Maze Community Garden

“The essence of this community garden lies in the collaborative effort and commitment to an idea that people working together can accomplish great things.”

– Anthony Viscardi

The Maze Garden in Bethlehem's south side was a community park and garden that had been conceived, designed, and constructed through a collaborative effort between various institutions and individuals, including ArhciKids. It was established in 1996 on a lot that had previously housed the rubble of the demolished Mexican-American Azteca Society. The garden's design had been the result of a partnership between Lehigh University students, Bethlehem middle-school students, and architect and educator Diane LaBelle.

The Maze Garden held symbolic significance as mazes historically represented spiritual experiences and the connection between the inner life of individuals and the Earth. It had served as a gathering space and a focal point for community engagement, fostering unity and collaboration among residents of the south side. The garden had been a source of fresh produce, hosting work parties and educational programs on urban farming. It had also contributed to addressing issues of food insecurity by donating its produce to the New Bethany food bank.

Over the years, the Maze Garden had drawn in different groups and individuals, becoming a small cornerstone of the south side community. It had provided opportunities for children from under-resourced communities to engage in gardening and had facilitated connections between community members, including Lehigh University students. The garden had been seen as a vital green space and a symbol of spiritual value for the south side, contributing to the well-being and vibrancy of the neighborhood.

However, the Maze Garden had been sold to a developer to advance a $45 million office and retail project that was expected to yield more than a million dollars in property taxes. This decision had raised concerns among community members regarding the potential loss of the garden's community-building and environmental benefits. The sale of the Maze Garden had prompted discussions about balancing urban development and historic preservation, sustainability, and community input in shaping the growth of the south side.

Links

Food and friendships grow in community gardens: https://www2.lehigh.edu/news/food-and-friendships-grow-in-community-gardens

SouthSide’s Community Maze Garden – History: https://www.sustainlv.org/focus-on/southsides-community-maze-garden-history/

Maze Garden – Now and Then: https://artslehigh.wordpress.com/2011/10/07/maze-garden-now-and-then/

Bethlehem council approves sale of community garden to developer over objections: https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/bethlehem/2013/11/bethlehem_council_approves_sal.html

South Side Bethlehem Maze Garden finds new home but it may be too small: https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/bethlehem/2014/02/south_side_maze_garden_finds_n.html

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