Menlo Park Rotarians and gardeners work together at Belle Haven Community Garden

On a bright afternoon in Menlo Park, Rotarians, gardeners, and neighbors gathered at the Belle Haven Community Garden to celebrate the thriving green space that has become a hub of community connection, healthy living, and hands-on learning.

Founded in 2014, the Belle Haven Community Garden began as a joint project of the City of Menlo Park and the Rotary Club of Menlo Park. The vision was clear: create a space where residents could grow their own food, share gardening knowledge, and strengthen community ties.

Today, the garden features 36 raised beds that are actively tended by local families, as well as a collection of fruit trees. Residents plant tomatoes, peppers, beans, herbs, and more, bringing fresh, home-grown produce to their tables.

For many, the garden is more than a plot of land. It’s a classroom for children learning where their food comes from, a gathering spot for neighbors to trade tips and recipes, and a place of pride for those who nurture its soil.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Belle Haven Community Garden is the way it continues to bring people together in service. Twice a year, Rotarians, community members, and local high school students participate in garden workdays.

During these volunteer events, pathways are cleared, weeds are pulled, mulch is spread, and general maintenance is tackled. These days are filled with laughter, teamwork, and the satisfaction of leaving the garden in better shape than when the day began.

The community is invited to join the Rotary Club for lunch on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Wednesdays of the month at 12:15 pm at the Allied Arts Guild. Contact the club for meeting details.

Coming up on September 13 is the annual Tour de Menlo sponsored by the Rotary Club.

Photo courtesy of Rotary Club of Menlo Park