A thriving oasis. That’s the Riverside Valley Community Garden. Also known as Jenny’s Garden this remarkable space sits at 138th Street. It’s a testament to community spirit and urban resilience.
Jenny Benitez a true giant in the community started it all. In the 1970s she transformed a neglected and dangerous lot. She envisioned a lush garden. With help from her family and neighbors she made that vision a reality. This wasn’t just planting flowers. It was about revitalizing a community. It was about transforming a derelict area into a horticultural haven. A half-mile long haven along Riverside Drive.
For decades Jenny and Victor her husband tended the garden. Their children and neighbors joined in creating a multi-generational multicultural community. They worked tirelessly. They turned trash and abandoned cars into a place of beauty and abundance. It was a collective effort. A powerful example of community-based agriculture in the heart of a busy city.
The garden produces a significant harvest each year. Much of the produce is donated. Local community centers and soup kitchens benefit. It’s a place of sharing and giving back. A space where neighbors connect over shared labor and the joy of fresh food.
Even after Jenny’s passing in 2019 at age 86 her legacy lives on. Her daughter Victoria Benitez serves on the Riverside Park Conservancy’s Board of Trustees. Jenny’s Garden continues to thrive. It stands as a symbol of her enduring spirit and the power of community action. It’s a place to visit. A place to be inspired. A place to appreciate the fruits of collective effort. The Riverside Valley Community Garden is more than just a garden. It is a living testament to one woman’s vision and the strength of a community.