WESTLAKE : Athletes Get a Kick Out of Gardening

St. Vincent Medical Center wants to encourage youths who are adroit with their feet to develop green thumbs as well.

Victor Hercules, the medical center’s community liaison, is expanding St. Vincent’s youth intervention program intended to keep young people out of trouble by offering them a variety of activities.

Soccer is a popular drawing card, so Hercules decided to use St. Vincent’s youth team to generate interest in the center’s community garden: Youths who work in the garden may also join the soccer team.

“The main emphasis is to keep kids off the streets,” Hercules said. “Working in the garden and growing vegetables for their parents will give them a sense of responsibility.”

The block-long garden at the corner of Grandview and 3rd streets has room for at least 18 plots, Hercules said. Supervision is provided Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon.

Ether Haley, a nurse at St. Vincent who has worked in the garden for four years, said she is happy to teach beginners how to grow corn, green beans, tomatoes, peppers and flowers, but she wants gardeners with a serious attitude.

“It’s hard work and you have to make a commitment,” Haley said.

Hercules said youths ages 12 to 18 are eligible for the soccer team and gardening opportunities. Senior citizens are also welcome to work in the garden, he said.

Information: Victor Hercules, (213) 484-7143.