BLEACHER GARDEN
We repurposed the bleachers and football field at the historic "Rock Pile" at the former Bishop McDevitt High School. We have harvested a yield of over 25,000 pounds of vegetables with planned increases of about 25% a year over the subsequent years as we improve the garden space and soil makeup. That is enough to supply over 500 families with 50 pounds each of fresh vegetables over the growing seasons!
BY THE NUMBERS
LBS OF PRODUCE GROWN
26,786
VOLUNTEERS
7,435
SHOVELS BROKEN
24
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
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BLEACHER GARDEN TIMELINE
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS - JUMANJI - BLANK CANVAS - GIANT SUPPORT - THE BLEACHER GARDEN
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HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
During MLK Day of Service in 2020 we had over 250 volunteers come out from local universities and businesses to help clear the hill side bleachers of debris and create a massive pile on the football field. Little did we know what this would become!
JANUARY 2020
"JUMANJI"
That summer, the hillside ERUPTED with life! It could clearly grow things BUT could we make it grow the right things? After countless hours of clearing vegetation and sawing out wooden bleacher seats, we could now see our canvas.
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JULY 2020
A BLANK CANVAS
Thousands of volunteers joined the mission and carried tons of compost to create raised garden beds on the field and terraced garden beds on the hillside. An urban Machu Picchu in Harrisburg, PA!
MARCH 2021
GIANT SUPPORT
In May 2022, Empower at the Bridge Foundation and The GIANT Company announced a new partnership to feed underserved families with nutritious foods grown locally while beginning to convert the city of Harrisburg’s food desert into a food oasis. The partnership will result in the “GIANT Bleacher Garden” at The Bridge Eco-Village.
MAY 2022
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GIANT BLEACHER GARDEN
With the help of thousands of volunteers, The GIANT Bleacher Garden has grown a healthier community in Harrisburg by repurposing the bleachers at the abandoned school’s football field into sustainable, productive, high-yielding community gardens that will feed underserved families for many years!
JUNE 2023
A BEACON
Support from agencies like the USDA and the PA Department of Agriculture has enabled the Giant Bleacher Garden to continue thriving. Visitors from Massachusetts, Denver, and even Zambia have been inspired by the innovative transformation of an abandoned high school football stadium through adaptive reuse.
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APRIL 2024
BEFORE/AFTERS
(CLICK TO ENLARGE)
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VOLUNTEER ZONE!
Are you passionate about gardening? Join us as a volunteer at the Bleacher Garden and become a catalyst for change in our community. Grab a group of friends and reach out!
At the Bleacher Garden, we believe that every person deserves a chance to dream, grow, and thrive. By volunteering your time and talents, you can help create a vibrant and inclusive garden where all minds can flourish. Your dedication and commitment will play a vital role in shaping the lives of these remarkable individuals.
BECOME A VENDOR!
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Are you a local business or vendor looking to connect with a diverse and engaged audience? Join us as a vendor at 717 Sunday Funday/Markets on the Farm and seize the opportunity to showcase your products or services to a vibrant community of attendees.
As a vendor, you'll have a dedicated space to set up your booth, allowing you to engage directly with event attendees and share your brand's story. Whether you're offering delicious food, handcrafted goods, art, clothing, or any other product or service, this is your chance to shine and make a lasting impression.
THE BLEACHER GARDEN (CHILDREN'S BOOK)
What if an old football stadium could become something extraordinary?
In “The Bleacher Garden”, former NFL football star Garry Gilliam has a big idea: turn an empty, crumbling stadium into a thriving garden! A place where fresh fruits and vegetables grow and a community comes together
Inspired by true events, this heartwarming story shows how one person’s vision can spark change and how working together can create something truly magical.
Join the waitlist for your copy as well as the opportunity to secure your commemorative signed publication (limited availability!)
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
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EMPOWER AT THE BRIDGE FOUNDATION
501(c)3
Empower at the Bridge Foundation is a non-profit charity whose mission is to provide specialized opportunities and improved quality of life for underprivileged and underserved individuals and families suffering from systematic oppression. This is achieved by creating awareness, providing community support, financial wellness education, and sustainable housing options. LEARN MORE
