Columbia Opens Joseph S. Azar Community Garden to Honor Local Hero and Foster Community Spirit

Columbia Celebrates New Joseph S. Azar Community Garden

In a delightful occasion filled with smiles and community spirit, the city of Columbia recently unveiled its latest treasure—the Joseph S. Azar Community Garden located in T.S. Martin Park in the charming Edgewood neighborhood. This ribbon-cutting ceremony held on Friday, November 15, 2024, was a heartfelt tribute to a local hero.

A Life Dedicated to Community

Joseph S. Azar was not just a name; he was a true embodiment of community and service. A proud Columbia native, he walked the same hallways of Columbia public schools and later, the University of South Carolina. While still in college, Joseph didn’t just study; he kicked off two entrepreneurial ventures in the lively Five Points area—the Cyclist (which evolved into today’s Cycling Center) and Upstairs Audio. Known for his infectious energy and passion, Azar poured his heart into uplifting his community.

Literacy Advocate and Community Organizer

Joseph’s legacy extended beyond business. He was the mastermind behind Rolling Readers of the Midlands, a wonderful nonprofit program focused on boosting children’s literacy skills through tutoring. His dedication didn’t stop there; he was a prominent face in the Columbia Sertoma Club and the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association, living by the motto of “SERvice TO MAnkind.”

A Garden to Remember

During the touching ceremony, Columbia City Councilman Edward H. McDowell spoke passionately about the significance of the garden, stating it embodies Azar’s vision for a neighborhood centered around unity and beauty. “This garden is a testament to his unwavering commitment to fostering community connections and nurturing the environment,” said McDowell, his pride evident.

The Garden Comes to Life

With the motto “You can only harvest what you plant,” local residents and eager students from W.A. Perry Middle School and C.A. Johnson High School will roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty growing fresh vegetables. This initiative not only teaches valuable gardening skills but also promotes healthy eating habits among the youth.

Collaborating for Success

The success of this garden owes much to the visionary Ed Brogdon, director of Horticulture at Holy Angels in Belmont, North Carolina. Brogdon crossed paths with Azar back in 2012, where they bonded over their shared enthusiasm for community gardening. Together, they envisioned the potential of urban gardening but faced initial setbacks with city approvals. Although Joseph sadly lost his battle with cancer in 2019, his dream for the garden continued to blossom.

Fast forward to 2023—Brogdon met with Azar’s cousin, William Akel, in Las Vegas to reignite the vision. Thanks to Brogdon’s dedicated efforts and lots of planning, construction of the raised bed garden began to take shape this fall. He enlisted help from local talents, like Dexter Ashford of Ashford Family Farm LLC and local chef Antonio Roberson, to guide the creation and installation of the garden.

A Community Affair

As the sun shone brightly on the ceremony, high school students from Richland One’s Heyward Career and Technology Center prepared delicious refreshments for attendees, showcasing the remarkable talent of our local youth. The garden will not only serve as a spot for growing food but will be fully integrated into educational programs, where Ashford will work closely with faculty to incorporate gardening into the curriculum.

Come Visit the Garden!

With its doors officially open to the public, folks are encouraged to take a stroll through the garden at 2700 Edison Street, Columbia 29204. The garden, managed by the Columbia Parks and Recreation Community Garden program, is filled with promise and potential, offering a space for connection, growth, and joy. So grab your gardening gloves and get ready—the best part of the harvest is just a planting away!