Springer family to break ground on community garden and wellness center

DOC Project, a Little Rock nonprofit founded in honor of the late Dr. Worthier R. Springer Jr., will break ground Sunday on a new community garden and wellness center in the Granite Mountain neighborhood.

Located at 4801 Edge St. on land owned by the Springer family, the future facility — named Springer Family Farms — will “expand access to fresh, healthy food while creating a place for wellness, education, and community connection,” according to a press release. 

The release notes that the project’s site wasn’t chosen at random: “The nearby street formerly known as Confederate Boulevard was renamed Springer Boulevard in honor of the Springer family, recognizing their longstanding contributions to the community. The development of Springer Family Farms further builds on that legacy, transforming land and history into a space centered on growth, healing, and opportunity.”

Several notable Little Rockers — including Mayor Frank Scott Jr., Former Mayor Lottie Shackleford, City Director Virgil Miller Jr. and Arkansas state Rep. Joy Springer — are expected to attend the groundbreaking ceremony, which will take place at 3 p.m.

Established in 2024, the DOC Project is also responsible for a food pantry and a meal-delivery program. You can find more about those efforts at the organization’s Instagram and Facebook pages.

Daniel Grear is the print editor at the Arkansas Times. He also writes about culture. Send tips to danielgrear@arktimes.com
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