West 9th Street Community Garden

The city right-of-way adjacent to the Forrester Viaduct at West 9th & Mulberry in the Riverview District of the West Bottoms was once a vacant lot. It has become a living, growing community space built and cared for by neighbors, volunteers, and friends.
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How It Started (2021)

Members of the Historic West Bottoms Association (HWBA) and volunteers from Kansas City Community Gardens built and filled nine 4×12 raised beds with compost and topsoil—and the West 9th Street Community Garden was born. A border was created using cobblestones gathered from neighborhood streets, rooting the garden in the history beneath our feet. Planting the first vegetables followed soon after.

There was no water on site that first season. Thanks to generous neighbors, hoses were run from nearby properties and businesses. KCMO’s Public Works Department entered into a license agreement with the association, and with that support, a modest but successful beginning took hold.

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Milestones Along the Way

Since that first spring, more beds have been added, along with blackberries, strawberries, and twenty young fruit trees stretching across the length of the property. The plant list keeps growing as the neighborhood does.

Grants from Neighborhood Services funded our water connection, irrigation, and a 215-foot, historically themed mural by "816"—two local muralists working with our partners at SprayKC—adding color and story to the block.

This year, cattle panels were used to build sturdy trellises for tomatoes and squash, and volunteer morning glories and sunflowers have woven themselves among tomatoes, peppers, chard, sweet potatoes, eggplant, herbs, and cucumbers. After our first full season irrigating from our own water source, a small greenhouse is now under construction.

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Visit & Participate

The garden is located at West 9th & Mulberry Streets in the Riverview District of the West Bottoms. Neighbors, friends, first-time or master gardeners are all welcome to stop by, say "hello," and lend a hand when you can.

  • Volunteer-Powered

    Everything here grows because neighbors show up. From building beds to tending trellises, there’s always a task for any skill level.

  • Seasonal Work Days

    Weekend mornings during the growing season are our busiest times (typically Saturdays & Sundays, March–October). Bring gloves, water, and your curiosity.

  • Learn as You Grow

    We share tips, seeds, and surplus harvests. New to gardening? You’re in the right place.

  • Looking Ahead

    With irrigation online and a greenhouse underway, we’re setting the stage for even more community-grown abundance. Help us "green" the neighborhood and model sustainability.