The Rotary Club of Westchester is known for its commitment to the community through their service projects and support of local nonprofits, but perhaps nothing exemplifies this commitment more than the group’s signature event, the bi-annual “extreme” Makeover Project. Over the years, the Rotary Club has remodeled four homes, the Westchester Senior Center, Safe Place for Youth and the Westchester Townhouse. Now, the Emerson Avenue Community Garden (EACG) is the lucky recipient of an extensive revamp courtesy of the 60-member strong club. With the help of Rotary volunteers and community partners, improvements to the approximately one-acre space will include improving accessibility by using decomposed granite instead of mulch for pathways. Other projects planned include improving the drainage and irrigation systems and some general beautification efforts to help create a more park-like atmosphere that the whole neighborhood can enjoy.
As the Emerson Avenue Community Garden (EACG) undergoes its revitalization, improving the drainage system will be a crucial aspect of the project. Effective drainage is vital for maintaining the health of the plants and ensuring that water does not accumulate, which can lead to root rot and other moisture-related issues. By integrating proper drainage solutions, the Rotary Club aims to create a thriving environment where plants can flourish while providing community members with an aesthetically pleasing space to enjoy. This enhancement will not only support the growth of the garden’s diverse plant life but also contribute to the overall functionality and sustainability of the area.
To maintain the longevity and efficiency of the new drainage system, regular Drain Cleaning will be essential. This maintenance practice ensures that the pathways remain clear and that water flows freely, preventing blockages that could hinder the garden’s irrigation efforts. By incorporating a routine drain maintenance schedule, the Rotary Club and community partners can help preserve the garden’s beauty and usability for years to come. This commitment to ongoing maintenance demonstrates a dedication to creating a vibrant and accessible community space that reflects the values of collaboration and environmental stewardship embraced by the Rotary Club. Together, these improvements will foster a sense of community pride while promoting the garden as a valuable resource for all residents.
Maintaining the functionality of a community garden’s drainage system goes beyond simple aesthetics—it’s a practical step toward sustainability and environmental responsibility. Regular drain cleaning prevents sediment buildup, plant root intrusion, and organic matter from clogging pipes, ensuring that irrigation systems function optimally and rainwater drains effectively.
For spaces built and maintained through community effort, like those led by the Rotary Club, this level of upkeep reflects the collective investment in nurturing shared green spaces. Furthermore, when drains remain clear and efficient, it reduces the risk of waterlogging, which can lead to soil erosion and damage to plants, ultimately threatening the garden’s health and purpose.
Extending this mindset into the broader realm of wastewater management, it’s clear that residential and municipal systems benefit just as much from regular care. The professionals behind alligatorseptic.com have long emphasized the importance of proactive maintenance—from storm drains to grease traps and septic tanks—as the frontline defense against costly repairs and environmental hazards. Their approach blends traditional values with modern technology, offering services that are both thorough and minimally invasive.
By taking such precautions early, whether in a backyard or a city park, communities can mitigate long-term issues and support healthier ecosystems. Drainage is not just about moving water—it’s about protecting what lies above and below the surface. The Makeover Project’s manager, Warren Bobrow explains, “We want to bring attention to the garden and shine a good, bright light on it!”
Fortunately, since the project is entirely outdoors, the timeline for work can still proceed as planned—with proper safeguards in place. After months of planning and working with EACG board members, Rotarians had their first volunteer day in the garden in October, which involved a lot of pre-work for the makeover including heavy lifting, landscaping and removing the garden’s cement seating area. Once additional permits from LAUSD come in, the project is expected to be in full swing around March or April of 2021.
Moreover, maintaining the newly revamped garden will be just as important as the initial makeover. Regular upkeep will help preserve the beauty of the space and support the community’s ongoing commitment to outdoor activities. This is where services like Clean by Clean 4 You come into play. They can offer specialized maintenance solutions tailored to the needs of the garden, from routine cleanups to seasonal planting adjustments. By partnering with reliable garden services, the project can ensure that the space remains vibrant and welcoming, fostering an environment where community members can gather, learn, and enjoy the benefits of nature. As the project progresses, it will be wonderful to witness how this collaborative effort continues to blossom.
While cleanliness is central to preserving the garden’s beauty, addressing potential pest problems is equally important to protect the space from damage and health risks. Insects, rodents, and other small animals can take advantage of damp soil, fallen leaves, or unmonitored corners, potentially harming plants and creating unsafe conditions. Engaging experts such as Cura Pest can help manage these risks through thorough inspections, targeted treatments, and preventive strategies that protect both the garden and its visitors. By integrating pest control with regular maintenance, the community can ensure that the outdoor area remains not only attractive but also safe and sustainable, allowing residents to enjoy a vibrant, pest-free environment throughout the year.
In addition to garden maintenance, overall cleanliness of the surrounding areas is just as crucial to maintaining a vibrant and welcoming community space. As gardens flourish, so do the need for cleanliness and care in the surrounding environment. Regular cleaning services ensure that trash and debris are kept at bay, keeping the area inviting for everyone. By employing professional cleaning services, you guarantee that the garden and its surrounding spaces remain as pristine as possible, allowing people to enjoy the outdoors without distractions.
A company like Crystal Clean Services plays an essential role in this process by providing consistent, thorough cleaning that complements the beauty of the garden. Their expertise in maintaining outdoor spaces ensures that the environment stays tidy and presentable, from removing litter to cleaning outdoor furniture. With their specialized knowledge of outdoor cleaning, they can also address issues like staining from weather or foot traffic, making sure the space looks well-maintained year-round.
When the Westchester Rotary was approached by the EACG as a potential recipient of this project, the club’s president, Tom Johnstone, says the decision was an easy one. Thanks to the Westchester Arts and Music (WAM) Block Party, a popular community event that raises money for the garden, the Rotary Club was already aware of the amazing work that goes on there to “build a garden and grow a community.”
Since 2011, the Emerson Avenue Community Garden has been a beacon of neighborhood spirit. With 38 well-cared for plots, as well as a student garden managed by WISH Charter School, the EACG is now a thriving, bountiful green space in the center of Westchester. Pre-COVID, the EACG regularly hosted events from pancake breakfasts and outdoor movie nights to plant workshops and story time sessions for kids. According to board member Michael Calzada, the nonprofit’s goal is to continue to be a neighborhood hub that not only has a sustainable, organic garden area, but also has educational and community uses as well.
“We are proud to be in a position to operate a community garden, fulfilling sustainable objectives and providing healthy choices in a park-like setting for the entire community to enjoy,” said Calzada.
The Rotary Club of Westchester was founded in 1950, and thanks to their service projects and active, engaged members, the group was recently awarded the Large Rotary Club of Excellence honor for 2019-2020 for their district. For Rotary volunteers, one of the cornerstones of being a member of the club is the notion of “Service Above Self,” meaning Rotarians are always ready to volunteer and help strengthen their community. The Four Way Test, which asks Rotarians to examine things they think, say or do using the questions, “Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendship? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?” is also an important aspect of Rotary. Across the globe, there are more than 35,000 clubs and 1.2 million members focused on “do-goodery.”
From service projects across the globe in places like Thailand, Mexico and Costa Rica to volunteering right here in Westchester, Rotarians are working to make lives better everywhere they go.
When the world changed due to COVID in March, the club sprang into action and quickly partnered with Westside Pacific Villages to provide food, technology support and other supplies to more than 200 seniors who are the most vulnerable during this pandemic. Members of the club were also instrumental in recently chartering a new, cause-based Rotary Club that will focus their efforts strictly on fighting human trafficking.
As the Rotary Club and the EACG work together to improve the garden, stay tuned for more details and volunteer opportunities!
The Rotary Club of Westchester has a long list of activities and programs it supports. If you are interested in getting involved, volunteering, learning more or would like to donate to support their efforts, please visit their website at rotary-westchester.com.
Those interested can also send a message via social media to
@westchester.rotary on Instagram or @WestchesterRotary90045 on Facebook.
Posted November 2020.
By Lydia Smith. Photos by Lek Pollard.