TOLEDO, Ohio — Urban Holistics, a central Toledo urban farm and green space, said they plan to announce data reflecting a reduction in crime during a press conference Thursday.
Urban Holistics opened five years ago in the Junction neighborhood. The community green space, called Tatum Park, covers multiple lots and is open to the public from sunrise to sunset, where visitors can find organically-grown vegetables, fruits and more, in addition to several activities and programs. Founded as a way to foster community ties and reduce crime, founder Sonia Flunder-McNair said the urban farm has had a positive impact on the community.
"You can do either one or two things," Flunder-McNair said, "You can move out and into better neighborhoods, or you can figure out a way to fix things for the people that can't up-and-move."
The data regarding crime in the Junction neighborhood will be presented during a press conference Thursday at 3 p.m., when organizers will also discuss how green spaces in urban residential areas improve the health of a community as a whole.
"It draws children and families. So when you have that kind of spaces in the community it welcomes things that are holistic. So your crime, people that want to hide or do things in the dark, really have no place in these areas," Flunder-McNair said.
Urban Holistics also worked with the City of Toledo Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement to gather the crime data that will be presented during Thursday's conference. Flunder-McNair said the data released will prove that her mission works, and she hopes it inspires other communities to go green.
"I think that the community takes pride in this space," she said. "I believe that's why we have these headquarters. I believe that the relationships that we have created within the community will be long-lasting. And I also believe that food, beautification and children will all draw any type of crime and violence out."
Urban Holistics continues to grow at Tatum Park, and after Thursday's press conference, an open house will be held to showcase the farm's newest development. With the help of community partners, the farm is adding a shelter house that will host community events, board meetings and youth educational programs, the latter of which begin on June 7.
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