Pacific Street Bears Community Garden

For New Yorkers seeking a tranquil escape from the relentless urban pace, the Pacific Street Bears Community Garden in Brooklyn, NY, offers a truly enchanting experience. More than just a patch of green, this cherished community garden is a testament to the power of neighbors transforming a neglected space into a vibrant, lush sanctuary. It’s a place where the concrete jungle gives way to flourishing plants, blooming flowers, and the peaceful hum of nature, all right in the heart of the city.

The Pacific Street Bears Community Garden has captured the hearts of its visitors, as evidenced by glowing reviews. One delighted visitor shared, "i ate chicken in this garden with my friend and we enjoyed it very much, very beautiful and lush." This simple yet powerful testimonial speaks volumes about the garden's inviting atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for casual outdoor meals and shared moments. Another reviewer succinctly described it as "A charming peaceful oasis surrounded by the Brooklyn bustle. Thank you for sharing, garden members!" This highlights the garden's unique ability to provide a serene haven amidst the vibrant energy of Brooklyn, emphasizing the invaluable contribution of its dedicated community members.

Founded in 1985, the Pacific Street Bears Community Garden has a rich history of community dedication. It was named after a teddy bear found by gardeners during an early workday, symbolizing the nurturing spirit that brought this space to life. The garden has faced development challenges over the years, even being relocated temporarily. However, through incredible community support and perseverance, it was re-established on a portion of its original site in 1999. Today, it stands as a permanent part of the community, thanks to the efforts of volunteers and organizations like the Brooklyn Alliance of Neighborhood Gardens (BANG) Land Trust, under which it operates (while its sister "Bears" gardens on Carlton and Rockwell are under NYC Parks). This enduring legacy of community-driven greening makes every visit feel like stepping into a shared dream.

The Pacific Street Bears Community Garden is strategically located at 150 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217, USA, on the corner of Pacific Street and Flatbush Avenue. This prime location places it at the nexus of several dynamic Brooklyn neighborhoods, including Fort Greene, Prospect Heights, and Boerum Hill, making it easily accessible for a wide array of local residents. The surrounding area is a vibrant urban hub with excellent connectivity.

Its accessibility is one of its strongest features. The garden is incredibly well-served by public transportation, being mere minutes away from major subway stations. The Atlantic Avenue–Barclays Center station, a colossal transit hub, is practically at its doorstep, offering access to numerous subway lines (2, 3, 4, 5, B, D, N, Q, R) and the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). This means that whether you're coming from other parts of Brooklyn, Manhattan, or Queens, reaching this peaceful oasis is remarkably convenient. The surrounding neighborhoods also boast high walkability and bikeability scores, encouraging locals to explore the area on foot or by bike, further enhancing the garden's accessibility. The lively Flatbush Avenue corridor ensures that the garden is easy to find amidst the commercial and cultural energy.

As a cherished community garden, the Pacific Street Bears Community Garden primarily offers services that foster greenery, community engagement, and environmental stewardship. While it's not a commercial establishment, its "services" are vital contributions to urban living.

• Horticultural Green Space: Provides a beautifully maintained area for growing flowers, herbs, and potentially vegetables, contributing to urban biodiversity and aesthetic appeal.
• Community Gathering Place: Serves as a vital social hub where neighbors can connect, relax, and share in the joy of gardening and nature. It often hosts informal gatherings, like the chicken-eating experience mentioned in a review.
• Volunteer Opportunities: As a volunteer-tended garden, it offers hands-on opportunities for community members to participate in gardening, learning, and maintaining a shared green space. New members are always welcome to join.
• Environmental Education: Through its existence and the activities of its members, the garden subtly educates the public about urban gardening, sustainability, and the importance of green spaces.
• Quiet Contemplation Area: Offers benches and serene spots for individuals to read, reflect, or simply enjoy a moment of peace away from the city's noise.

The Pacific Street Bears Community Garden's charm lies in its unique characteristics and the atmosphere it cultivates, making it a beloved local spot.

• Lush and Beautiful Landscaping: Described as "very beautiful and lush," the garden clearly benefits from dedicated care, showcasing a diverse array of plant life that provides visual delight and a sense of natural abundance.
• Peaceful Oasis: Its primary highlight is its ability to create a "charming peaceful oasis surrounded by the Brooklyn bustle," offering a rare sense of tranquility that contrasts sharply with the energetic urban environment outside its gates.
• Volunteer-Driven Spirit: The garden's operation by volunteers instills a strong sense of community ownership and shared purpose, fostering a welcoming and collaborative environment. This spirit is what makes it so special.
• Historical Significance: With roots tracing back to 1985 and a history of overcoming development challenges, the garden itself is a living testament to community resilience and the enduring value of urban green spaces.
• Informal Recreation Space: While not a traditional park, its open and inviting nature makes it suitable for casual activities like enjoying a meal, reading a book, or simply soaking in the natural beauty.
• The "Bears" Legacy: Part of the larger "Brooklyn Bear's Community Gardens" family (which includes gardens on Carlton and Rockwell), it shares a unique history and commitment to greening Brooklyn. It was even named after a teddy bear found on site.

As a non-commercial, volunteer-run community garden, the Pacific Street Bears Community Garden does not typically offer traditional promotions or special offers. Its greatest ongoing "promotion" is its open invitation to the community to enjoy its beauty and participate in its upkeep, free of charge.

• Open Hours: The garden posts open hours on its gates during the gardening season (typically April 1 to October 31). While hours can shift based on volunteer availability and weather, typical open hours found online include Sunday 12:00 PM-4:00 PM, Tuesday 6:00 PM-8:00 PM, and Saturday 12:00 PM-4:00 PM. It's always best to check their social media or signage for the most current schedule.
• Volunteer Welcome: They actively encourage new volunteers to join, offering a unique opportunity to learn about gardening, contribute to a local green space, and become part of a welcoming community. "Everyone is welcome to join."
• Monthly Meetings/Workdays: Regular business meetings and workdays are held (e.g., second Sunday of every month at noon, weather permitting), providing a structured way for interested individuals to get involved and contribute.
• Community Events: While not constant, the garden occasionally hosts special events like Earth Day celebrations or poetry readings, which are publicized through local channels and social media. These events are free and open to the public.

For direct inquiries or to get involved with the Pacific Street Bears Community Garden, you can use the following contact information.

Address: 150 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217, USA (on the corner of Pacific St and Flatbush Ave)

Phone: (917) 856-7456 (This number appears to be for the Brooklyn Bears Community Gardens overall)

Mobile Phone: +1 917-856-7456

Email: PacificBearsGarden@gmail.com (Recommended for direct contact as per their website)

Facebook: You can find updates and community information by following "Pacific Street Brooklyn Bear's Garden" on Facebook.

The Pacific Street Bears Community Garden is an exceptionally suitable destination for locals in New York, particularly those in Brooklyn, for several compelling reasons. Firstly, it provides a much-needed haven of peace and natural beauty amidst the urban density. In a city where personal green space is a luxury, a community garden like this offers an accessible and tranquil retreat for relaxation, contemplation, and reconnecting with nature without leaving the borough. The "charming peaceful oasis" description perfectly encapsulates its value.

Secondly, it fosters a strong sense of community. As a volunteer-run space, it invites residents to participate, learn, and contribute, building social connections and a shared sense of ownership. This active engagement enriches local life, transforming a passive green space into a dynamic hub of neighborly interaction and environmental stewardship. For those looking to meet like-minded individuals or simply feel more connected to their neighborhood, this garden offers a perfect avenue.

Finally, its rich history of community resilience and its continued existence, despite development pressures, make it a symbol of what collective effort can achieve in a major city. It's not just a garden; it's a living testament to local activism and the enduring value of green spaces for urban well-being. For New Yorkers seeking beauty, tranquility, community, and a deeper connection to their environment, the Pacific Street Bears Community Garden is an invaluable and highly recommended local treasure.

Pacific Street Bears Community Garden

150 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217, USA