An innovative green space is taking shape in
East Liberty.
Spearheaded by
Sojourner MOMS—which provides housing and services for homeless, single women struggling with addiction, and their dependent children—the natural “playscape” is being built by volunteers at 5400 Black St.
Dubbed MOMS Green, the sustainable backyard will be used by some 40 children, ages birth to 15, served by Sojourner programs in East Liberty and
Highland Park. To date, the faith-based organization has raised $26,500 to support the $40,000 project.
Designed by
Burt Hill, with assistance from
Community Design Center and
G-Tech Strategies, the 473-foot amenity will feature interactive play structures, sustainable technologies and recreational amenities, including a community garden, tree bench, sandbox, kickball area, and earth berm slide. The space also calls for a solar powered birdbath, art wall, tire swing, and butterfly garden. A meandering brick and concrete path will be constructed from salvaged building materials. The secure park will be fenced-in, and will include outdoor lighting and a storage shed.
“We're working on the foundation now. We’ve made tremendous progress on the lots, with the retaining walls, clearing and grading,” says Joann Cyganovich, with Sojourner MOMS, which was launched in 2004 in partnership with Negley Place Neighborhood Alliance and
East Liberty Development Inc. “We’re using so many cool recycled materials that will encourage children to be creative and play outside. We’ll use rain barrels to teach kids how to harvest water.”
Slated to open in June, the play yard will also be used for educational activities that will teach families about nutrition and environmental stewardship. The park will also feature painted tree stumps, birdhouses fashioned from dried gourds and raised vegetable beds.
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Jennifer BaronSource: Joann Cyganovich, executive director, Sojourner MOMS (Motivation, Opportunities, Mentoring and Spirituality); Summer Heck, Burt Hill
Image courtesy Sojourner House and Burt Hill