## A Blooming Oasis: Transforming a Weed-Filled Lot into a Community Sanctuary
Holiday lights twinkle, illuminating a vibrant garden nestled on the corner of 63rd Street and Stony Island Avenue. This isn’t just any garden; it’s a carefully cultivated sanctuary, a testament to the transformative power of community engagement and artistic vision. The mastermind behind this urban oasis is William Hill, a lifelong Woodlawn resident who has dedicated himself to creating small, nature-based havens throughout the neighborhood.
Seven years ago, the principal of Hyde Park Academy High School approached Hill, recognizing his talent for transforming neglected spaces into beautiful works of art. Facing a weed-choked, littered quarter-acre, the principal challenged Hill to work his magic. “It was so dense that you couldn’t see the front to the back,” Hill recalls, but he embraced the opportunity. For Hill, this project, like others he’s undertaken, is a profound expression of his love for Woodlawn, the community where he graduated from high school in 1969 and where he continues to reside in his grandfather’s 1945 home.
Initially working alone, Hill meticulously cleaned and cleared the land, planting evergreens, herbs, and flowers. He collaborated with local artists to incorporate sculptures and other art pieces, fostering a space for reflection and contemplation. He then expanded his efforts, incorporating students through an After School Matters program. This program not only teaches gardening skills but also emphasizes healthy eating and the medicinal properties of plants.
Observing Hill working alongside his students—15-year-olds Tamara Moses and Justin Baker among them—reveals the profound impact of this project. Tamara describes a shift in her perspective: “Before working in the garden, I would think nothing of throwing trash into it. But now, I’m protective of it. I realized what I was doing was actually really hurtful.” Justin, reflecting on a concrete Buddha statue surrounded by healing plants, shares, “It just makes me feel nice.” For Hill, the garden’s success lies in its ability to provide a “place where kids can feel safe and have a peace of mind.”
The garden itself is a testament to Hill’s vision. It features a unique collection of plants, including a Tibetan evergreen that will eventually reach fifteen feet and turn turquoise in winter. A community table and chairs invite gatherings, as demonstrated by last year’s Juneteenth celebration. A hand-painted, light-wrapped wreath, a source of pride for Tamara, showcases the students’ artistic contributions. For Tamara, who doesn’t have art classes at school, the garden provides a crucial creative outlet, significantly impacting her school experience: “If it weren’t for my friends and the garden, I wouldn’t want to come.”
Ultimately, Hill’s project is a resounding success, transforming a desolate corner into a vibrant community space. “That’s really what it is all about,” he says, highlighting the joy and sense of belonging fostered within this blooming oasis.