In 2008, 50 Cent helped revive 1 neglected Queens garden with rainwater harvesting. 18 years later, it remains the Curtis Jackson Community Garden and public green space

Community gardens can provide valuable places for people to gather, grow plants, and spend time outdoors, particularly in neighborhoods where open space is limited. In Queens, one former community garden underwent a major transformation with support from rapper Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and others, becoming a lasting public green space.

From Baisley Park Community Garden to Curtis Jackson Community Garden

In 2007, the space formerly called the Baisley Park Community Garden started a significant transformation into the Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson Community Garden.

The project had a personal connection for Jackson, who wanted to give back to his childhood neighborhood and the community that had supported him over the years. He joined forces with NYRP Founder and performer Bette Midler to help bring fresh life to the green space.

Support From the G-Unity Foundation

The revitalization obtained financial support from 50 Cent’s G-Unity Foundation. The site officially re-opened in November 2008 following its transformation.

The redesigned garden incorporated the work of acclaimed landscape architect and designer Walter Hood. His approach created an innovative and creative environment intended to serve several purposes within the community.

Rather than functioning only as a place for gardening, the redesigned property became a lively, multi-functional gathering space. The design also launched features intended to make gardening and outdoor use more practical and comfortable.

An Innovative Rainwater System

One of the garden’s distinctive features is its rainwater harvesting system. The system uses 10-foot-tall funnels to collect rainwater and offer regular irrigation for the garden.

The funnels also serve another purpose by creating shade. This enables visitors and gardeners to have places for rest and relaxation while spending time in the space.

The combination of water collection, irrigation, and shaded regions made the design an major part of the garden’s transformation.

A Resource for the Jamaica Community

The garden is situated in the Jamaica section of Queens. The area has a significant requirement for open space, with less than five percent of the recommended amount available to serve its more than tens of thousands of children residents.

Against that backdrop, the garden represents a much-needed community resource. Its combination of gardening areas, gathering space, and outdoor amenities offers the neighborhood a dedicated green space.

Improvements in 2020

The garden obtained extra upgrades in 2020. Walter Hood and The Knight Foundation supported improvements that included the installation of a solar powered water pump.

New garden beds were also constructed as part of the upgrades. These additions continued the work of enhancing the garden and supporting its use as a community green space.

About Curtis Jackson

50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, is an American rapper, actor, and entrepreneur widely known by his stage name, 50 Cent. He became a major name in hip-hop and built a career that later expanded beyond music into acting and business.

Jackson is recognized for his work as a recording artist and for his presence in film and television. His career has included both performing and entrepreneurial projects, allowing him to establish himself as a prominent figure in popular entertainment.

Beyond music, Jackson has developed a public profile through his work in entertainment and business. His career demonstrates his ability to move between different areas of the industry while maintaining his identity as 50 Cent.

He has also been involved in projects connected with his community and philanthropic efforts. Through his public work, Jackson has become known not only as a musician but also as a figure involved in wider entertainment and business activities.

A Lasting Community Green Space

The transformation that started in 2007 changed the former Baisley Park Community Garden into the Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson Community Garden. With financial support from 50 Cent’s G-Unity Foundation, involvement from Bette Midler and NYRP, and design work by Walter Hood, the space was re-opened in November 2008.

Its rainwater harvesting system, 10-foot-tall funnels, gardening amenities, gathering areas, and later improvements helped shape the garden into a multi-functional public green space. The 2020 installation of a solar powered water pump and construction of new garden beds added further improvements to the site.

Source: New York Restoration Project

FAQs:

Q1. What is a community garden?

A community garden is a shared green space where people can garden and gather. It can also provide valuable outdoor space for a neighborhood.

Q2. Where is the Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson Community Garden?

The garden is located in the Jamaica section of Queens. It serves as a public green space in the community.