P-Patch Program

Seattle Community Court defendants have helped to restore planting beds and clear pathways in several P-Patches throughout the city. Focusing on gardens in areas that need extra help, community service crews remove weeds, spread mulch, and rebuild the raised beds so that neighbors can begin to plant their vegetables. Often, these neighbors come out to work alongside our participants. It is amazing to see an overgrown, broken down P-Patch come to life after one day of service by Community Court participants.

	Kenya Fredie, one of Seattle's Department of Neighborhoods P-Patch staff, said, "During tight economic times, the Community Court Program has truly been a valuable resource, and we look forward to building upon our partnership. I love it when gardening arouses fond memories, life stories are shared, and the common respect for nature produces joyful moments for all to experience."
Defendant Mark B. summed it up at his Community Court "graduation" ceremony as he described his work at the site. "It was cool. Felt good, actually like I was doing something for the community. People are going to use that garden and I'm going to be able to come back and take a look at it when it's done. So, pretty cool," he said.