A new Dee Why community garden has been approved for Arthur Reserve, giving residents a planned shared space for fresh produce, gardening knowledge and local connection.
New Garden Planned For Arthur Reserve
Dee Why residents are set to gain a new community garden at Arthur Reserve after Northern Beaches Council approved the locally led proposal.
The garden will occupy a 300 square metre section of community land near the Cromer-Dee Why Scout Hall. It will be established, operated and maintained by a community garden group.
The proposal was endorsed at a recent meeting after strong public support. In late 2025, 145 submissions were received, with most backing the plan.
Many submissions referred to the proposed garden’s social, health, educational and environmental benefits.
Dee Why Community Garden To Include Raised Beds
The Dee Why community garden will feature raised garden beds and be designed for inclusive use.
The layout will also keep pedestrian movement through Arthur Reserve open, allowing people to move through the reserve while the garden operates nearby.
Community gardens are shared areas of land managed by groups of people. Garden beds may be individual or shared, with produce divided according to how each garden is organised.
A Shared Place To Grow And Learn
Community gardens provide space for residents to produce food locally, reduce household waste through composting and worm farming, and learn about permaculture and organic gardening.
They also bring together people with a shared interest in gardening and community-based growing.
Across the Northern Beaches, community gardens are generally located in parks or school grounds. They operate as separate incorporated associations, with volunteer members and elected committees.
Their running costs are covered through membership and annual fees, fundraising and grants.
The Dee Why site will be managed by the community garden group responsible for its establishment, operation and maintenance.
More Community Gardens Across The Northern Beaches
The new Arthur Reserve garden will add to existing community gardens across the Northern Beaches.
Active gardens already operate at Balgowlah, Seaforth, Freshwater, North Curl Curl, Manly Vale and Newport.
Balgowlah Community Garden is located behind the children’s playground at 100 Griffiths Street. The North Curl Curl garden is based on the western bowling green of the North Curl Curl Community Centre, at the corner of Abbott and Griffin Roads.
Freshie Community Garden is used for growing fruit trees, vegetables and flowers through sustainable gardening practices. Manly Vale Community Garden brings children, families and neighbours together to learn about more sustainable living.
The planned garden at Arthur Reserve will extend that network into Dee Why, near the Cromer-Dee Why Scout Hall.
Published 18-June-2026
