History

Decades of environmental justice advocacy and cultural stewardship transformed a contaminated rail corridor into a vital community asset. This collective community advocacy and vision began with the 2006 Pilsen Quality of Life Plan. This plan envisioned corridor improvements rooted in resident leadership and cultural continuity. This groundwork allowed for The Resurrection Project’s construction of the adjacent affordable housing and senior housing starting in 2009. Along with this construction and vision, community leaders coordinated with the Chicago Department of Transportation to install the path and initial native plants.

During this serendipitous time, residents were organizing for Pilsen’s first community garden. In coordination with the 25th ward alder and NeighborSpace, El Paseo Community Garden was founded as Growing Station in 2009. Initially starting with 9 raised allotment beds and (2,208) square feet, in what is now the senior garden area. In 2013 garden leaders changed the name to El Paseo Community Garden.

The growth and expansion over time were made possible through countless volunteers, partners, and the efforts of journalists & environmental activists like PERRO. Environmental activists pushed for the closure of the coal plant and the remediation former Loewenthal Metal Smelter site. The closure of the coal plant prompted the abandonment of the active rail that ran along the garden. This rail abandonment prompted the city’s proposed rails-to-trails that allowed for expanded stewardship. The smelter site was remediated by the EPA in 2012 and in 2016 BNSF pulled the tracks and remediated the corridor. In coordination with city officials and departments, NeighborSpace was able to expand their protection of community managed greenspace, totaling over an acre for El Paseo Community Garden. Our garden is a reminder of the industrial legacy that shaped Pilsen’s fight for clean, safe, and accessible land.

We are grateful for the foundation that allowed the community to build more than a garden—El Paseo is now an integral community organization and a piece of neighborhood social infrastructure that empowers Pilsen residents through nature.