The Community Gardens of Shaker Heights began when a group of neighbors wanted to cultivate a few tomatoes on an empty lot. After a house was demolished on Rolliston Road, they discussed transforming the property into a garden and approached the City of Shaker Heights with their proposal, becoming the first to suggest such a use for the city's vacant lots. Over the course of a year, they met regularly, formed a small non-profit organization, and developed plans to present to the City for the first community garden on City-owned land.

In 2010, CGSH received approval to create the Rolliston Road Community Garden, featuring thirty raised beds measuring four-by-ten feet, utilizing a "lasagna-style" gardening technique. The City provided grant funding for a water vault and two faucets.  The garden was made accessible to all Shaker Heights residents through a fair application process, resulting in great success!

The garden continues to thrive, remaining fully occupied each year since its inception. Discover more about the garden and apply today!