Sort of hidden at the back of the parking lot at the 24th Chicago Police District Station was an overgrown and little-used picnic area. NGS members, Ginny Davis and Judy Ishii, were contacted by Officer Hank Kline who works with the district's community service section to see if we would help with redesigning and coordinating the cleanup and replanting of the site. We said "Yes".

After surveying the site with Officer Kline and discussing the goals, we went to work on a plan. There was a lilac shrub and crabtapple tree to be pruned, an overgrown vinca patch to be thinned, tree stumps to be removed and weeds to be dug out. There were irises to be moved and a milkweed plant to be left right where it was. The area was surrounded on two sides by chain link fence which was to be covered by wooden lattice and vines for privacy. The area was mostly shady, the budget was limited and the biggest obstacle would be the lack of a ready water supply. Knowing all of that, Judy and Ginny raided their own gardens for shade and drought-tolerant plants. Only 5-6 plants had to be purchased.

On Saturday, August 2nd, we met with 3 police officers, Hank, Dave and Melvin, plus a group of very helpful teens from the CPD Youth League. While Melvin cut the lattice to fit the fence, everyone else pruned, trimmed and weeded. Once the lattice was installed, tne plantng could begin. In the meantime, a group of neighbors gathered in the alley to watch the progress and one of them generoulsly stretched a hose over to make watering easier. After 5 hours of work, the garden makeover was complete.