HistoryLink Tours

Danny Woo Community Garden

The Danny Woo Community Garden is a 1.5-acre area containing almost 100 individual garden plots. Its initial construction was spearheaded by Robert “Uncle Bob” Santos, a long-time community leader and former director of InterIm Community Development Association (InterIm). “Uncle Bob” envisioned a place where seniors of the neighborhood could leave their rooms and apartments to enjoy nature and engage in gardening that was often reflective of cultural tradition. The effort to procure land and develop the garden began in 1975 when Santos entered into an agreement and long-term lease of $1 a year with property owner Danny Woo.

The initial work of clearing brambles and weeds and building a railroad-tie retaining wall was a volunteer and community effort that engaged the help of a young generation of community activists, and business leaders. Over the years, the use of the garden has expanded to include an annual summer pig roast, a fall apple cider press and sale, and to serve as an educational space for teachers and children to learn about gardening, healthy eating, and urban sustainability. There is no fee charged to the gardeners, and InterIm continues to manage the needs and retention of this site for residents of the community.

Go back to the intersection of 6th and Main. Walk down 6th Avenue S to Jackson Street and turn left.