The EOV Children’s Demonstration Garden was created as a model for other recreation centers, offering a healthy and constructive environment for local youth and teens in the Ocean View community.

Its purpose is to help children learn how fresh vegetables are grown, cared for, and harvested in a year‑round inground garden. Over time, the garden has expanded into a full, four‑season learning space that demonstrates how to grow a wide variety of fruits and vegetables in an urban setting using multiple growing methods.

The garden features examples of gardening in both small and large spaces—from balconies to backyards. It includes elevated raised beds, several types of vertical planters, and repurposed materials such as tires, buckets, and bamboo, along with traditional inground planting areas. A composting container, which also functions as a planter, provides hands‑on examples of composting techniques.

Children enrolled in the EOV Community and Senior Center’s summer camp actively participate in the garden from June through August.

In addition to its educational role, the garden serves as a year‑round fresh‑produce food bank for seniors, youth, and other community members.

The EOV Children’s Garden is located on the Shores of Pretty Lake at the East Ocean View Community and Senior Center. 9520 20 th Bay Street, Norfolk, Virginia, 23518