our history

The Highland Youth Garden was founded in 2009 after two recreation centers closed in the Hilltop community. Caring individuals began working with Highland Elementary School, Hilltop Prime Time, and the J. Ashburn, Jr. Youth Center to plan positive activities for the youth, and with that the idea of a garden program emerged. Oakley Full Gospel Baptist Church provided the land next to the $1 leased parcel from the city to start the children’s garden. Throughout the years, with the commitment of many volunteers of all ages and a valuable partnership with the Franklin County Master Gardeners Volunteers, the Highland Youth Garden grew to become the thriving organization it is today.