In early 2017, Monrovia heard a call from community members expressing interest in having a Community Garden. Whether it was a desire to have their own garden plot or to engage in a shared community project, residents of all ages asked the City to explore the possibility of creating a garden space that would offer a variety of gardening activities for beginners to experts.

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In early 2018, the City Council of Monrovia echoed the need to study the possibility of establishing a Community Garden Program. Coupled with the findings of the Parks Master Plan process, which identified Community Gardens to be the third highest priority of survey respondents, an assessment process began to review the feasibility of establishing a Community Garden Pilot Program.

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After exploring potential community garden models, locations, and best practices, City staff mentioned the Community Garden efforts with community members from Mountainside Communion (Mountainside) located at the northwest corner of Colorado Blvd. and Magnolia Ave. Simultaneously, Mountainside was looking to start a Community Garden Project on their property for the community’s use.

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Both parties came together with a similar vision: to launch a community garden pilot program that would incorporate private raised beds for rent, educational workshops, community engagement, and public demonstration gardens for all of the community to enjoy.  After City Council approval of the the first three-year pilot project, the garden was approved as a regular project to be reexamined every three years by the City Council. 

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Because of the first garden's success, a site in South Monrovia was examined for another garden - Monrovia Community Garden South. The location, near Station Square Park and the Metro station, proved to be a spot where a garden could be built, and grants were pursued. Special thanks to Kids' Gardening, Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day, Raw Inspiration, and the City of Monrovia for seeing this garden come to life! The grand opening was September 7, 2024.