In 2007, the space formerly known as the Baisley Park Community Garden began its remarkable transformation into the Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson Community Garden.

I am just so happy to have this garden. I know when the kids are in school, we come in the afternoon and invite other kids in the neighborhood who come in and do their homework in the shade. And for those of us who are asthmatic it’s just wonderful to have the garden to come to. Deborah Sampson

Giving back to his childhood neighborhood and the community that has supported him over the years, rap-sensation Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson joined forces with NYRP Founder and performer Bette Midler to breathe new life into this much needed green space.

Generously underwritten by 50 Cent’s G-Unity Foundation, the site was re-opened in November 2008 and features the talents of acclaimed landscape architect and designer Walter Hood. Incorporating a children’s learning garden, vegetable plots and a patio area, the garden does much to draw the community into the garden and take the garden out into the community. An innovative and wildly creative design makes the property not only a lively, multi-functional gathering space, but also provides gardeners with amenities such as a unique rainwater harvesting system – composed of 10-foot-tall funnels – which provides regular irrigation, as well as shade for rest and relaxation.

Located in the Jamaica section of Queens, the garden represents a much-needed resource for an area that currently has less than five percent of the recommended amount of open space to serve its more than tens of thousands of children residents.