Tolleson Community Garden

Tolleson Gatorade RISE and the City of Tolleson Reinvigorate the Tolleson Community Garden for Earth Day

The Earth Day organizers share that "climate change and other environmental degradations have broken our natural systems, leading to new and fatal diseases as well as a breakdown of the global economy. But just as climate change and coronavirus painfully remind us of the harm we’ve caused, Restore Our Earth reminds us of the opportunities that lay ahead. We must Restore Our Earth not just because we care about the natural world, but because we live on it. Every one of us needs a healthy Earth to support our jobs, livelihoods, health & survival, and happiness. A healthy planet is not an option — it is a necessity."

Today in honor of Earth Day, the Tolleson Gatorade RISE group alongside the City of Tolleson planted beautiful flowers and vines to help reinvigorate the Tolleson Community Garden. The Garden is located within the community on 92nd Ave and Fillmore. This garden was created from a community service project derived from the Tolleson Teen Council. Within the garden there is a mural focused on balance and purpose. It was created to emphasize the importance of a strong community. There are two children in the mural planting seeds which symbolizes having a clear intention for a positive future. The Tolleson Teen Council chose caring and careers to be used in the mural which are depicted growing from the seeds. The mural also has a scale with traditional Mexican food and fruits and vegetables to promote a balanced diet. The muralist, Michael Stopher shared that he felt that was "important to have a strong healthy community and want to do my part to inspire choices that lead to happiness and success."

Gatorade's investment in the community has taken place for years. They are constantly engaging with the local schools and the City to find ways to give back to the community. On behalf of the entire community, City of Tolleson Council and staff, we would like to say thank you Gatorade.