Nearly two decades ago, rapper 50 Cent (Curtis James Jackson) joined an effort to transform an underused community garden in Queens into a public green space designed for gardening, recreation and community gatherings. Today, the site continues to carry his name as the Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson Community Garden.The project began in 2007 and had a personal significance for Jackson, who grew up in Queens and wanted to contribute to the neighborhood. He partnered with New York Restoration Project (NYRP) founder and performer Bette Midler as part of the initiative to restore the neglected space.Financial support for the garden’s transformation came from Jackson’s G-Unity Foundation. Following the redevelopment, the property officially reopened in November 2008.The redesigned space was created with landscape architect and designer Walter Hood, whose work gave the garden a broader purpose beyond traditional gardening. The site was envisioned as a place where residents could grow plants, spend time outdoors and come together as a community. The redevelopment also introduced features intended to make the space more useful for both gardeners and visitors.
The rainwater system became a defining feature
One of the most notable elements of the garden is its rainwater collection system. Large funnels measuring 10 feet in height were installed to capture rainwater, which could then be used to irrigate the garden.The structures were designed to serve more than one function. Along with collecting water, the tall funnels provide shade, creating areas where visitors can sit, relax and take a break. The system therefore combined an environmental function with a practical feature for people using the garden.
Why the garden matters to Jamaica, Queens
The garden is located in Jamaica, a Queens neighborhood where access to open space has been a longstanding concern. The area has less than five percent of the recommended amount of open space for its population of more than tens of thousands of children.That makes community spaces such as the Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson Community Garden particularly significant. The property provides an outdoor setting that brings together gardening, recreation and opportunities for residents to gather.
Further upgrades came in 2020
The garden received another round of improvements in 2020, with Walter Hood and the Knight Foundation supporting the work.Among the additions was a solar-powered water pump, along with newly built garden beds. The upgrades continued the site’s development as a functioning community garden and public outdoor space.
Who is 50 Cent?
Curtis Jackson, professionally known as 50 Cent, is a rapper, actor and entrepreneur who rose to prominence in hip-hop before expanding his career into television, film and business.As a recording artist, he became one of the prominent names in rap and subsequently built a career across multiple areas of entertainment. His work has included music, acting, television projects and entrepreneurial ventures. Jackson has also participated in philanthropic and community-focused initiatives, including the Queens garden project supported through his G-Unity Foundation.
From Baisley Park Community Garden to the Curtis Jackson Community Garden
What began as an effort to restore a neglected garden in Queens ultimately created a long-term public green space. The former Baisley Park Community Garden was transformed through a collaboration involving 50 Cent, his G-Unity Foundation, Bette Midler and NYRP, with Walter Hood contributing the landscape design.The garden reopened in November 2008 with features including 10-foot rainwater-collecting funnels that also provide shade. Further work in 2020 brought a solar-powered water pump and additional garden beds.Eighteen years after its reopening, the Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson Community Garden continues to stand as a community-oriented green space in Jamaica, Queens.
