At the turn of May and June 2025, a group of about 10 young people took part in a unique initiative under the Erasmus+ project “Urban Gardens, Community Spaces, and Intergenerational Bridges: Green Cities for Active Youth”. Together with active seniors, they transformed two community spaces into vibrant urban gardens - one in Koluszki near the Pedagogical and Psychological Counseling Center and the other at the Sówka Library in Łódź.
The young participants were involved in every stage of the process. First came the planning: they discussed ideas with seniors, designed layouts for plant beds, and chose plant species that would suit the local conditions while being easy to maintain. This stage allowed for an inspiring exchange of knowledge and experiences between generations - the seniors contributed their gardening expertise, while the youth brought in creativity, ecological awareness, and modern design ideas.
Once the plans were agreed upon, implementation began. The youth rolled up their sleeves to prepare the soil, set up planting areas, and install supportive structures. At the Sówka Library, they focused on creating a welcoming green corner for readers and local families, making the library not just a cultural, but also a natural meeting space. In Koluszki, work is ongoing toward the creation of an orthographic and therapeutic garden designed especially for children and young people with special needs. Here, the youth’s energy and dedication were essential in shaping a space where education, therapy, and nature will come together.
The results of these activities go far beyond the visible gardens. For the young participants, the project was a hands-on learning opportunity - they developed planning and teamwork skills, strengthened their sense of responsibility, and saw the immediate impact of their actions on the local community. For seniors, it was a chance to share expertise, stay active, and feel valued as mentors. Local communities benefited from newly created green spaces that will serve as inclusive meeting points, fostering both relaxation and learning.
Importantly, sustainability is built into the initiative. The young people and seniors plan to continue maintaining the gardens together, with future workshops and seasonal activities ensuring that the spaces remain vibrant and useful. The therapeutic garden in Koluszki, once fully established, will become a long-term support resource for children and youth, demonstrating how green initiatives can directly improve wellbeing.
The activities showed how urban gardens can become more than just patches of greenery - they can be bridges between generations, tools for education, and symbols of solidarity. Thanks to the engagement of youth, seniors, and local institutions, new roots of cooperation have been planted, promising growth and community impact well into the future.
