree. At the time of his death he was an eighth-grader at Franklin Middle School in north Minneapolis and lived close to the Lincoln Field. Charles Johnson's death - newspaper article A few years later the athletic field was graded (and raised some), a sprinkler system installed, new grass provided and the fence improved and kept locked which made access for gardening difficult. The teachers involved moved on. The garden went with little maintenance. In about 2002 Becca Brackett started doing some gardening at the site and this evolved to the current efforts. There is now access for gardening with a separate padlock. Access to enjoy the garden is still a problem. A small bench was added in 2006. Arch for roses -- see above.