Milwaukee to add new 'healing spaces' at vacant lots

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- City officials hope bringing more nature into the heart of urban areas can do wonders for people's health and also build a sense of community.

Mayor Cavalier Johnson, Ald. Milele Coggs and leaders of community groups announced Thursday plans to expand the city's "Healing Spaces Initiative."

The program converts city-owned vacant lots into gardens where people can gather. Different organizations are in charge of various gardens, and they're tasked with maintaining the parks and coming up with events and activities that will draw people. 

There are currently 13 Healing Spaces in Milwaukee, and officials announced plans on Thursday to build two more this summer.

"Just stand there, and you smell these fragrances from the healing space," HeartLove Place Executive Director Viola Rembert said. "It just puts your body at ease."

HeartLove Place maintains the garden at Peace Park in the Harambee neighborhood. Harambee hosts the annual Juneteenth festival, and Rembert noted that often times the efforts of community groups are overshadowed by incidents like Monday's shooting, when six teens were wounded just minutes after the festival ended.

"We continue to go through different things that happen in the community that don't always put us in a good light," Rembert said. "There's a lot of healing that needs to happen."

Another new addition to the Healing Spaces Initiative this year is a series of grants worth up to $500. Community groups can apply for funding to help stage events in the Healing Spaces, such as healthy eating workshops, yoga classes and neighborhood town halls.