Green Gumption

Anexplorationofcommunityactivatedgreenspacesandsocialcapital

KellySingleterry
Community,Environment,andPlanning
Classof2016
TheUniversityofWashington

Thankyoutothefollowingindividuals,withoutwhomthisprojectwouldnothavebeenpossible.

KevinTeague
|SnohomishCountyParks&Recreation
KristinKelly
|Mentor
PhilomenaKedziorski
|WSU:SnohomishCountyExtension
JaneLewis
|CityofEverettParks&Recreation
MarkHarrison
|CityofEverettParks&Recreation
SusieSchaefer
|PilchuckAudubonSociety/EdmondsGardenClub
LauraHartman
|SnohomishGardenClub
CarolRobinson
|SnohomishGardenClub
KathyCarter
|MukilteoWayGardenClub
PattyeSnyder
|MukilteoWayGardenClub
ZsofiaPasztor
|FarmerFrog
KellyHostetler
ChristopherCampbell
YifanLi
MarisolDiaz
MonicaSong
StephanieBrune
StefanieGonzalez
Mom&Dad
NeighborsofHemlockAcres
CEPClassof2016

ABSTRACT

InthefaceofagrowingpopulationinthePacificNorthwest,theneedforpublicgreenspace1in
ourrapidlyurbanizedenvironmentsisaconcernformanyplanners,environmentalists,and
citizensalike.Communityactivatedgreenspacesareawaytoaddresstheseissues,aswellas
spurcitizeninvolvement,andbuildsocialcapital2withincommunities.Thisprojectisatwopart
endeavor.Theprimaryfocusstudiesthecommunitygreenspaceasanagentofsocialcapital.I
conductedinterviewswithcitizenleadersinSnohomishCountyregardingtheirinvolvement,and
personalsentimentssurroundingestablishedsitesfocusingspecificallyonanyconnections
betweenthegreenspacesandsocialcapitalwithintheirrespectivecommunities.Formyfinal
product,Iofferasetofrecommendationsforcreatingfutureneighborhoodgreenspaceswith
strongsocialcapitalelementsforanyaudienceinterestedininitiatingasimilarprojectoftheir
own.Thesecondaryfocusofthisprojectwastousetheconductedresearchtoinformthe
planningprocessfortherevitalizationofaneighborhoodgreenspacesituatedonSnohomish
CountyParksDepartmentproperty.Throughthisprocess,anunderstandingofthebenefitsof
neighborhoodparkplanning,communityorganizing,andsocialcapitalareclearandtangible.

Landthatispartlyorcompletelycoveredwithgrass,trees,shrubs,orothervegetation.Greenspace
includesparks,communitygardens,cemeteries,schoolyards,andvacantlots(EnvironmentalProtection
Agency,2014.http://www.epa.gov/region1/eco/uep/openspace.html)
2

Thenetworkofsocialconnectionsthatexistbetweenpeople,andtheirsharedvaluesandnormsof
behaviour,whichenableandencouragemutuallyadvantageoussocialcooperation.(HarperCollins
Dictionary,2015.http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/socialcapital)

TableofContents
Abstract
Preface
Introduction
LackofGreenSpaceinUrbanEnvironments
CivicParticipation
Personal

LiteratureReview.....................................................................................................................
SocialCapital

CommunityWellness&HumanLandRelationships
CommunityActivatedGreenSpaces

Methods..................................................................................................................................
Preface
ResearchMethod
FormulationofInterviewQuestions
InterviewOutreach
ResearchCompilation
KeyThemesandIdeologies
RecommendationsandConclusions
GoingForward...........................................................................................................................
FinalUpdateonProject

PersonalReflection(ofprocesses/experience)

AppendixI................................................................................................................................

ResourceList
AppendixII...............................................................................................................................
Timeline
AppendixIII

InterviewQuestionsTemplate

AppendixIV.
EmailTemplate

PREFACE

Introduction

Whatdoescommunitymeantome?ThisisaquestionIhavebeenaskingmyselfsinceIstarted
myjourneyintheCommunity,Environment,andPlanningmajorattheUniversityof
Washington.Courseaftercoursemyideasandnotionssurroundingthethreemaintenantsofthe
programhaveevolved,shifted,andstillleftmeaskingthesamequestion.Whenitcamedownto
formulatingayearlongproject,Iknewwheremyinterestswereleadingme.Mypassionsfor
environmentalactivism,myloveforthePacificNorthwest,tiedtogetherwithmyurgetoinspire
otherssurfacedintheformofthisproject.IfeltasthoughIknewthebenefitsofpublicgreen
space,andcommunityorganizingfrommyownperspectives,butIwantedtoshareknowledge,
andexperienceswithothersinmyowncommunityandproveitspositivitytobetrue.

LackofGreenSpaceinUrbanEnvironments

AsofJune2015,WashingtonStatespopulationhastoppedsevenmillionpeople.Accordingto
estimatesfromthestates
OfficeofFinancialManagement,populationincreasedby93,200from
2014to2015.Almost17,000ofthosemigrantsnowresideinSnohomishCounty.(WSOFM,
2015)
TheLynnwood,Bothell,MillCreekareaofSnohomishCounty,Districts3and4havefelt
thissurgeinpopulationgrowththemost.Manyfactorshavecontributedtothisgrowth,butmost

notablywouldbethedrawofjobsrelatedtoaerospacemanufacturing,largetechnology
corporations,alongwithlowerhousingpricesincomparisontoKingCounty.(WSOFM,2015)
Withallofthesepeopleresidinginoneareaofinterest,thenecessityandabilitytospend
timeoutdoorshavecreatedissuesoftheirowninurbanenvironments.TheUnitedStates
EnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA)stated,
thethreatofurbanheatisland3 effects,air
pollution,andoverallenvironmentaldegradationarerealproblemsinourcitiesaroundthe
UnitedStates.Thousandsofdollarsingrantmoneyhavebeenputforthtoaidprojectsthattackle
theseissuesintheformofeducation,outreach,demonstrationprojects,stewardship,and
trainings.Greenspaceinitiativesandparkplanninghavebeensomeofthemostsuccessfulof
thesecounteractiveprojectsthatpromoteSmartGrowth4acrossthecountry.(EPA,2015)
Fromapersonalperspective,Ihaveseenthisgrowth,andneedforopenspacefirsthand.
Iusedtojumpthefencebehindmyneighbor'shometofeedponiesandllamasasachild.There
werelargewoodedareasupthestreetwherealloftheneighborkidswouldbuildtreeforts,and
playgamesduringthesummer.Sincethen,thoseareashavebeenreplacedbylargehomebuilder
sites,acrosscountyPark&Ridetransitcenter,astripmall,andsixstorymultifamilyhousing
developments...justtonameafew.TheCityofLynnwood,aswellasSnohomishCountyhave
deemedthisareaoftransitorienteddevelopment,anurbancenter,thatislackingtheopenspace

Asurbanareasdevelop,changesoccurintheirlandscape.Buildings,roads,andotherinfrastructure
replaceopenlandandvegetation.Surfacesthatwereoncepermeableandmoistbecomeimpermeableand
dry.Thesechangescauseurbanregionstobecomewarmerthantheirruralsurroundings,formingan
"island"ofhighertemperaturesinthelandscapeHeatIsland.(EnvironmentalProtectionAgency,
2015.http://www2.epa.gov/heatislands/learnaboutheatislands)
4

"Smartgrowth"coversarangeofdevelopmentandconservationstrategiesthathelpprotectourhealthand
naturalenvironmentandmakeourcommunitiesmoreattractive,economicallystronger,andmoresocially
diverse.(
EnvironmentalProtectionAgency,
2015.http://www2.epa.gov/smartgrowth/aboutsmartgrowth#smartgrowth)

neededforthecurrent,andprojectednumberofsingles,couples,andfamiliesmovingtothis
area.(Bond,2015)
Seeingthatmyowncommunityhasbecomeanincreasinglypopulatedurbancenterof
theNorthEnd,Iwantedtofindawaytogetinvolvedandaddresstheissuesathandinapositive
way.

CivicParticipation

Thecivicengagementofyoungadultswhetherintheformofjoiningcommunitygroups,
volunteeringtohelpneighbors,orleadinggrassrootseffortstogaincivilrightsisimportantto
thehealthandperformanceofdemocracy.Itisalsoimportantforpersonalgrowthandidentity
formationduringthetransitiontoadulthood.(Flanagan&Levine,2010)Thisisastatementthat
Ipersonallycouldnotagreemorewith.UnfortunatelyintheUnitedStatesnoteveryonehasthe
knowledge,opportunity,orurgetoengageinthecivicarena.Avastmajorityofyoungadults
feeldistrustful,disempowered,apathetic,andgenerallyuninformedwhenpertainingtocivic
engagement.(DelliCarpini,2000)Thesesentimentscorrelatetoalargescalestudyoncivicand
politicaldisengagement,concludingthatonlyabout4%ofemergingadultsaregenuinely
politically,andcivicallyengaged.(Smith,2011)Therearevaryingstudiesthroughoutpolitical
sciencethatsubstantiatetheseclaims,offeringalookatgenerationspast,andthecontinual
declineinemergingadultcivicattachment.(Twenge,Campbell&Freeman,2012)Thesefacts
werestartlingandperplexingtome.Thenagain,Iamconstantlysurroundedbyurbandesignand

planningstudentsafieldofacademiadirectlyrelatedtopolicyandgovernmentalissueswith
friendswhoareconsistentlyinvolvedincommunityengagementendeavors.
Hittingevenclosertohome,intherecent2015PrimaryElectionsforWashingtonState,
SnohomishCountyhadtheseventhlowestvoterturnoutpercentageintheentirestate.Thisis
despitebeingthethirdmostheavilypopulatedCounty(outof39)inWashington.5Thisisquite
thestepupfromlastyearwhenSnohomishCountyhadthelowestvoterturnoutintheentire
stateforthe2014PrimaryElections.6Ifoundmuchofthisdataverydisconcerting.Imyselfsee
theopportunitytovoteformyprospectiveleadersasaprivilegethatnotmanypeopleinthis
worldhavetheluxuryofexercising.Ialsoseecivicengagementasauniquefreedomtobetter
ourworldinwhateverwayweseefit
LongtimeeducatorsConstanceFlanagan,andPeterLevinedescribedtheactofcivic
engagementbyemergingadultsquiteimpeccably

Thepersonalandpsychologicalbenefitsofcivicengagementforyoungadultsinclude
fulfillmentofthehumanneedtobelongandtofeelthatlifehasapurposebeyondthe
pursuitofindividualgain.Whetherthroughvoting,workingincommunitybased
organizationstoaddresslocalproblems,orvolunteeringtimeormoneytoasocialcause,
civicactivitiesraiseissuesinvolvingconnectiontoothers,publicgoodsandvalues,and
thecollectivenatureofsolvingproblems.(Flanagan&Levine,2010)

5
6

http://results.vote.wa.gov/results/current/turnout.html
http://results.vote.wa.gov/results/20140805/Turnout.html

MygenuineinterestincivicparticipationstemmedfromaninternshipthatIwasinvolved
withoverthesummerof2015.IwasworkingasanapprenticetotheSnohomishCounty/Skagit
CountyProgramDirectorforanonprofitknownasFuturewise.Futurewiseisastatewidepublic
interestgroupthatfocusesonpromotinghealthy,sustainablecommunitiesinthePacific
Northwest.Theydothisbyworkingtoensurethatlocalgovernmentsmanagegrowth
responsibly,whileprotectingfarmland,forests,wilderness,andshorelinespresentdayandfor
futuregenerations.7Throughthisinternship,Ihadtheuniqueopportunitytorepresentmyown
communityandcountyonmultipleoccasionsatSnohomishCountyCouncil,andonvarious
committeessuchasTheSustainableLandStrategyandTheEverettStationDistrictAlliance.
Throughtheseexperiences,onespecificthingcontinuallysurfacedandbecameapparenttome.
NotonlywasIoneofthefewwomenpresentattheseassemblies,butalmosteveryonewasat
least20yearsmysenior.Notonesinglepersonfrommygenerationwaseverpresentatthese
publicmeetings.Inadditiontomyresearch,Itooktheseobservationstoheart,andwondered,if
notme,thenwho?Thisinvolvementhascarriedovertomyeducationalendeavorsandignitedan
interestincivicactionthatIhopetocontinuefortheremainderofmylife.

Personal

IaminterestedinpursuingthisprojectbecauseIampassionateaboutwhereIamfromandintent
oncontinuingtoseeSnohomishCountyashealthyandlivableasIvealwaysknownit.The
PacificNorthwestwillalwaysbemyhome.Ihavelivedinthesamecommunityfortheentirety

http://futurewise.org/

ofmylifetodate,andIhaveseenitchangefromonethingtonext.Iaminterestedinbuilding
socialcapitalwithinmyowncommunity,andlearningaboutthenaturalenvironmentinwhichI
amapartof.Iaminterestedinlearningaboutopenspacedesignprocesses,andIhopetogain
invaluableknowledgeaboutthevariousfacetsofworkinghandinhandwithacounty
governmentagencylikeParksandRecreation.Throughthefruitionofthisprojectandmy
researchIhopetoaidincreatinganoutdoorspacethatisaccessible,functioning,educational,
andbringsmembersofmyowncommunity,andneighborhoodtogetherforamoreholistic
wellbeing.8

LITERATUREREVIEW

Thisliteraturereviewseekstoidentifywhatconstitutessocialcapitalwithinacommunity,the
varyingfacetsofcommunitywellness,ideologiessurroundinghumanlandrelationships,and
howneighborhoodgreenspacescancontributeto,aswellasopposethegenerationofsocial
capitalwithinthepublicarena.

Inanattempttobetterunderstandtheimpactsofproducinganeighborhoodgreenspacewithin
myowncommunity,Iconductedthisliteraturereviewtopresentthesefactsandideasto
involvedparticipants.Thisisinanefforttohelpcommunitymembersunderstandthe

HolisticHealth:
arelativestateinwhichoneisabletofunctionwellphysically,mentally,socially,and
spirituallyinordertoexpressthefullrangeofone'suniquepotentialitieswithintheenvironmentinwhichone
isliving.MillerKeaneEncyclopediaandDictionaryofMedicine,Nursing,andAlliedHealth
8

contributions,andpositiveimpactsthatafunctioningcommunalgreenspacecouldfosterwithin
ourneighborhood.Inaddition,anyaudiencewhomaybeinterestedinproposinganideafora
greenspacewithintheirneighborhoodmightfindvalueinthisreviewfortheirowncommunity.

SocialCapital

Onafundamentallevelitishardlyanewdiscoverythathumansareinteractivesocialanimals.
Animalsthathaveevolvedandadaptedoverthecourseofourexistencetobecomethemost
dominantspeciesonthisplanet.This,toaverycertaindegreewecanattributetoourlarge
brains,andintelligentsocialnature.Scottishmoralphilosopherofthe18thcentury,AdamSmith
arguedinhisbooktitled,
TheTheoryofMoralSentiments
,thathumanconsciencecomesfrom
socialrelationships,andthatthenaturalempathyproducedbybeingamongotherpeopleisan
essentialpartofwellbeingandshouldguideouractions.9Inmymind,wellbeingisan
interdisciplinaryconcept.Aconceptthataffectshumansinsomeofthemostintimateofways.It
istheoverallmental,physical,andspiritualhealthofanindividualsotheymaygoaboutlifein
whateverwaytheychoose,andliveittothefullest.TobuildoffofSmithssentiments,the
famedpsychologistAlbertBanduraofStanfordUniversityspokeontheideaofcollective
efficiency,Peopledonotlivetheirlivesinindividualautonomy.Indeed,manyoftheoutcomes
theyseekareachievableonlythroughinterdependentefforts.Hence,theyhavetoworktogether
tosecurewhattheycannotaccomplishontheirown.Reflectingonmyownlife,thiscouldn'tbe
moretrue.IwouldneverbewhereIamtodaywithoutalargenumberofindividualswhohave

Montgomery

helpedmeoutalongtheway.Basedonthewellroundedresearchavailable,andmyown
personalexperiencetodate,itcouldbesafetosaythatsociabilityandtheideaofcommunitygo
handinhand.

Theterm
socialcapital
hasbeenusedforoverfiftyyearsincontemporaryliteratureand
research.Ithascrossedthelinesofacademiathroughmultiplefieldspoliticalscience,
sociology,urbanstudies,andeconomics,justtonameafew.HarperCollinsDictionarydefines
thetermassuch,
Thenetworkofsocialconnectionsthatexistbetweenpeople,andtheirshared
valuesandnormsofbehaviour,whichenableandencouragemutuallyadvantageoussocial
cooperation.(CollinsEnglishDictionary)

JaneJacobs,famousAmericanjournalist,civilactivist,andurbanist10,firstdefinedtheideaof
socialcapitalthroughherbooktitled,
TheDeathandLifeofGreatAmericanCities
in1961
.
She
stated,

Thisubiquitousprincipleistheneedofcitiesforamostintricateandclosegrained
diversityofusesthatgiveeachotherconstantmutualsupport,botheconomicallyand
socially...Ithinkthatunsuccessfulcityareasareareaswhichlackthiskindofintricate
mutualsupport,andthatthescienceofcityplanningandtheartofcitydesign,inreallife
forrealcities,mustbecomethescienceandartofcatalyzingandnourishingthese
closegrainedworkingrelationships.(Jacobs,1961)

10

Anadvocateofexpertincityplanning


OthershavefollowedJacobsintheirunderstanding,andpublicationofwhatconstitutes
socialcapitalwithinthepublicarena.JamesColeman,anAmericansociologistevenfurther
delvedintotheideastating,Socialcapitalisdefinedbyitsfunction.Itisnotasingleentity,but
avarietyofdifferententitieshavingtwocharacteristicsincommon:Theyallconsistofsome
aspectofasocialstructure,andtheyfacilitatecertainactionsofindividualswhoarewithinthe
structure.(Coleman,1990)Meaning,socialcapitalisaworkingideal,itisonlyaspowerfulas
theactionsofindividuals,anditcanonlyoperatewithinsocietalboundaries.Colemancontinued
ontoexplain,Likeotherformsofcapital,socialcapitalisproductive,makingpossiblethe
achievementofcertainendsthatwouldnotbeattainableinitsabsence.(Coleman,1990)It
seemsasthoughtheideologiesofsocialcapitalandandBandurassentimentsregarding
collectiveefficiencyoverlapinmultipleways.Thatcollectiveefficiencycannotexistinthe
absenceofsocialcapital.

Inhiswork,titled,
FoundationsofSocialTheory
,Colemanofferedvaryingrealworld
examplesofhowsocialcapitalmanifestswithinsociety.Oneexamplesharedthestoryofa
motherofsix,andherreasoningsformovingtoJerusalem,Israel,fromsuburbanDetroit,
Michigan.Shestated,onereasonisthefreedomherchildrennowhaveinJerusalem.Shesaid
shefeltcomfortablelettingherchildrenplayunattendedincityparks,orcrossingtownonthe
publictransittogettoschoolwhereasshefeltthecompleteoppositewhilelivinginDetroit.
Colemanassertsthatthereasoningsforthisdifferencecanbefoundintheavailablesocialcapital
inJerusalemvs.Detroit.ThatthenormativesocialstructureinJerusalemensuresthatunattended

childrenwillbelookedafterbyotheradultsinthevicinity.Somethingthatmightnotexistin
suburbanDetroit.OfferingthesentimentthatfamilieslivinginJerusalemmayhavesocialcapital
availabletothemthatpeopleintheUnitedStatesmayverywellnot.
Unlikeotherformsofcapital,socialcapitalinheresinthestructureofrelationsbetween
personsandamongpersons.Itislodgedneitherinindividualsnorinphysicalimplementsof
production.(Coleman,1990)Onaconceptuallevel,socialcapitalisn'tnecessarilyfelt,or
unfelt.Itactsalmostasasocialauraamongpeopleandtheircohesiverelationshipswithina
community.Afeelingofwholeness,andcommunalwellbeing,ratherthanatangibleentity
withinsocialstructures.Thisissomethingofgreatimportancewhenlookingintotheoverall
wellnessofsociety,theenvironment,oracommunityatlarge.

CommunityWellness&HumanLandRelationships

Dr.BillHettler,cofounderoftheNationalWellnessInstitute,(anotforprofitorganizationthat
servesprofessionals,andotherorganizationsthatpromotehealthandwellnessacrossthe
country)definedwellnessassuch:Wellnessisanactiveprocessthroughwhichpeoplebecome
awareof,andmakechoicestoward,amoresuccessfulexistence.(Hettler,19762015)Hefurther
describedwellnessthrougha6pointedmodelstating,wellnessisaconscious,selfdirectedand
evolvingprocessofachievingfullpotential.Itismultidimensionalandholistic,encompassing
lifestyle,mentalandspiritualwellbeing,andtheenvironment.Wellnessisalwayspositiveand
affirming.(Hettler,19762015)

Whenyouareabletobringtogethergroupsofindividualsandapplythesedimensionsof
mental,physical,andspiritualwellbeingtothecivicarena,wearriveattheideaofcommunity
orsocialwellness.Socialwellnessencompassesthedegreeandqualityofinteractionswith
others,thecommunity,andnature.Itincludestheextenttowhichapersonworkstoward
supportingthecommunityandenvironmentineverydayactions.(Hettler,1980)Atrulyholistic
viewoflife,andallofourendeavors.Tocorrelatewiththeprevioussectiononsocialcapital,I
woulddeducethatsocialcapitalisonlyachievedthroughcommunitywellness.
Whenpertainingtopublicgreenspace,researchrelatedtothepositiveconnections
betweenhumanhealth/wellnessandthenaturalenvironmentspanacrossmultiplefieldsofstudy.
Themostobviousbenefactionthatpublicgreenspacemightcontributetoacommunity'shealth
istheopenvenueforphysicalactivity.IntheUnitedStates,obesityisaconsideredanepidemic
bymanyprofessionalsinthehealthfield.Accordingtoarecentstudyonlifeexpectancyinthe
UnitedStates,...anestimated10.8percentofalldeathsintheUnitedStatesisattributableto
physicalinactivity.(Leeetal.,2012)Somehaveevenreferredtopublicgreenspaceas
inexpensive,preventativehealthcare.(SnohomishCountyParks&Recreation,2012)Todelve
evenfurtherintothehealthbenefitsofpublicgreenspace,Numerousstudiesdemonstratethat
accesstogreenviewsandenvironmentscanimprovecognitivefunctioning,impulsecontrol,
resiliencetostressfullifeevents,andoverallmentalhealth.(NationalRecreationandParks
Association,2010)Thistypeofhumanlandrelationshipisattheverycoreofourexistence.Asa
species,weareintimatelytiedtothenaturalenvironment,exercisingeverysingleaspectofour
livesthroughitsbounty.Asidefromthesustenanceandshelterthatnatureprovidesforhumans

tosurviveauthor,andnaturalist,HenryDavidThoreaueloquentlywroteabouthumanland
relationshipsfromaphilosophicalpointofviewinhisfamous19thcenturybook
Walden,

Weneedthetonicofwildness:..Wecanneverhaveenoughofnature,Wemustbe
refreshedbythesightofinexhaustiblevigor,vastandtitanicfeatures:Theseacoastwith
itswrecks,thewildernesswithitslivinganddecayingtrees,thethundercloud,therain
thatlaststhreeweeksandproducesfreshets.Weneedtowitnessourownlimits
transgressed,andsomelifepasturingfreelywhereweneverwander.(Thoreau,1854)

Thoreaumayhaveverywellbeenanearlycontributortothe
BiophiliaHypothesis.
Anideathat
humanspossessaninnatetendencytoseekconnectionswithnatureandotherformsoflife.
(EncyclopediaBritannica,2015)ThetermbiophiliawasusedbyfamedsocialpsychologistErich
Frommin
TheAnatomyofHumanDestructiveness
during1973.Thereportdescribedbiophilia
asthepassionateloveoflifeandofallthatisalive.(Fromm,1992)
Unfortunately,inourrapidlyurbanizedglobalcommunity,manypeoplefeelthey
themselvesareremovedfromthenaturalenvironment.Thattechnologyisenablingustolive
abovenaturalprocessesanddetachedfromourinnatelyhumaninstincts.Notonlythat,butlarge
populationsofpeoplecontinuetolivetheirlivesthinkingthatthenaturalenvironmentis
expendable,andsomethingtobecontrolledortamed.(Schultz,2002)Dr.P.WesleySchultz,a
professorofpsychologyatCaliforniaStateUniversitySanMarcos,theorizedthroughhis
researchonenvironmentalattitudes,thatconcernforenvironmentalproblemsisfundamentally
linkedtothedegreetowhichpeopleviewthemselvesaspartofthenaturalenvironment.

(Schultz,2000)Throughthisconceptualization,hebelieveshistheorycanbeusefulforapplied
researchonencouragingproenvironmentalbehavior.Tothisend,itseemsthattheabilitytosee
yourselfasoneintegralpartofthebigpicture,ratherthanseparateoraboveit,allowsyouto
trulyappreciatenotonlyyourself,buteverythingandanyonearoundyou.Makingpossiblethe
deedsandendeavorsneededtocreatesustainablechangeinourworld.

CommunityActivatedGreenSpaces

AccordingtotheUnitedStatesEnvironmentalProtectionAgency(EPA),thedefinitionofgreen
spaceincludes:landandthatispartlyorcompletelycoveredwithgrass,trees,shrubs,orother
vegetation.greenspaceincludesparks,communitygardens,cemeteries,schoolyards,andvacant
lots.
Tostayinlinewiththegoalsofthisprojectspecifically,thissectionoftheliteraturereviewwill
befocusingmostnotablyononealternativeformofactivated,publicgreenspaceknownasa
communitygarden.

Communitygardensmeanmanythingstomanydifferentpeople.Thetroubleindescribingits
purposeandfunctionisassimpleasitsconceptaplacedevotedtogardening,yetso
dynamicallycomplexintermsofthesocialprocessessurroundingitsimplementationand
culmination.Thiscomplexitycanbetiedtoparticipantinvolvement,theenvironment,the
sociopoliticalcontext,andsomuchmore.(Hou,Johnson&Lawson,2009)Acommunitygarden
canbeputintoimplementationthoughvaryingavenuesofsupport.Schools,churches,garden

clubs,nonprofitorganizations,andcommunitycentersarejustsomeofthemostprevalent
initiatorsofgardenprojects.(Smith,2010)Communitygardenscantakeonmultifariousforms.A
PPatchcommunitygardenisaformofopenspacewhereindividualsorfamiliesareassignedto
aspecificparcelofalargerlottogrowwhattheychoose.Manytimes,thesespacesarerented
outforasmallfeetohelpoffsetthecostsofrunningthegardenasawhole.Acommunity
demonstrationgardenisanotherformofopenspacethatcouldbeusedtoencouragecommunal
learningandeducationconcerninggardeningtechniquesandbestpractices.Acommunityquilt
gardenisaformofopenspacethatintersectsart,gardeninganddesignallinone.Aquiltgarden
couldbeusedtobeautifyapublicarea,orfacilitatepermacultureeducation.Acommunityrain
gardenisalandscapingfeatureandformofopenspacethatisusedtofilterpollutedsurface
waterrunoffinurban/suburbanareas.11 Raingardensareagreatwaytoeducatethecommunity
aboutthewatercycle,andofferopportunitiesforimplementationacrossvaryingarenas.These
arejustafewexamplesofthemanyformsthatcommunitygardenscantakeonasactivated
greenspace.

Inrelationtotheprevioussectionsonsocialcapital,andcommunitywellness,Theurban
communitygardenisgenerallyregardedasamodelofcommunityopenspacethatprovides
multipleenvironmental,social,economic,andhealthbenefits(Hou,Johnson&Lawson,2009)
Awayforthepeoplewhoareinvolvedincreatingormaintainingthespacetofindfulfillmentin
beingoutdoors,meetingneighbors,workingtogether,cultivationproductivity,andfosteringa
moresustainable,andhealthycommunitythroughitsconcepts.I.e.Socialcapital.

11

http://ext100.wsu.edu/raingarden/


Ontheotherhand,claimsagainstthecommunitygardenconceptofsocialinclusivityhavebeen
broughttothetable.

Foley,Edwards,andDiani(2001)mention
Socialstructuresmustbe
appropriablebyindividualsandgroupstoreallybesocialcapital.Thatoftentimes,Exclusive
approachestovoluntaryassociationscanoftenbetracedtofactorssuchasthe
professionalizationandspecializationoffunctionalareasortotheideologicaloutlookofthe
dominantpoliticalparty.Thishasbeenattributedtoaclosureofnetworks.Wheretheperceived
socialcapitalresourcesareunavailabletotheoutsider.(Foley,EdwardsandDiani,2001)
Inplainterms,thismeans,someonewhomayhavenevertoucheddirtintheirlifeorhad
anypreviousknowledgeconcerninggardening,buthasaninterestinjoiningacommunity
gardenclub,mayfeelalienatedbyagroupfullofMasterGardeners12 .Inessence,theycloseoff
thosesocialnetworks,neverjointheclubandtheopportunityforsocialcapitalhasbeenlost.A
validpointconcerninganycommunalendeavoracrossspectrums.

Despitethesearguments,therealtestofwhetherornotcommunitygardensactasagentsin
promotingsocialcapital,ordeterioratingitcomesdowntoacasebycaseexaminationof
individualsites.Thisiswheremyownresearchcomesintoplay
whatistheconnectionbetween
publicgreenspacesandsocialcapitalwithincommunities?

METHODS

12

Statusofanindividualwhohascompletedintensivehorticulturetrainingintheartandscienceof
gardening.(AmericanHorticultureSociety,2016.
http://www.ahs.org/gardeningresources/mastergardeners)


Preface

Myexplorationofsocialcapital,greenspace,andtheconnectionsbetweenthetwo,coupledwith
theinterviewsofcommunityleadersinvolvedinexistingcommunitygardensaretheprimary
researchmethodsofthisproject.Theseobjectiveswillbetiedtogethertoformulateofasetof
recommendationsforcreatingfutureneighborhoodgreenspaceswithstrongsocialcapital
elements.Theserecommendationsaretoinformtheplanningprocessandcreationofanew
communitygreenspacelocatedjustnorthofLynnwood,Washington.Theywillalsobeoffered
toanyaudienceinterestedinconductingasimilarprojectoftheirown.

ResearchMethod

TobeginmymethodologyIneededtofirstfindoutwhatwasgoingtobethemostbeneficial
researchmethodformymaindrivingquestion
Whatistheconnectionbetweenpublicgreen
spacesandsocialcapitalwithincommunities?
Afterdiggingintosomeresearchconcerning
qualitativeresearchmethods,Ifoundcohesioninthesemistructuredinterviewapproach.
AccordingtoJeremyMiles,abehavioralscientistattheRANDCorporation,Theflexibilityof
semistructuredinterviewsmakesthemsowellsuitedtoansweringawhyquestion.By
changingthequestionsandtheareasdiscussedduringtheinterviewwecanaddressaspectsthat
areimportanttoindividualparticipants,andbydoingsowecangainabetterunderstandingof
theresearchquestion.(Miles,2005)Idecidedtoconductqualitative,semistructured

interviewswithlocalleadersinvolvedwithestablishedcommunitygardeningendeavorsacross
SnohomishCounty.Mydecisiontoexecutethismethodovermultipleotherresearchmethods
wasduetotheflexibility,andopportunityforfacetofaceinteractionwithinterviewees.In
addition,researchprovidesthat,Semistructureinterviewscanprovidereliable,comparable
qualitativedata.13 ,whichisdirectlyrelationaltotheobjectivesofthisproject.

FormulationofInterviewQuestions

OnceIdecidedonaconcreteresearchmethod,thenextstepwastoformulateinterviews.The
questionsweredevelopedtounderstandthebackgroundofeachinterviewee,alongwiththeir
individualinvolvementwithvaryingclubs,groups,organizations,institutions,andprojects
acrossthecounty.Specifically,interviewquestionsweresemistructuredtoaskthemaindriving
questionof,
Whatistheconnectionbetweenpublicgreenspacesandsocialcapitalwithin
communities?.
Theinterviewquestionsexplorethevaryingmotivationsforprojects,the
sentimentssurroundingestablishedsites,howtheyhaveimpactedthecommunitiesinwhichthey
arelocated,andwhatspecificaspectsofthesiteshavecontributedtothesocialcapitalofsaid
communities.TheinterviewtemplatecanbefoundinAppendixIIIofthisreport.

InterviewOutreach

13

CohenD,CrabtreeB."QualitativeResearchGuidelinesProject."July2006.

http://www.qualres.org/HomeSemi3629.htm

IchoseindividualstointerviewbasedonsuggestionsfrommymentorsKevinTeague,
andKristinKelly,alongwithmyownpersonalconnectionsinSnohomishCounty.Iwantedto
interviewcommunityleaderswhoareinvolvedwithvaryingtypesofestablishedcommunity
gardenprojectsacrossthecounty.Thiswasinanefforttobetterunderstandthediffering
frameworksfromwhicheachsitecametofruition,andtobetterinformtheplanningprocessfor
thegreenspacelocatedinnorthLynnwood,SnohomishCounty.Ireceivedemailandtelephone
contactsofsomeoftheindividualsfrommymentorKristinKelly,andsomewerecontactsIhad
alreadyobtainedthroughmyownnetworkofconnection.Myinitialactiontocontactthese
individualswasbywayofemailmessaging.Isentallmessageswiththesubjecttitlestatingthe
individual'srespectiveorganization,followedbyResearchInterview.Theemailtemplatecan
befoundinAppendixIVofthisreport.

Limitations

TheonlylimitationsIencounteredduringtheentireoutreachprocesswasanonresponsefrom
twoofthecontactsthatIhadreachedouttoviaemail.Aresponsefromtheseindividualswould
havecontributedtoamorerobustsetofqualitativedata.Idonotbelievethenonresponsefrom
theseindividualswasoutofdisinterestnordoIbelieveitwasdetrimentaltomyresearch.

Interviewees

Thefivesitesthatwereresearchedinvolvevaryinggovernmental,private,andnonprofitforms
ofcreation,functionandmanagement.Interviewtimeswerevariabledependingoninterviewees
schedule.Theywereconductedatvaryinglocationstheintervieweesworkplace,acommunity
meetingroom,individualsplaceofresidence,andalocalbusinessvenue.Theinterviewslasted
foraround60to90minuteseach.

Name

Site

Organization

Occupation

Philomena
Kedziorski

McCollumParkRain
Garden&Demonstration
Gardens

WashingtonState
University:
SnohomishCounty
Extension:

WSUSnoCoExtension
RainGardenProgram
Coordinator

JaneLewis

SenatorHenryM.Jackson
ParkCommunityGarden

EverettParksand
Recreation

RecreationSupervisor

MarkHarrison

SenatorHenryM.Jackson
ParkCommunityGarden

EverettParksand
Recreation

LandscapeArchitect/Parks
Planning&Capital
DevelopmentManager

SusieSchaefer EdmondsWildlifeHabitat
PilchuckAudubon
NativePlantDemonstration Society/Edmonds
Garden
GardenClub
LauraHartman

RetiredSocialWorkerfor
Disabilities&Mental
Health

MarthaPerrySnohomish
CommunityFoodBank
Garden

SnohomishGarden SnohomishCounty
Club
GardenClubPresident

CarolRobinson MarthaPerrySnohomish
CommunityFoodBank
Garden

SnohomishGarden ParttimeGirlScoutsof
Club
Americatroopleader

KathyCarter

RosehillCommunityCenter MukilteoWay
QuiltGarden/PearTree
GardenClub
Park

RetiredU.S.Navynurse

PattyeSnyder

RosehillCommunityCenter MukilteoWay
QuiltGarden/PearTree
GardenClub
Park

HumanRelationsProject
Manager

ZsofiaPasztor

ParadiseValley
ConservationAreaFarmer
FrogHeadquarter

Entrepreneur,Instructor,
andDirectorof
Organization

FarmerFrog
(NGO)


ResearchCompilation

PhilomenaKedziorski
McCollumParkRainGarden&DemonstrationGardens
Everett,WA

PhilomenaistheWashingtonStateUniversitySnohomishCountyExtension,RainGarden
ProgramCoordinator.Shehasheldthispositionsincethewinterof2008andworksoutoftheir
McCollumParkofficesinsouthEverett,WA.Shefirststartedworkingwiththeprogramasa
volunteerandclinicattendeepriorto2008.TheRainGardenProgramattheWSUExtensionisa
specifiedprogramthatisincollaborationwiththeSnohomishConservationDistrict,theCityof
Everett,andtheMasterGardenerProgramatMccollumPark.Theprogramoffersanopportunity
forstudentsoftheprogramaswellasinterestedcitizenstoattenddemonstrationworkshops
aboutraingardens14 andhowto
establishthemwithintheir
particularcommunities,oron
theirownprivateproperty.The
demonstrationworkshopsare
facilitatedbyMasterGardener
volunteersagroupofover350
horticulturespecialistswho
altogetheracrossSnohomish
Countyputforthmorethan30,000volunteerhoursoverthecourseofasingleyear.
My

14

Araingardenisalandscapedareathatcollects,absorbs,andfiltersstormwaterrunofffromrooftops,driveways,
patiosandotherareasthatdontallowwatertosoakin.Thisprocesscanalsorechargethelocalgroundwatersupply.
Raingardensworklikeaspongebyslowingdownandsoakinguptheflowofstormwater,alongwithfilteringout
pollutants,beforeitreachesgroundwaterorstormdrainshttp://ext100.wsu.edu/raingarden/

favoritepartofmyjob
isthehandsonworkIgettodowiththeMasterGardeners.Working
withhomeowners,gettingtosocialize,andengagewiththepeopleImworkingwithaswell.I
amconstantlylearning.Philomenasharedwithmetheirlatestcampaignprojectknownas
12,000RainGardens.ThiscampaignisincollaborationwithWashingtonStateUniversity,and
StewardshipPartnersa
501(c)(3)nonprofitorganizationthathelpsprivatelandownersrestore
andpreservethenaturallandscapesofWashingtonstate.Thegoaloftheprojectistoinform,
develop,andcreate12,000newraingardensacrosstheentirePugetSoundRegion.Duringour
interview,PhilomenaandIdiscussedherworkinvolvingWSUExtensionscollaborationwith
TheCityofEverett.Sheexplainedthatbackin2010sevenpropertiesinanorthEverett
neighborhoodwerechosenforapilotdemonstrationprograminvolvingclusteredraingarden
installations.Sincethen,theCityofEveretthascreatedaRainGardenRebateprogramwhere
thecitywillcoverupto$2,500ofprojectcostsforcommunitygroups,orhomeownersinterested
inaninstallationwithincitylimits.Iinquiredontheeffectsthattheraingardenshavehadonthe
communityinEverett.

Theyveadded
hugevaluetothearea.Educationissoimportant,knowingaboutfertilizersand
usingchemicals,understandinghowraingardensactuallywork.Itissohelpfultoengagepeople
inadialogueaboutbetteringtheenvironment...offeringskillsbeyondwhatmanypeopleknow.

WhenIaskedaboutwhatspecificaspectsoftheRainGardenprogramorsitesinEveretthave
contributedtothecommunitymost,Philomenaelaborated:

Theclusterraingardensinthemselveshavebroughtneighborstogetherinsomanyways.The
curbappealofthegardensareanattractionforcuriousmembersofthecommunity.Peoplewill
gatherforsocialactivities,potlucks,andBBQs.Activitieswheretheygetconversationsstarted,
gardenclubshavebeencreated,groupsofpeoplearecomingtogethertocreateandnurture
connectionswhichissoimportant.

Iendedourinterviewwithmymostimportantquestion,Inyouropinion,whatistheconnection
betweenpublicgreenspacesandsocialcapitalincommunities?

Greenspaces,wearenaturallydrawntothem,theyaregreatforchildren,andadultsalike.
Thememoriescreated,andpasseddown,...itmakespeoplefeelgoodandpeopleareremindedof
thosefeelings.Ithinkitissoimportanttohaveaplacetowalkto,andinmanycasesthatisnot
available.

JaneLewis
SenatorHenryM.JacksonParkCommunityGarden
Everett,WA

JaneLewisistheCityofEverettParks&Recreation,RecreationSupervisor.Shehasbeenwith
EverettParksfornearly34years
workingoutoftheirForestPark
administrationofficesinsouth
Everett.Janehastakenonthelead
roleinmanagingthenewlyrenovated

JacksonParkCommunityGarden.HenryM.JacksonParkisa14.63acremultiuseparkfacility
locatedinnortheastEverettneartheInterstate5bridgecrossingtheSnohomishRiver.Thewest
fouracresoftheparkhavebeentransformedintoanaccessible,neighborhoodgatheringpark
sportinganewplayground,restroomfacilities,picnicshelter,joggingpathsandcommunity
gardenplotswithalargegardenshed.TheparkreopenedforuseonMarch31st2016aftergoing
throughPhase1ofrenovationthatbeganbackinNovemberof2015.TheJacksonPark
CommunityGardenisinitsfirstgrowingseasonandwillbeavailabletoresidentsforgardening
AprilOctober2016.Janesharedwithmethatshehadproposedacommunitygardenidea
almost25yearsago,butnothingcameofit.Sheisexcitedtobetakingonthisnewprojectwith
thecommunity.

Thegardenhas33plotsavailableforleasetolocalresidents.Thecostto
residentsis$29pergrowingseason,andtherearegardenscholarshipsavailablethrough
application.IaskedJaneabouttheplanningprocessandwhatsentimentsthecommunityhad
concerningthesite.

Peoplearelookingformorepositiveuseofthepublicfacility.Themorepositiveactivity,the
lessopportunityforbadpeopleorlewdactivitytobegoingonthere.Theresaconcernthatthe
gardenswillbetrashed,butnottotheextentofwhatitisnow.Overallthereactiontowhatwe
aredoingiswellaccepted.

Beingtheprogrammanager,Janealsosharedsomeofherownpersonalconcernsaboutthe
gardensite:

Operationsmightbeabiggerconcerninthisarea,thereisalargetransientpopulation,aswell
asalanguagebarrierwhentryingtoreachouttoresidents.Inaddition,thesustainabilityand
maintenancewillalwaysbeaconcern,buttheneighborswhoaremorepermanentseemtohave
abiginterestintheprogram.Theapplicationiscontrolledforwhogetsplotsandtakescareof
them.

Afterdiscussingsomeoftheconcernsregardingthesite,Iwantedtohearaboutwhat
connectionsJaneseesbetweenpublicgreenspacesandsocialcapital:

Everyoneenjoyslearning.Primarymotivatoristogooutside,andmakeithappen.Takesalot
ofexperience,buttheintergenerationalworkgetspeopletosharetheirsetbacksandsuccesses
inapositiveway.Greenspacethatislinearishighlyvalued.Individualways,andfamilialways.
Providingaccesspointsamongpeopleandfamiliarityinacommonenvironmentiskey.

MarkHarrison
SenatorHenryM.JacksonParkCommunityGarden
Everett,WA

MarkHarrisonistheCityofEverettParksPlanningandCapitalDevelopmentManager.Hehas
heldthispositionwiththecityforalittleoversevenyearsworkingoutoftheirForestPark
administrationofficesinsouthEverett.Markhasworkedasacertifiedlandscapearchitect,a
businessentrepreneur,andaseniorprojectmanagerforanIllinoisbaseddesignfirm
HethenheldapositionasDirectorofParksandPlanningfortheCityofWheeling,Illinoisa
suburbofChicagobeforemovingouttothePacificnorthwestwherehenowresides.Markhas

takentheleadroleintheSenator
HenryM.JacksonParkrenovation
project.Theparkhasbeenowned
andmanagedbythecityforover
100yearsbeforetherenovation,the
parkwashalfthesizethatitisnow
at14.63acres.Markelaborated:

Thesitewasusedforathletes,and
theGulchwasalandfillarea.Itwasunderusedandunderutilized.Itwasabigoleswamp
beforeitwasexpandedandrenovated.

IinquireduponMarkabouthowthegardenspacesinitiallygotstarted,

Therewasaparksboardinformationalmeeting,publicmeetingswereheld,weorganizedopen
houses,wewenttoneighborhoodgroupmeetingsandaskedmembersofthecommunitywhat
theywanted.Theyexpressedaneedforagardenareaduetoalackofoutdoorspace.Withsuch
adiversepopulationinthisarea,anESLclassaskedquestionsandshareddrawingsofthepark
tolearnwhatresidentsfoundappealing.Weevenaskedthechildrentotakepicturesofother
parksandsharewhattheylikeaboutthem.Wewereabletosynthesizeconcepts,andidentify
patterns.Manyoftheideasforthegardencameaboutthroughthis.

Markmentionedthathasbeeninvolvedwithcommunitygardenprojectspreviouslyinhis
professionalcareer.HeworkedwithacommunityinIllinoiswhowereinterestedincultivatinga
field.Heconnectedwithstakeholdersandfacilitatedgettinggroupstogethertodiscussideas.He
wasneverinvolvedwiththemanagementuntilhestartedtheHenryM.JacksonParkCommunity
Garden.BeingthatMarkwasoneoftheleadlandscapearchitectsanddesignersforthisspace,I
wascuriousastowhytheychoseindividualizedplotgardensforthesite.Markexplained:

Somegardenshavedifferentmodelsthatmakefordifferinglevelsofsocialcapital.Plot
gardensseemtobetheeasiestandmostfunctionalforthisspecificarea.

Whilewewereonthetopicofsocialcapital,IaskedMarkmymaindrivingquestion,whatisthe
connectionbetweenpublicgreenspacesandsocialcapitalincommunities?Markreplied:

Commoninterestisthemainkey.Inthiscase,itsgardening.Sometimesitistheneedfor
outdoorspace,butbringingpeopletogetherlikeastringofpearlscreatesnewconnectionsthat
peopleareconstantlylookingfor.
SusieSchaefer
EdmondsWildlifeHabitatNativePlantDemonstrationGarden
Edmonds,WA

SusieSchaeferisalongtimeEdmondsresident,activeenvironmentalist,andcommunity
organizer.SheisaretiredsocialworkerwhoassistedfamilieswithdisabilitiesacrossthePuget
Soundregionfornearly40years.Shehasspentmostofheradultlifeinvolvingherselfwith
multitudesofcommunitygroupsandendeavorsaroundthePacificNorthwest.Mostnotably,

Susiewasanactiveparticipantintheforestwarsofthelate1980sandearly90s.Aconflict
betweenenvironmentalactivistsandthetimberindustrythatgaverisetothemodern
environmentalmovement.ShehasworkedwiththegrassrootsorganizationknownasPilchuck
AudubonSocietyfornearly30yearsandplayedanintegralroleinthecreationofthePuget
SoundBirdfest,aswellasthe
EdmondsWildlifeHabitatandNativePlantDemonstration
Garden.
TheEdmondsGardenClubstartedin2008whenagroupoffolksintowndecidedtocome
togetherwithacommoninterestinbeautifyingtheiroutdoorspaces.Susie,thepresidentofthe
club,sharedthatthewildlifehabitatanddemo
gardengotstartedbecauseofaconcernforhow
peopleweregardening.Theirmissionwastocreateademonstrationgardentoshowcommunity
membersabouthowtogardenforwildlifeandnativeplants.Theclubworkedthegardento
showpeoplehowthespacecouldcontributetothegreatercommunity.Theprojectwasfunded
byagrantfromthedepartmentofwildlifeforeducationalprogramsandhasthrivedeversinceits
creation.Afterlearningquiteabitaboutthegarden,IwasevenmorecuriousaboutSusies
motivationsforinvolvingherselfwiththeclubandthesite:

IvelivedinEdmondsforalongtime.WewereFightingforthecriticalareasordinances
becausesomanypeopleweretryingtodevelopandthecityplanningwasamess,itfeltlikeI
neededtogetpeopleinvolvedandunderstandthecircumstances,andIknewalotofpeoplewith
thesameinterestsandconcerns.

Atthatpoint,aninauguralmeetingwasset,andtheEdmondsGardenClubhadbeenformed.


IaskedSusiewhatherfavoritepartof
volunteeringwiththeclubmightbe:

Iliketogetthingsdone,combining
resourcestoaccomplishthingsandmakea
difference.Ibelievethatsthemissionfor
mostofusinvolvedatthespace.

Theclubhasaroundfifteenmembersall
withvaryinginterestsandbackgrounds.IhadanopportunitytoattendoneoftheGardenClub
meetings,whereImetaNOAAmarinebiologist,abatrachologyscientist,apapermakingartist,
andarecentgraduatefromWashingtonStateUniversitywhostudiedurbanagriculture.Quitean
eclecticgroupofpeopleifIdosaysomyself.Withallofthesedifferingbackgroundsandareas
ofexpertise,Iwascurioustoknowtowhoelseisinvolvedatthesite.
IaskedSusieabout
partneringorganizationsandhowvolunteerscouldgetinvolvedwiththe
EdmondsWildlife
HabitatandNativePlantDemonstrationGarden.

TheGardenClubhasalistservwhereperiodicallywesendoutemailstofolkswhohavemade
connectionswithus.WehaveworkedwiththeCityofEdmonds,thejuvenilecourt,studentsfrom
MeadowdaleHighSchool'senvironmentalclub,andafewothers.

IwantedtomovetheinterviewforwardandgettochattingaboutsocialcapitalwithSusie:
Since
yousawthegreenspacebeforeitcametofruition,howhasitspresenceimpactedthe
community?

IwishIwouldimpactalittlebitmore,butthatsbecauseImimpatient.
Alotofpeoplecometo
ourclassesandattendourevents,
ourclubwantspeopleofEdmondstostartaresourcecenter,
workingwithEdmondsplannersandhaveanevenbiggerpresenceinthecommunity.

SusiefeelsasthoughthemissionoftheEdmondsWildlifeHabitatandNativePlant
DemonstrationGardenisgenerallybeingachieved.
Ithinkwearemakingprogress.Wewillkeepgoing.Itsanalternativetootherwaysof
lifeGettingkidsinvolved,bringingthefolksaboutandgettingtheminvolvedtoo,therehas
beengoodsupportandtheCityhasbeenhelpfulinsupportingus.

IaskedSusie
whatspecificaspectsofthesite,orprogram,
havecontributedmosttothesocial
capitaloftheedmondscommunity.Sherepliedwithsomewonderfulinsight.

Peoplelearningandgainingknowledgetogether,orpeoplewholikeplantsbutdonthave
gardensandprovidinganopportunityforeveryone.
Ithinkwerelosingsomeofthatandit
worriesme.Peoplecometothesiteandreallylikeit.Imgratefulforthoseconnectionsand
beingapartofkeepingthoseconnectionsalive.Ifyourenotconnected,youdontcare.The

gardendoesagoodjob.Families,kids,students,everyonehaveanopportunitytolearnand
growtogether.

LauraHartman
MarthaPerrySnohomishCommunityFoodBankGarden
Snohomish,WA

LauraHartmanisacommunity
leaderinthehistorictownof
Snohomish,Washington.Forthe
pastfouryearsLaurahasserved
asthepresidentofthe
SnohomishGardenClub,a
notforprofitorganization
facilitatingregularmeetingsyear
round.Theclubhosts
informativegardeninglecturesateverymeeting,theyplanandcoordinateanumberofgarden
relatedprojectsrangingfromcommunitybeautificationtodemonstrationseminars,andthey
havefosteredaworkingrelationshipwiththelocalfoodbankswheretheyproducethousandsof
poundsoffreshvegetableseverygrowingseasonforpeopleandfamiliesinneed.Thesitethat
theclubutilizesfortheircropsisknownastheMarthaPerryVeggieGarden.MarthaPerrywasa
longtimeSnohomishresidentwhowasinterestedinsupportingtherisinguseoflocalfoodbanks
inherarea.Marthaandherhusbandacquiredaquarteracreparcelofprimeagriculturalland
donatedbyoneofthelocalfarmingfamiliesinsouthSnohomish.Thegardenwasofficially
openedin2008andhasflourishedsinceitscreation.Iwasveryexcitedaboutthisinterview

becauseitwasthefirstgardensitewhereitisentirelycommunitysupported.Nottomention,the
foodequitythatisfosteredthroughtheSnohomishGardenClubseffortsiscompletelyinspiring.
IstartedofftheinterviewaskingLaurawasspecificresponsibilitiesshetakesonasthepresident
oftheclubandstewardoftheMarthaPerryVeggieGarden.

Yousee,Iamjustonepartofthisbigpicture.Asaclub,wefocusquiteabiton
seedselection
anddecidingA:Whatweneedformakinganimpact,B:Whatdopeoplelike,andC:Howmuch
manuallaborwillbeneededforthegrowingseason.

FromwhatLauracontinuedtellme,itseemslikethegardenitselfisprettyinvolved.Theclub
collaborateswithvaryinggroupsacrossthecountyrangingfromGirlScoutsofWestern
Washington,totheRedHatSociety.

IinquireduponLauraaboutthemissionoftheclubandwhatitmeanstoher:

Themissionoftheclubistostimulateknowledgeandloveforgardening.Weareaimedat
protectingnativeplantandtreespeciesaswellaswildlife,andweareintentonfostering
communitythroughgardeningpractices.Tome,theMarthaPerryGardenisathingofbeauty,a
placeofthoughtandmentalhealth.Itisgreatforlonelyolderpeople,andweputfoodonthe
tableforthosemostinneed.

KnowingthatLauraspositionissolelyvolunteerbased,Iwascurioustoknowwhataboutthe

MarthaPerryVeggieGardenmotivateshertodowhatshedoes.

Thefeelingaccomplishment,theintergenerationalactivity,
Thegardenfeelslikeamagical
place,somethingaboutthatspacemakesyoufeellikemagic.Itspurelygoodformysoul,Ifeel
likeIdhaveacomplexifIdidntfeellikeIwasgivingbackithasbecomepartofmylife.

IwantedtomovetheinterviewforwardandaskLauraaboutthecommunityinSnohomishand
whatkindofrolethegarden,theclub,anditsorganizershavehadregardingsocialcapital.

Themainthingpeopleknowaboutusisourfreshveggiesforthefoodbank.Themissionis
beingachievedandextendsbeyondallofthat.Wefeelthattheexcitementiscontinuingtogrow
andawarenessisbeingraised.WearehostingaFarmtoTableeventagainthissummer.Making
connectionsiskey
.Keepingthenetworkaliveenableustoallsupporteachotherandsustainthe
siteSoeveryoneknowswhatisgoingonandwhatcanbedone.

IconcludedourinterviewbyaskingLaura,
whatspecificaspectsofthesite,orprogram,
have
contributedmosttothesocialcapitalofthecommunity?

Honestly,theprimefarmgroundiswhatbringspeopletogether.Thatinitselfisaresourcefor
raisingawarenessaboutthefoodsituationinSnohomishCounty.Itsanincredibleresourcefor
educationeverythingisinvolved.
MosthealthycommunitieshavespacesliketheseIdliketo

think.Thisisourpiecethatwearegivingback,andeachoneofthesepiecesisaninvestmentfor
thegreatergood.

CarolRobinson
MarthaPerrySnohomishCommunityFoodBankGarden
Snohomish,WA

CarolRobinsonisanactivecommunityleaderthroughoutSnohomishCounty.Shehashelda
positionontheCommunityCoordinatingCommitteefortheCityofSnohomishforanumberof
years.Shehasbeenpartofthe
SnohomishGardenClubfor
closeto10yearsworkingat
theMarthaPerryVeggie
Garden,sheisaboardmember
fortheSnohomishEducation
Foundation,anactivefood
bankvolunteerandaparttime
GirlScoutsofAmericatroop
leader.Tosaysheisabusywomanwouldbeanunderstatement.Ihadtheopportunitytomeet
withCarolataneateryinthehistoricheartofdowntownSnohomish.Istartedoutourinterview
byaskingaboutherinvolvementwiththeSnohomishGardenClubandhowshegotinvolved.

Igotinvolvedasagirlscouttroopleader,wewantedbetterprojectideasforgettingthetroop
involvedwithrealstuff.Workingtogetheroutsideseemedtobejusttheticket!

WithmultitudesofoutsideinvolvementandCarolbeingsoinvolvedwiththecommunityin
Snohomish,Iwascurioushowpeoplehaverespondedtotheirwork.

TherehasbeenreallygoodfeedbackIminvolvedwiththeCityofSnohomishCommunity
CoordinatingCommittee,agroupwhereeveryonemeetstodiscussthehappeningaroundtown.
Trulyeveryoneisexcitedandappreciativeofwhatisgoingonandwhatwearedoingwiththe
Club,andtheVeggieGarden.Itshadahugelypositiveimpact,andoverall,itsbeenawinwin
situation

FromwhatCarolhadsharedwithme,itseemslikeentirecommunityisonboardwiththeir
mission.SinceCarolhasbeeninvolvedwiththeSnohomishGardenclubforalmost10yearsand
s
awthespacebeforeitcametofruition,
Iwascurious
howthegardenspresencehasimpacted
thecommunity

Truthfully,thespaceblendsin,somepeopledontevenknowaboutit.Ifyouareinanyway
activeinthecommunity,youdefinitelydoknowaboutit,butithasverymuchevolvedoverofthe
years,andonlybecomemoreimpactful.

WegottodiscussingimpactsandIaskedCarolmymostpertinentquestion,
whatisthe
connectionbetweenpublicgreenspacesandsocialcapitalwithincommunities?

Youknow,inmyopinion,itstheopportunityforpeopletobeoutsidetogether,andthenatural
urgeandinstincttodoso.Ourclubsasksthequestion,Whatisthecommunitychoosingto
support?Well,itstohelpothersinneed,Ithinkthecharityaspectissoimportant.Thefactthat
wearelocalized,thecommunityistakingcareofitself.Itsaqualityoflifething,Itsnotjustfor
theprivileged,it'sforeveryone.Itsarejuvenationforallinvolved.

KathyCarter
RosehillCommunityCenterQuiltGarden/FowlerPearTreePark
Mukilteo,WA

KathyCarterisalongtimeresidentof
theCityofMukilteo,Washington.She
isaretirednavalnurse,andthecurrent
MukilteoWayGardenClubpresident.
Kathyhasbeenactivelyinvolvedwith
thegardenclubforover9years.She
tookonthepositionaspresident,
succeedinghermotherwhohadbeena
clubmemberformostofheradultlife.TheMukilteoWayGardenClub(MWGC)hasbeena
functioninggroupsince1933,theirmissionistofosterknowledgeandappreciationfor
gardeningandtheenvironmenttheyarecelebratingtheir83rdyearofexistencethisfall.The
clubisa501(c)3nonprofitorganizationbuiltoffofarichhistoryofinvolvementinthe
Mukilteocommunity.UponspeakingwithKathy,Ifoundoutthattheclubstewardsanumberof
communitygreenspacesintheMukilteoandEverettareaandhasbeeninvolvedwithnumerous
eventsaroundthecity.Mostnotably,theclubcollaborateswithTheMukilteoLighthouse

Quilters,theCityofMukilteo,andSnohomishCountytourism,byplanningthebiennial
MukilteoGardenandQuiltTouraneventthatattractshundredsofpeopletotheareatosharein
theirloveforgardeningandquilting.ThetwogreenspacesthattheMWGCstewardsareknown
asRosehillCommunityCenterQuiltGardenandFowlerPearTreePark.Thequiltgardenisa
smallgardenspacelocatedneartheentranceoftheRosehillCommunityCenter.Itisa
communitybeautificationprojectdesignedtoemulatetheuniquepatternsusedintheartof
quiltingthroughtheutilizationofselectedflora.FowlerPearTreeParkisagreenspace
dedicatedtotheuniquehistoryofMukilteoandtheremembranceofMWGCmemberswhohave
passedaway.Theparkissmallfencedinpatchoflawnandazaleabushessurroundinga
150yearoldpeartreethatdatesbacktothefoundingofMukilteoinaddition,thetreestill
producespears.AfterlearningquiteabitaboutthehistoryoftheMWGC,aswellasthegreen
spacesthattheysteward,IwascuriousaboutKathyspositionasgardenclubpresident,andwhy
sheisinvolvedwiththeclub.

Ihadaninterestinanthropologyandbotany,andmymomwasalongtimemember,butthenI
metpeople,andfeltthewarmthandcamaraderieofthegroup.Ienjoyedbeingaroundthose
people,anditjuststuck.Majorityofpeopleintheclubareretired,stayathomefolks,orwork
parttime.Newpeoplearewelcometojoinatanypoint.AspresidentIamanorganizer.Weplan
events,schedulemonthlyworkpartiesforthetwosites,andkeepourmeetingsinteresting.

IaskedKathywhatvaluesheseesinhervolunteerwork:

Beingavolunteerissodifferent,thanworkingformoney.Itsaninvestmentoftheheart.
Sometimesthosethingsaremorelongreachingandeverlasting.Thecharityaspectisimportant
took.WecollaboratewithEdmondsCommunityCollegeandofferascholarshipforhorticulture
studies.Givingbackishugemotivator.

FromwhatKathysharedwithme,itseemsasthoughtheMukilteoWayGardenClubisfairly
wellknownamongstcommunitymindedindividuals.Iwascuriousaboutthegardenandpark
sites,andhowthecommunityhasrespondedsincetheircreation.

Peopleseeitasajewelinthecommunity,evenoutsiderscomeinandseeitasaplacethatis
anidentifiabletraitofwhatMukilteoisallabout.Itisawonderful,restiveplace.Bothsitesare
blendedareasofsomanyelements.Thesmells.Thesounds,theenvironmentofhealth.

ItwassointerestingtohearaboutthehealthbenefitsthatKathyfeelsthegreenspacesprovide
forpeople.IhadtheopportunitytovisitboththeRosehillCommunityCenterQuiltGardenand
FowlerPearTreePark,andImyselffelttherestive,calmingqualitiesthatKathyexplained.It
washardtodescribe,butjustbeinginthespacefeltright.Iwantedtomoveourinterview
forwardandaskKathyalittlebitaboutsocialcapital,andleaveherwithmymaindriving
question,
whatistheconnectionbetweenpublicgreenspacesandsocialcapitalwithin
communities?:

Ithinkwhenpeopleputthemselvesinaspace,theytugonourheartstringsinvaryingways.
Itsneat,Godgiven,andthereforustotakecarefuladvantageof,ifwechoose.Ithinkthatis
vitaltoacommunity.Thatwearenttheonlylivingthings,andwehavetheopportunitytocare
forthesethings,andwereapthebenefitsofdoingso.Itsthosefeelingsthatyoujustcantput
yourfingeron.Relationshipsyoucantevensee,thesymbioticrelationship.The
interdependenceoneachother.Learninghowtotakecareofthings,andbeingabletopassthat
knowledgeonthroughthegenerations,itissoimportant.

PattyeSnyder
RosehillCommunityCenterQuiltGarden/FowlerPearTreePark
Mukilteo,WA

PattyeSnyderisaretiredhuman
resourcesmanagershemoved
fromCaliforniatoWashingtonat
ayoungage,andhasbeena
residentofMukilteofornearly40
years.Shehasbeenamemberof
theMukilteoWayGardenClub
fornearly15years.Pattye
informedmethatwhenshefirstjoinedtheclubshehadnopreviousgardeningexperienceor
knowledge,shewaspersuadedtojointhegroupbyhersisterinlawinanattempttotry
somethingnewafterlosingherjob.Sincejoining,shehasgainedinvaluableknowledgeand
cultivatedinvaluablerelationshipswithlifelongfriends.Pattyehasplayedabigpartinthe

creationandsustainabilityoftheRosehillCommunityCenterQuiltGarden.Iaskedherabit
abouthowthespacefirstgotstarted,

WhentheCommunityCenterwasbuiltthecitygaveapieceoflandtotheGardenClub,wehad
moneyfromthequilttourtodesignandstartaquiltgardenonthecommunitycenterlot.We
hadmanymeetings,andmanyideas,butnowitsprettystreamline.Wehaveachartwhere
peoplecansignupforweedingandpruning.Acommitteetendstothegardenonamonthly
basis,andtheflowersgetchangedeveryseason.

Pattyetoldmethattheseedselectionforthequiltgardenisalwaysacollaborateprocess.The
clubdecideswhatkindofdesigntheywantforthegardenandresearchesthetypeofplantsand
flowersthatgrowbesttogether.Pattyethensharedwithmeherfeelingsaboutthegarden:

Withoutthegarden,thespacewouldbeasphalt.Thespaceisfeedingoursoultolookatand
enjoy.Fortheclub,thedesign,andbeautyofitissospecial.Itsajoytoviewandmakespeople
feelasenseofaccomplishmentandwellbeing.

IwassopleasedtohearPattyespersonalsentimentsregardingthesite.Thegardenislocated
neartheentrancetothecommunitycenter,Iwascuriousifthegardenhadeverbeendisrespected
bytheflowofpeopleconstantlyinthearea.Pattyetoldmethattheonlyissuetheyhaveever
continuallyfacedwasalitteringproblem.Thewallbehindthegardenhadbeenspraypainted
withgraffitiononeoccasion,buttheCityquicklytookcareofit.


WediscussedtheinvolvementoftheclubintendingtoFowlerPearTreeParkandchattingabout
theothereventsthattheclubsupports.IwrappedupourinterviewbyaskingPattyeabouther
thoughtsonsocialcapital,andhowgreenspacesmightbeanagenttoitsfunction:

Iknowthefeeling,itshowyouputitintowordsthatishard.Peoplelooktonatureandbeing
outsideforsomesoothingoftheirsoul.Beingwithnature,itspeakstous,somehowinourinner
selves.Weneedsomestructureinourlivesobviously,buttheconnectionissoimportant,thisis
myland,andtheyarentmakinganymoreofit.

ZsofiaPasztor
FarmerFrog
Everett/Woodinville,WA

ZsofiaPasztoristhebusinessownerofInnovativeLandscapeTechnologies,andfounderofthe
nonprofitorganizationFarmerFrog.Zsofiateacheshorticulture,urbanagricultureandlow
impactdevelopmentatEdmondsCommunityCollege,inLynnwood,WA.Zsofiahasdefinitely
madeanameforherselfinthegreaterPugetSoundRegion.SheisHungarianbornandlearned
togrowherownfoodatanearlyage.DuringthefallofcommunistHungary,Zsofiaandher
husbandspenttwoyearsinanAustrianrefugeecampbeforeimmigratingtotheUnitedStatesin
1989.Sincethen,shehasbuiltupherbusinessesandtakenonthetaskofdirectinghernonprofit

organization,FarmerFrogonafulltimebasis.FarmerFrogwasfoundedbyZsofiaandher
husbandin2009.Themissionoftheorganizationistoencouragechildrenandfamiliestogrow
foodforthemselvesandtheircommunities.FarmerFrogmentorsstudents,families,andtheir
communities,offeringahandupforstrongcommunaleducation,healthyfoodpractices,safe
communitybuilding,andhungeralleviation.Theorganizationsupportscommunitybased,
sociallyjust,urbanandsmallscaleagriculturethatprotectsandrestoresnativehabitatand
qualityoflifeforhumansandwildlifealike.Theorganizationhasbeenastewardforover15
schoolgardensinthegreaterPugetSoundRegion.Ihadthechancetoattendaworkpartywith
ZsofiaatFarmerFrogsnewlyacquiredheadquartersontheParadiseValleyConservationArea
nearMaltby,WA.Onthatdate,ZsofiaandIdidnthavemuchtimetodiscussmyresearch,butit
wasinvaluabletoseewhatexactlyFarmerFrogisallabout,thehistoryoftheParadiseValley
site,andhowtheirworkpartiesfunction.LaterthatweekZsofiaandspokeoverthephoneand
shetookthetimeoutofherincrediblybusyscheduletofilloutmyinterviewquestionnaire.Here
aresomeofherresponses:

Whatleadyoudownthispath?

Ialwayswantedtoworkwithplants.Ihavebeenahorticulturistandagriculturist,andarborist
foralongtime.Ialsocareaboutpeoplewhohavechallengesandchildreningeneral.So
FarmerFrogcombinesalloftheseinterestsandpassions.

Howdidthefirstschoolgardengetstarted,andwhathasmotivatedyoutocontinueyourwork?


Iwasaskedtohelptheschoolfeedhomelessfamilies.Sincethen,wehavereallygrown.Iwant
toseethisorganizationsucceedinitslongterm,wehavea7generationplan.

Whatvaluedoyouseeandfeelwhenworking?

Peopleslivesimproving.Peopleeatbetter,theyfeelbetter,schoolsarebecomingaward
winningfromlistedasreadytobeshutdown.Itsoverallquiteinspiring.

Whathavebeensomeofthesetbacksyouhavefacedconcerningyoursite(s)?

Weareallvolunteersandneedtofindfundingtopayourcoreteamofminimum24people.The
lifeofanonprofitorganization!

Inyouropinion,whatistheconnectionbetweenpublicgreenspacesandsocialcapitalin
communities?

Peoplesliveschangeiftheyhaveareasaroundthemtheycantakeresponsibilityforand
benefitfrom.Publicspacesarepurchasedontaxdollarsandbelongtothecommunity.These
spacesmustbenefitthepublicinmorewaysthanone.Lawnsarenotbenefits.Foodcenters,
wildlifehabitatsandactivityparksare.

SincemyfirstvisittoParadiseValleyfortheworkpartywithZsofia,Ihavetakenquitean
interestinFarmerFrogandtheirvisionforthefuture.Iamhopingtocontinuemyinvolvement
withtheorganizationandseetheirprojectsblossom,andbenefitthecommunitiesinwhichthey
areapartof.

KeyThemesandIdeologies

Eachoftheintervieweesinvolvedinthisstudyarecommittedtotheirrespectivegardensites.
Afterananalysisofthequalitativedatacollected,certainthemesemergedacrossthevarying
endeavorsrevealingmultipleconnectionsbetweenpublicgreenspace,andsocialcapital.

Keythemesthatemergedacrossintervieweeresponses:

Handson,demonstrativelearningopportunities
KnownPurpose
Leadershipopportunities
Localizedaccess
Beautificationcomponents

Handson,DemonstrativeLearningOpportunities
Inallcases,eachintervieweeexpressedtheimportanceofhandson,demonstrativelearning
opportunitiesattheirrespectivegreenspaces.Havingtheopportunitytobeshown,orexperiment

onyourowninanintentionalwayhasproventobeastrongelementofsocialcapitalwithin
communities.

KnownPurpose
Inallcases,eachintervieweeexpressedtheimportanceofpurposeconcerningtheirgreenspace.
Eachoftheintervieweesaremembersofanumbrellagroup,organization,orprogramallof
whichhaveaclearlyoutlinedmissionstatementregardingtheirindividualsites.Ineverycase,
eachintervieweefeltthattheirmissionisbeingachievedthroughtheworkthattheyhave
collectivelyputforth.

LeadershipOpportunities
Inallcases,eachintervieweeexpressedtheimportanceofintentionalleadershipopportunities
relatedtothemissionoftheirrespectivegreenspaces.Someexamplesofintentionalleadership
opportunitieswithinthegardengreenspacesthatIresearchedwerespecifieddemonstration
areastoshareknowledge,individualgardenplotsforvaryinggroupsorfamiliestocultivate,
workgroupswithspecifiedtasksformaintainingthespaces,andorganizedcommunitytoursof
thegreenspaces.Allopportunitiesforleadershipandstewardshipofthesites.

LocalizedAccess
Inallcases,eachintervieweeexpressedtheimportanceoflocalizedaccessconcerningtheir
greenspace.Theabilitytowalk,bike,run,ortakeashortdrivetothegreenspaceisintegralto
thefunctionandsustainabilityoftheirsites.Notonlythat,buttheabilityforcommunitiesto

continuouslyvisitasite,seeprogression,andaccomplishmentsbeingmade,haveproventobe
beneficialtothesuccessoftheindividualgreenspaces.

BeautificationComponents
InthecasesoftheMcCollumParkRainGarden&DemonstrationGardens,theSenatorHenry
M.JacksonParkCommunityGarden,theEdmondsWildlifeHabitatNativePlantDemonstration
Garden,theRosehillCommunityCenterQuiltGardenandPearTreePark,theinterviewees
expressedtheimportanceofaestheticswhencreating,maintainingandenjoyingtheirgarden
greenspacesforthecommunity.Asenseofprideandownershipisalsofeltthroughtheaesthetic
beautyofthespaces.

RecommendationsandConclusions

ForafinalproductIofferyouasetofrecommendationsforcreatingfuturecommunityactivated
greenspaceswithstrongsocialcapitalelements.Theserecommendationshavebeeninformedby
myliteraturestudy,research,andinterviewswithcommunitygardenleadersinSnohomish
County.ThisinformationhasaidedtheplanningprocessandpublicmeetingsfortheHemlock
AcresGreenSpace,andcouldbeusedspecificallyforanyaudienceinterestedininitiatinga
similarpublicspaceactivationprojectintheirowncommunity.

Forclarityandinterpretation,Ihaveorganizedthisinformationunderthethreemaincategories
ofKnowledge,Strength,andBeauty.

Knowledge

Tostart,wehaveKnowledge.Theoverwhelmingresponsefromintervieweesstressedthe
importanceandneedforlearningopportunitieswithintheirrespectivegreenspaces.Froman
analysisoftheliterature,andthesentimentscompiledfromtheinterviewsconducted,itisafact
thatcommunityactivatedgreenspaceswithintentionalavenuesforlearningisdirectly
connectedtosocialcapitalwithincommunities.

Somespecificcomponentswouldbe:

Intergenerationalsharingofknowledge
Inalmostallcasesthatwereresearched,theelementofcommunalsharingofknowledgewas
consistentlyexpressedamongintervieweeresponses.InthewordsofSusieSchaeferfromthe
EdmondsWildlifeHabitatandDemonstrationGarden,

Ifyourenotconnected,youdontcare.Thegardendoesagoodjob.Families,kids,
students,everyonehaveanopportunitytolearnandgrowtogether.

JaneLewisfromEverettParksandRecreationexpressedsimilarsentiments,


Everyoneenjoyslearning.Primarymotivatoristogooutside,andmakeithappen.
Takesalotofexperience,buttheintergenerationalworkgetspeopletosharetheir
setbacksandsuccessesinapositiveway.

Theabilitytolearnfromotherswhohavemoreexperienceandshareacommoninterestisa
powerfulthing.Theabilitytoteachisjustasimportantastheabilitytolearn.Finding
opportunitiestolearnfromoneanotherholisticallyhasproventobeastrongelementofsocial
capitalwithincommunitiesandshouldbeconsideredwhenactivatingpublicgreenspaces.

Demonstrationandskillbuilding
Thiselementiscloselyrelatedtotheformer,butcanbeseenasanelementthatisabitmore
indepthandintentional.InthecaseoftheEdmondsWildlifeHabitatandDemonstration
Garden,andtheMcCollumParkRainGardens&DemonstrationGardensspecificallythe
importanceofskillacquisitionwasfullyexpressed.PhiloemenaKedziorskioftheWashington
StateUniversity,SnohomishCountyExtensionstatedinherinterview,

...
Educationissoimportant,knowingaboutfertilizersandusingchemicals,
understandinghowraingardensactuallywork.Itissohelpfultoengagepeopleina
dialogueaboutbetteringtheenvironment...offeringskillsbeyondwhatmanypeople
know.

Demonstrationandskillbuildingisjustthat,anopportunityforknowledgetobepassedalong,
studiedandpracticed,thenputintoaction.Theintentionalsearchforknowledgeandpersonal
growthamongothersisastrongcomponentofsocialcapital,andcreatingsuccessfulpublically
activatedgreenspaces.

Biggerpicturelearningandknowledge
Thiselementisalittlehardertodefine,butentirelyrelevanttoactivatingpublicgreenspaces
withstrongsocialcapitalelements.ItisrelatedtowhatPattyeSnyderoftheMukilteoWay
GardenClubtouchedoninherinterview,

Iknowthefeeling,itshowyouputitintowordsthatishard.Peoplelooktonatureand
beingoutsideforsomesoothingoftheirsoul.Beingwithnature,itspeakstous,somehow
inourinnerselves.

Thefactthatweashumansaremoreconnectedtothenaturalenvironmentaroundusthenwe
mightinternalizeonoureverydayendeavorsissoimportant.Encouragingpersonalgrowthand
understandingofourplaceinthisworld,andtherelationshipsyoucan'tnecessarilyseeis
integraltoafullylivedexperience.CathyCarteroftheMukilteoWayGardenClubexpressed
thesesentimentsquiteeloquentlyinherinterview,

...
Thatwearenttheonlylivingthings,andwehavetheopportunitytocareforthese
things,andwereapthebenefitsofdoingso.Itsthosefeelingsthatyoujustcantput

yourfingeron.Relationshipsyoucantevensee,thesymbioticrelationship.The
interdependenceoneachother.

Strength

Movingontothenextcategory,wehaveStrength.Iuseitasatermtodescribepowerand
resilience.Mental,physical,andspiritualstrength.Afeelingofpositionalsecurityandpride,tied
togetherwiththeopportunityforselfhelpandpersongrowth.Creatinggreenspaceswiththese
elementsaredirectlyconnectedtosocialcapitalwithincommunities.

EmpowermentandOwnership
Fosteringasenseofempowermentandownershipoverasiteisastrongelementofsocialcapital
withincommunities.Havingaspacetosharewithotherlikemindedindividuals,totakepridein
hardworkandsharedaccomplishments,engaginginactivitiesthathelpotherswhoareless
fortunate,areallavenuesforempoweringtheindividual,thegroup,orcommunityasawhole.
CarolRobinsonoftheMarthaPerrySnohomishCommunityFoodBankGardenexpressedthese
sentimentsduringherinterview,

Whatisthecommunitychoosingtosupport?Well,itstohelpothersinneed,Ithinkthe
charityaspectissoimportant.Thefactthatwearelocalized,thecommunityistaking
careofitself.Itsaqualityoflifething

Takingcareofotherstotakecareofyourself,akindofrejuvenationofthesoul.ZsofiaPasztor
ofFarmerFrogalsosharedherthoughtsonempowermentandownershipwhenpertainingto
socialcapitalandpublicallyactivatedgreenspaces,

Peoplesliveschangeiftheyhaveareasaroundthemtheycantakeresponsibilityfor
andbenefitfrom.ZsofiaPasztor

CathyCarteroftheMukilteoWayGardenClubalsotouchedonthesubjectinherinterview,

Beingavolunteerissodifferent,thanworkingformoney.Itsaninvestmentofthe
heart.

LeadershipOpportunities
Inallcasestheelementofleadershipandcreatingopportunitiesforitspurposeandfunctionwere
imperativetothesuccessofeachprogramandtheirrespectivegardengreenspaces.Creatinga
greenspacewhereindividualscantakeonresponsibilitiesbeyondthefamiliar,workwithothers,
learnsomethingnew,andguidetheirprojectstowardsetgoalsareparamounttosocialcapital
withincommunities.Creatingavenuesforleadership,stewardshipofsites,andaccessforallwho
areinvolvedisbeneficialtotheindividual,andthegroupasawhole.

Purpose

Carryingoutaknownpurposeforthesiteisanintegralcomponentforcreatingcommunitygreen
spaceswithstrongsocialcapitalelements.Wheninterviewingthegardenleaders,every
individualknewrightoffthetopoftheirheadthemissionfortheirindividualsitesandthe
reasonsforwhytheyaredoingwhattheydo.Ibelievethisdedicationtoaknownpurpose
directlycorrelatestothesustainability,andsuccessthateachprogramhasachievedthroughtheir
respectivegreenspaces.

Beauty

Lastbutnotleast,wewilltouchonBeauty.Toundervaluetheimportanceofaestheticswouldbe
abigmistakewhencreatinganddesigninganyoutdoorspace.Tofeelbeautyisonething,tosee
andunderstandthehardworkthatcancreateathingofbeautyisapowerfulthing.Creating
greenspaceswiththeseelementsaredirectlyconnectedtosocialcapitalwithincommunities.

Restive,Reflective,andDesignElements
Whenactivatingpublicgreenspacesthereshouldbeanimportanceplacedintheaestheticbeauty
ofthesite.Creatingaspacethatisnotjustmerelyservingitsfunction,butinstillingasenseof
prideandaccomplishmentisastrongsocialcapitalelement.Inaddition,outdoorspaceswith
thoughtfullyplannedphysicalcomponentscanbeincrediblybeneficialtothementaland
spiritualhealthofcommunities.PattyeSnyderandCathyCarteroftheMukilteoWayGarden
Clubsharedthesesentimentsduringtheirinterviews.Pattyestated,

Withoutthegarden,thespacewouldbeasphalt.Thespaceisfeedingoursoultolookat
andenjoy.Fortheclub,thedesign,andbeautyofitissospecial.Itsajoytoviewand
makespeoplefeelasenseofaccomplishmentandwellbeing.

CathyCartermadeapointtoelaborateonthehealthcomponentsofabeautifiedgardengreen
space,

Peopleseeitasajewelinthecommunity,evenoutsiderscomeinandseeitasaplace
thatisanidentifiabletraitofwhatMukilteoisallabout.Itisawonderful,restiveplace.
Bothsitesareblendedareasofsomanyelements.Thesmells.Thesounds,the
environmentofhealth.

Conclusions

Now,wemightconcludebyaskingthequestionsof:

Whocanusethisinformation?:
Ipersonallyhopethatanyonewhoisinterestedinactivatingapublicgreenspace,likemyself,
wouldconsiderdiggingintotheresearchpertainingtosocialcapital,andhowitcanbenefit
communitiesofpeopleeverywhere.Whatwedoknowforfactaboutsocialcapital,and
communitywellnessisthattheygohandinhand.Socialcapitalisnotpossiblewithout
communitywellness.


Wemightalsoaskofourselves,
howcoulditbecredibleanduseful?:

Ithinkthatpeoplecanutilizethisresearchforthegenuinenessofthestudy.Theinterviews
conductedarethehonestwordsofreallifecommunityleaderswhoaredevotedtocreatinga
betterwellbeingforall.Noneoftheirresponseswerebiasedorinformedbyanoutsideagent.
Theinformationsharediscomingfromdirectexperiencewithcommunitiesofpeoplelivingand
breathinghereinthePacificNorthwest.Theseindividualsarechallengingthedeclineincivic
engagementinWashingtonState,andacrossthenation.Theseindividualsarecounteractingthe
negativeeffectsofurbanizationanddevelopment.Theyarebringingtogethergroupsofpeople
foralikemindedcauseandfunction.Theirexperiencesarenothingbutreallifepassionsbeing
fullylivedandtheycanofferusbutaglimpseintothepossiblesolutionstoamultitudeof
problemsourgenerationcontinuestoface.

Inaddition,wemightaskourselves:
Howdoesthisstudyrelatetotherealworld,andthe
researchalreadyoutthere?:

Thisstudysupportstheresearchthatisalreadyouttherepertainingtothissubject.Whenlooking
intosocialcapital,wemightrecallJaneJacobs,thefamousurbanistwhocoinedthetermshe
stated,

Thisubiquitousprincipleistheneedofcitiesforamostintricateandclosegrained
diversityofusesthatgiveeachotherconstantmutualsupport,botheconomicallyand
socially...Ithinkthatunsuccessfulcityareasareareaswhichlackthiskindofintricate
mutualsupport,andthatthescienceofcityplanningandtheartofcitydesign,inreallife
forrealcities,mustbecomethescienceandartofcatalyzingandnourishingthese
closegrainedworkingrelationships.(Jacobs,1961)

Almostallofwhatthecommunityleadersinthisstudyexpressedduringourinterviews
correlatedwiththesesentimentsregardingsocialcapitalandmutuallyadvantageousnetworksof
connection.Itallcontinuestoprovemuchofwhatwealreadyknowaboutsocialcapital,the
naturalandbuiltenvironment,andourselvesassocialbeings.

Wecouldthenmoveforwardandaskthequestion:
Howdoesthisrelatetomyworldandmy
communityupinLynnwood?:

IutilizedthisresearchtoinformmyfirstpublicmeetingfortheHemlockAcresGreenSpacethat
washeldonApril19th.Thestudyhelpedmefacilitateanhourlongpresentationregarding
propertyinformation,siteconcepts,andwhatcouldworkforthegreenspaceandour
community.ThenextstepsofthisprojectwillextendbeyondmytimeattheUniversityof
WashingtonandintheCEPprogram.Inthecomingmonths,ourcommunitywillstartthe
processofapplyingforgrantsandworkingwithSnohomishCountyParksandRecreationto
fundthedevelopmentoftheHemlockAcresGreenSpace.Thefactthatthisprojectwould

inevitablyextendbeyondmytimeinschoolwashonestlyoneofmybiggestdriversforwanting
topursuethisproject.IwantedtodosomethingforthecommunityinwhichIamapartof.
Somethingbiggerthanmyselfandsomethingthattuggedonmyownheartstrings.

APPENDIXI

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Coleman,James.
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Edwards,Bob,MichaelW.Foley,andMarioDiani.
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Flanagan,Constance,andPeterLevine.
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Hettler,Bill.
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APPENDIXII

Timeline

APPENDIXIII

InterviewQuestionsTemplate

Date:_______
Name:_____________
Organization:_____________

Tellmealittleaboutyourself
Tounderstandthebackgroundoftheinterviewee
Whatleadyoudownthispath?
Tounderstandhowtheygotinvolvedincommunityorganizing,volunteering,and
leadership
Howlonghaveyoubeeninvolvedwiththe__________?
Tounderstandthetimelineoftheirinvolvement
Howdidyougetstartedwiththem?
Tounderstandspecificallyhowtheintervieweeinvolvedthemselveswiththisspace
Wereyouinvolvedwithanyothercommunitygardeninggroups/programsbefore?
Continuedindepthbackgroundontheinterviewee
Whatareyourmotivationsforinvolvingyourselfatthisspace/withthisprogram?
Continuedindepthbackgroundontheinterviewee
Howdid/dothespace(s)getstarted?

 Tounderstandthehistoryoftheirsite
Whatisthemissionofthe__________?
Tounderstandthegoalsforthesiteorprogram
Whatkindofresponsibilitiesdoyoutakeon?
Tounderstandthecommitmentandworkloadconcerningtheirsite
Whodoyouworkwith?Whoelseisinvolvedatthisspace?
Tounderstandtheinvolvedcommitment,andcommunityoutreach
Whatisyourfavoritepartaboutvolunteering/working?
Tounderstandtheintervieweesmotivationsforinvolvingthemselveswiththe
site/program/organization
Whatvaluedoyouseeandfeelwhenvolunteering/working?
Tounderstandtheintervieweesmotivationsforinvolvingthemselveswiththe
site/program/organization
Doyoucollaboratewithotherorganizations/fundingorganizationstoachieveyourmission?
Tounderstandthelogisticsofsite/project/organization,andhowitoperates
Howdoyourecruitcommunitymemberstocometoyourworkparties/startnewprojects?
Wheredotheycomefrom?
Tounderstandhowotherscangetinvolvedandengagewiththeirwork
Doyouhavereturningvolunteers/peopleinterestedingettinginvolved?
Tounderstandthescopeofcommunityinterestandoutreach
Sinceyousawthespace(s)beforeitcametofruition,howhasitspresenceimpactedthe
community?
Tounderstandthebeforeandaftereffectsofthesite
Doyoufeellikethemissionof_____________has/isbeingachieved?
Personalopinionconcerningthesite/project/organization
Whathavebeensomeofthesetbacksyouhavefacedconcerningyoursite(s)?
Tounderstandhowissuesaroseandhowtheyweremediated
Inreferencetothecommunity(ies)thatyouareinvolvedwith,whatwouldtheysayaboutthe
site/program?
Togaugeanunderstandingofoutsideopinionsandperceptionofthesite/program.
Inyouropinion,what
specificaspects
ofthesite,orprogram,
havecontributedmosttothe
socialcapitalofthecommunity?
Tounderstandthespecificsaspectsthatcontributetothesustainability,functionand
presenceoftheestablishedgardensiteinrelationtothecommunityinwhichitisapartof
Inyouropinion,whatIStheconnectionbetweengreenspaces/publicoutdoorareasandsocial
capitalincommunities?Howcantheybeusedtodoso?
Tounderstandtheunderlyingquestionof,W
hatistheconnectionbetween
neighborhoodgreenspacesandpromotingsocialcapitalwithincommunities?

APPENDIXIV

EmailTemplate


Dear_______________,,

HappyNewYear!Hope2016istreatingyouwellsofar!:)

MynameisKellySingleterryandIamcurrentlyaseniorintheundergraduateprogramknown
asCommunity,Environment,&PlanningattheUniversityofWashington.Hereisalinkto
ourprogramsite:

http://cep.be.washington.edu/

Inaddition,IamalifelongSnohomish
Countyresident.(Icommutedowntotheuniversitythreedaysaweekforclass.)Iam
currentlyworkingwithSnohomishCountyParks&Recreation,asaparkplanninginternas
well.

Ireceivedyourcontactbywayof,______________

ThereasonIamgettingaholdofyou,istoaskforsomemuchneededresearchhelp.Formy
culminatingseniorproject,Iamconductingresearchon:
HowhaveneighborhoodGreen
Spacescontributedtosocialcapitalwithintheircommunities?

SinceyouareanactiveleaderinyourcommunityhereinSnohomishCounty,specifically
pertainingtogardenstewardship,andcommunityorganizing,Iwaswonderingifyoumightbe
freetomeetupandengageinaninterviewwithmeconcerningyourinvolvementwith
______________?

Ifyouareinterested,notonlywouldithelpmeandmyresearch,butalsothegreater
communityofenvironmentalstewards,foodequityleaders,communityorganizers,and
SnohomishCountyresidentsalike.

Ialsoloveagoodconversationoveracupofcoffeeortea:)Iamavailablethroughemail:
kas1027@uw.edu
,orcellphone:
(425)2480662.
Hopeyouhaveagreatday!

Best,

KellySingleterry