Community Gardens as Social Connection Spaces: Exploring the Human Ecosystem of an Urban Non-Profit Environment

Document
Abstract

Community gardens can provide access to green spaces in urban environments and intertwine within their neighbourhood when their structure and vision are clear. This study sought to understand the effects of gardens on psychosocial well-being and knowledge sharing. Gardens provide a space for regaining intergenerational and intercultural connection, even after the challenges of COVID-19. Through mixed-method short-term ethnography, I explored community engagement of the PACT Urban Peace Program non-profit community garden. PACT specifically fostered intergenerational and intercultural connection by providing a space for residents to positively (re-)connect with one another and the land while working towards a common goal. These forms of connection, paradoxically, depend on the organization's resources limiting how and when the community can access the space, because without such constraints the program becomes unsustainable long-term. The resource management of the garden creates boundaries which influence participants' psychosocial well-being. This thesis explores the dichotomy present in community gardens and encourages further exploration of their impact.

Author Keywords: Food Security, Human Ecosystems, Intergenerational and Intercultural Connection, Non-Profit Organizations, Psychosocial Well-being, Urban Agriculture

    Item Description
    Type
    Contributors
    Creator (cre): Finkelzon, Pearl
    Thesis advisor (ths): Pasek, Anne
    Degree committee member (dgc): Nichols, Naomi
    Degree committee member (dgc): Bowness, Evan
    Degree granting institution (dgg): Trent University
    Date Issued
    2026
    Date (Unspecified)
    2026
    Place Published
    Peterborough, ON
    Language
    Extent
    225 pages
    Rights
    Copyright is held by the author, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise noted.
    Local Identifier
    TC-OPET-32402415
    Publisher
    Trent University
    Degree