The Healing Garden

1435 WEBSTER STREET [MAP]

The Healing Garden is a privately managed and operated by the West Alameda Business Association, and is a community space for events, celebrations, and a place to sit for a quiet meal. Formerly known as the Al Fresco Dining Park, WABA has helped raise over $50,000 to curate and activate this unique and versatile space. Since its inception in 2020, the Healing Garden has become a significant draw to Webster Street by locals and visitors alike.

A Mission to Help Heal the Community

Amidst tumultuous times, The Healing Garden came into existence. The genesis of this sanctuary arose in the wake of George Floyd's tragic death in May 2020, a period marked by uncertainty and unrest. Advised to shield their storefronts from potential civic upheaval on Webster Street, our resilient merchants opted for a more inspired approach. Instead of mere plywood coverings, they envisioned these boards as a canvas for local artists to channel their emotions and echo the sentiments of our community.

As the world grappled with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, our streets fell silent, shuttering most of our stores and disrupting every facet of community life. Yet, as time wore on and businesses cautiously reopened, a collective vision emerged. We sought to transform the remnants of uncertainty into a beacon of hope—a space where resilience could flourish, connections could be forged, and healing could take root. We lovingly named it The Healing Garden.

In collaboration with the West End Arts District (WEAD), volunteers rallied to adorn the perimeter and interior of the garden with vibrant succulents, breathing life into the once barren landscape. Generous donations from local benefactors supplied the materials needed to erect the surrounding fencing, with wine barrels repurposed into high-top tables alongside traditional picnic settings. From these humble beginnings, a sanctuary emerged—a testament to the power of community resilience and collective healing.

In June 2021, WEAD commissioned 10 new works from local LGBTQ and BIPOC artists to add to the permanent outdoor collection at the Healing Garden. Each of the selected artists created a 8’ x 4’ art installation for the central wall of the Healing Garden.

We extend a heartfelt invitation to all to join us in this sacred space, where growth knows no bounds and healing is a shared journey.