Green Bay Installed Native Gardens at Harvey Street Park

The park project replaces turf grass with seasonal native plants and adds a new meditation space for local residents.

Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Landscaping

Screen-print poster illustration of a stone labyrinth surrounded by native grasses and seasonal wildflowers in a public park, evoking sustainable community landscaping. — Green Bay has completed the conversion of turf grass at Harvey Street Park into native plant gardens and a new meditation labyrinth, supported by an AARP grant. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should your local government prioritize converting public park lawns into native wildlife habitats?

Green Bay has completed the installation of new native plant gardens at Harvey Street Park. These plantings, which represent the four seasons, were funded by an AARP Community Challenge grant to support local wildlife.

Why it matters

The project transforms underutilized turf grass monocultures into biodiverse habitats while providing residents with a dedicated space for reflection. The initiative demonstrates how local parks can shift toward sustainable, wildlife-supporting landscaping.

The park features native plant species arranged to represent the four seasons. This initiative is supported by the AARP Community Challenge grant through the Livable Communities Program.

The players

Green Bay Conservation Corps

A municipal workforce organization that manages ecological restoration and public space maintenance projects.

AARP Community Challenge

A grant program that provides funding for local projects aimed at making communities more livable for all ages.

The details

Crews replaced existing turf grass with native plant species designed to support local ecosystems and wildlife. A project artist collaborated with the Green Bay Conservation Corps and the city economic development team to create plantings that reflect seasonal shifts, while also constructing a new meditation labyrinth within the park.

October 2026: Native plant gardens were installed at Harvey Street Park.
November 2026: The city expects to complete the meditation labyrinth.

The Home Front

This project aligns with the AARP Livable Communities Program, which prioritizes accessible and sustainable public green spaces for all ages. It follows a growing movement to replace resource-intensive turf grass in urban areas with native landscaping that lowers maintenance needs.

Consider visiting the updated Harvey Street Park to observe which native plants thrive in the local climate for your own garden planning. If you are interested in similar local upgrades, track city council meeting minutes regarding future park development and grant-funded environmental initiatives.

The takeaway

This park renovation highlights the benefits of shifting from high-maintenance turf grass to native seasonal plantings that require less upkeep and support biodiversity. Homeowners can replicate this approach by replacing sections of lawn with local native species adapted to the Green Bay climate.