Pegasus Garden emerged from a community-driven initiative to reclaim a vacant lot, previously a site of illegal activities, and transform it into a vibrant communal space. Spearheaded by local resident Jennifer Grau, the project aimed to signal a connected, vibrant, and caring community. The garden features: A free book library, a tool shed for communal use raised garden beds, accessible to individuals in wheelchairs, spaces for campfires, potlucks, neighborhood meetings, youth activities, and free community concerts

A mural painted on the side of Right Coast Pizza. It depicts a cartoonish likeness of artist Franky Scaglione, holding a pizza.

his project brought together local artists and residents to design and paint a mural that reflects the neighborhood’s resilience after the pandemic. The mural incorporates cultural motifs, symbols of unity, and narratives contributed by participants during community workshops. The mural serves as both a healing initiative and a permanent piece of public art that strengthens community identity.

Denver Urban Gardens (DUG) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building and supporting community gardens throughout the Denver metro area. Since its founding in 1985, DUG has helped establish and manage over 190 gardens, transforming underutilized urban spaces into vibrant centers of community engagement, food access, and environmental education. Key Features of DUG’s Work: - Community Gardens DUG empowers neighborhoods to develop shared garden spaces where people of all ages and backgrounds can grow food, connect with nature, and build relationships with one another. - Food Justice & Access Many gardens are located in low-income neighborhoods or food deserts, providing residents with affordable, healthy produce and promoting self-reliance through urban agriculture. - Youth & Education Programs Through school gardens and curriculum support, DUG promotes garden-based learning, sustainability, and environmental stewardship for children and teens. - Garden Leadership & Equity Focus DUG trains local leaders to manage and maintain garden sites, fostering equity, representation, and resilience within communities. - Sustainable Practices The gardens promote organic growing techniques, composting, water conservation, and pollinator support, reinforcing DUG's commitment to ecological health. Why It Matters Denver Urban Gardens is more than a gardening initiative—it's a placemaking force that cultivates community, food security, environmental awareness, and urban wellness. Each garden serves as a hub for connection, empowerment, and growth—both personal and collective.

La REcyclerie is a community-oriented space located in a repurposed train station on the disused “Petite Ceinture” railway in the 18th arrondissement of Paris. It functions as a café-restaurant, repair workshop, and urban farm, promoting sustainability and circular economy principles. Visitors can learn about composting, urban gardening, and upcycling through regular workshops, making La REcyclerie a hotspot for green placemaking in a dense urban area. Project link: https://www.larecyclerie.com/

Le Hasard Ludique is a cultural venue and community hub located in a renovated station along the disused Petite Ceinture railway in the 18th arrondissement. Opened in 2017, it includes a bar-restaurant, event space for concerts and workshops, and an outdoor platform that doubles as a terrace. The surrounding section of the Petite Ceinture has been landscaped and opened to pedestrians, creating a linear green walkway. By blending creative programming with the adaptive reuse of historical infrastructure, Le Hasard Ludique is a prime example of community-led placemaking in Paris.