First-Ever Community Garden Coming To Redondo Beach

REDONDO BEACH, CA — Redondo Beach's first-ever community garden is set to open soon, and applications for the 26 garden plots are now open to Redondo Beach residents through May 13, according to the South Bay Parkland Conservancy.

The idea to create the garden started in the summer of 2020 in light of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, SBPC said. Residents formed a group after recognizing the importance of growing their own food to ensure food security for families and individuals.

"The interest in gardening, and growing your own food really grew in the last few years," said Angela Klipp, SBPC Board Member and Garden lead. “We’re honored and passionate about bringing the option to grow your own food, practice sustainable and healthy living and continue building a thriving community in Redondo Beach.”

The resident group reached out to the SBPC and from there, the conservancy got in touch with the city to make the dream a reality. The community garden is a collaboration between SBPC and the city and will be managed by the SBPC.

Each plot in the garden at 715 Julia Ave. is 4 feet by 8 feet and will be made available through a lottery system that will take place on May 14. There will be 26 plots available for individuals with one reserved for the community giveaway, according to SBPC.

“We’re so excited to bring the opportunity to grow your own food to the residents of Redondo Beach,” said Jim Light, president of SBPC. “It’s been a special collaboration with the city of Redondo Beach and we’re excited to see this community project become a reality.”

In addition to the plots, the garden includes fruit trees and pollinator plants around the perimeter as well as an educational space for events and the SBPC's compost program. Plots go for $120 per year and non-plot memberships cost $35 per year.

Proof of residency is required to apply and only one application can be submitted per household. Plots are leased for a one-year duration with the opportunity to renew once for a two-year lease limit.

After the initial lottery, those who aren't assigned a plot will be put on a waitlist and open plots will be assigned to the top of the waitlist as they are vacated. Applications can be submitted online.

The community garden will also hold two workday opportunities on April 29 and 30 to increase lottery chances, according to the SBPC. Those who are interested in helping prepare walkways and leveling the hillside have the opportunity to earn an extra entry in the plot lottery, officials said.

Work will start at 8 a.m. and go until 12 p.m. and water and gloves will be provided. To sign up to help during the workdays, visit this link.