Chicago City Wire

The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and G.E.T. Solutions marked the 50th anniversary of 811 Chicago by launching a new community garden partnership in Morgan Park. The event, held on National 811 Day, highlighted the ongoing effort to encourage residents, contractors, and property owners to call 811 before digging to prevent damage to underground utilities.

This year’s celebration included the opening of the third “Damage Prevention” Garden at Edna White Community Garden, located at 1812 W. Monterey Avenue. The initiative aims to raise awareness about safe digging practices while improving green spaces throughout Chicago neighborhoods.

“811 Chicago has done incredible work over the past 50 years to promote safety and prevent damage to critical infrastructure, and we’re proud to celebrate that legacy,” said CDOT Acting Commissioner Craig Turner. “This partnership is a great example of how we can raise awareness through community-driven initiatives and beautify public spaces.”

“We are so thrilled to begin this partnership with 811 Chicago and G.E.T. Solutions,” said Kathy Figel, Executive Director of Edna White Community Garden. “Edna White Community Garden is over 30 years old, and we’ve struggled at times. This support means that we can continue to grow food for communities in need, educate folks about the environment and be a place of peace and relaxation.”

Since its start in 2023, the collaboration between 811 Chicago and G.E.T. Solutions has focused on three main goals: increasing awareness about calling before digging, supporting local green spaces, and providing technical training for individuals facing barriers to employment or success.

The program identifies community gardens across Chicago that could benefit from financial or technical assistance. Two other gardens have previously been supported under this initiative: the 46th Street Block Club and Community Garden at 433 E. 46th Street, and SkyArt’s Artists’ Garden at 8907 S. Brandon Avenue.

G.E.T. Solutions works closely with Greencorps Chicago—a paid job training program run by CDOT—to provide hands-on experience in landscape maintenance, green infrastructure projects, tree care, and construction for participants who have faced employment challenges.

Operated by CDOT’s Division of Infrastructure Management, 811 Chicago offers free utility location services around-the-clock for homeowners and contractors planning excavation work within city limits. State law requires anyone planning such work in Chicago to obtain a “dig ticket” from 811 Chicago at least two days before starting their project.

G.E.T. Solutions is a nonprofit organization focused on advancing sustainable environmental programs through education and collaboration with communities affected by systemic inequities.

Founded in 1993, Edna White Community Garden became permanently preserved as open space when NeighborSpace purchased its one-acre site in Morgan Park in 1998.