Community Gardens

Places to grow and share produce, engage in an active lifestyle and build relationships with neighbors.

Nelson Neighborhood is home to many gardens. Some are focused on growing produce, others offer the beauty of flowers and ornamental plants. All are cultivated by volunteers who work hard to make our neighborhood nurturing for all. 

In 2023, Nelson Neighborhood Improvement Association received an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant allocation from the City of Muskegon of $100,000 in support of community gardening at three community gardens located in the Nelson Neighborhood: the Mike Miller Garden and Roger Allison Garden (both operated by Nelson Neighborhood Improvement Association) and the Saturday Breakfast Garden (operated by First Congregational Church). The goals of the grant were to:

  • Transform the three community gardens in Nelson Neighborhood to make them more accessible, functional and aesthetically pleasing.

  • Increase community engagement and participation in the gardens.

  • Provide education and resources to support sustainable gardening practices.

Mike Miller Community Garden

The Mike Miller Community Garden, 257 Muskegon Avenue, began in 2008, through the combined efforts of the Nelson Neighborhood Improvement Association, Central United Methodist Church, grant funding administered through the Muskegon County Health Department and neighborhood volunteers. Mike Miller was the acting Nelson Neighborhood Association President at the onset of the community garden initiative in Nelson Neighborhood. Mike died unexpectedly on July 4, 2008. The garden was dedicated to Mike in honor of his contribution to the garden initiative and his personal love of gardening and community service. 

Today, the garden offers 14 beds that can be reserved for the growing season – 7 large beds (96” x33”) and 7 small beds (48”x33”).

The garden also features four berry beds with trellises, a compost bin, a produce wash station, a storage shed, and a produce stand where growers can share their excess produce with neighbors. Educational programming is offered at the garden too. Follow us on Facebook to learn about upcoming events. 

Roger Allison Memorial Garden

Initially located on Houston Avenue in 2009, the Roger Allison Garden was moved to its current  location, 1349 Sixth Street, in 2017. The garden is named in honor of long-time Nelson Neighborhood supporter, Roger Allison, who died in 2010. Roger generously bequeathed the first funds for the Nelson Neighborhood Improvement Association Endowment. The garden won 3rd place in the City Beautification award program in 2018 and 2nd place in 2019.

Today’s garden offers 15 beds that can be reserved for the growing season, a greenhouse, produce wash station and storage shed.

Saturday Breakfast Garden

A faith-based ministry of First Congregational Church, the garden, 1218 Jefferson, offers adults, children, and families a safe place to grow healthy organic produce. It includes in-ground garden beds, a pollinator garden, a perennial herb garden, a children’s garden and pear trees along the perimeter of the property.  Harvested vegetables are shared with participating gardeners and volunteers.  Food donations from the garden are also distributed to the Saturday Morning Breakfast program at the church, the FCC Tuesday food pantry, the Kids Food Basket and other pantries in the community. Fruits can be picked by volunteers, church members, community gardeners and neighbors. Additionally, classes are offered through Love INC, as part of the New Directions program.

In 2024, volunteers built a bicycle repair and maintenance station at the garden. During the growing season, they offer free bike repairs to anyone on a monthly basis.

Volunteers and new gardeners are always welcome. The best times to check out gardening opportunities are Saturday mornings from 10 am to noon and Tuesday afternoons from 1 to 3 pm.