ONEIDA PROJECTS

We proposed two interventions to improve the Appalachian community of Oneida, Kentucky- a Garden Center and Kayak Center. Throughout the semester, we collaborated with Oneida Baptist Institute, serving as a bridge to the broader area. The institute accommodates a diverse student body, including international students and those from the local area. Together, we engaged local leaders, OBI members, and various organizations dedicated to community enhancement. These interactions not only sparked visions for enhancing life in Oneida but also provided invaluable feedback, refining our interventions. The Garden Center project connects education and Appalachian growing practices through its gardens, community kitchen, classroom, and market space. Both the Garden and Kayak Center teams aimed to establish a focal point upon entering Oneida’s main center via River Street. At the time of the project, there were plans to demolish the old post office, which served as a symbolic icon of Oneida. A new post office was being built directly adjacent to the old; offering a safer location away from the bustling main road and its intersection on College Street. Strategically positioned adjacent to the new post office, the Garden Center stands as a visible beacon, easily accessible from the main road and in proximity to OBI’s campus to the south. The terraced garden not only enhances Oneida’s entry but also mirrors the undulating local landscape. Part of its mission is to teach residents how to cultivate their own land for growth as the community is located in a food desert. Through its educational facilities, the Garden Center bridges OBI’s educational mission with community needs, offering insight into local and diverse culinary practices. On the exterior, the market space provides an area for local vendors, farmers, and food trucks to thrive, while the central courtyard fosters social interaction, creating a safer and vibrant community space.