JetBlue Airlines is providing a grant of $50,000 for a new green-space garden at MacArthur Park, 1321 E Anaheim St., according to 6th District Councilmember Dee Andrews’s office. The idea behind the project is to bring urban farming to the area, while getting residents more connected to their food choices and encouraging healthy eating.
“I am really excited to see this garden grow,” Andrews said. “It will be a staple in the community that brings people together and will provide fresh vegetables to those in need.”
The green space will add to the more recent park additions that include the playground and Homeland Cultural Center facility improvements that were made possible by a park grant. The playground equipment was provided via one-time infrastructure funds from the 6th District Council office.
Andrews proposed the garden project late last year and has been waiting for the recent rehabilitation and new playground at MacArthur Park to be completed before he got the garden started, according to his office.
Last April, JetBlue sponsored a TrueBlue points donation contest to determine where they should invest in a green space, and Long Beach emerged as the winner.
“Our customers in Long Beach demonstrated their commitment to a healthier environment, and we are thrilled to add some greenery to their scenery this year,” said Kate Wetzel, manager of corporate social responsibility at JetBlue.
The project is expected to start this summer. A build day is planned so that JetBlue crewmembers and their customers, as well as community members, can join together to make Long Beach a little greener.
For more information, call Andrews’s office at (562) 570-6816.
