Welcome to GWL
Groundwork Lawrence creates the building blocks of a healthy community, and empowers residents to improve their quality of life.
Our vision is an equitable community where the residents of Greater Lawrence in all stages of life feel they belong, are safe, supported, and empowered; where healthy living is the norm; and everyone’s neighborhood is a resilient environment that thrives with parks, trees, and open space.
Events
Groundwork Earth Day
Join us for the annual Groundwork Earth Day cleanup event, where we come together as a community to positively impact our environment. Get involved with Earth Day!
Kite Festival / S.A.L.S.A.
Every June, GWL hosts the Kite Festival attracting Lawrence residents of all ages! Learn more about the Kite Festival / S.A.L.S.A..
Spicket River Cleanup
Join us for the Spicket River Cleanup and let’s create a cleaner, healthier, and more vibrant environment together! Learn more about the Spicket River Cleanup.
Greenway 5k
GWL Greenway 5K is the ultimate celebration of health, fitness, and the beauty of open spaces! Learn more about the Greenway 5k.
Glow Gala & Annual Fundraiser
The Glow Gala is our annual celebration and fundraising event to commemorate a year filled with achievements and significant progress. Learn more about the Glow Gala.
GWL Food Programs
Groundwork Lawrence provides residents of Lawrence with access to high quality fresh, nutritious produce through the Costello Urban Farm, community gardens, Farmer’s Market, and free cooking courses for themselves and their families.
Our food programs make healthy living choices easier and more accessible so positive changes and increased community engagement can occur.
GWL Community Engagement
Groundwork Lawrence achieves results by engaging and working collaboratively with the community it serves.
Each year, Groundwork’s community programs attract increasing numbers of residents who are passionate about their city and doing their part to be good stewards of their community, supporting expanded access to resources and helping to change systems, policies, and practices.
GET INVOLVED
We are always in need of volunteers for our events, programs, park cleanups, the farm and community gardens. Learn how you can help!
GWL Environmental Improvement
Groundwork Lawrence works to make Lawrence a cleaner, greener place to live.
Its environmental improvement projects focus on making the city’s underutilized outdoor spaces safe, accessible and attractive. Groundwork projects transform vacant and often contaminated open spaces into parks, playgrounds, gardens, wooded trails and pathways, promoting healthy pursuits like walking, running, cycling and gardening.
GWL Education Programs
Youth Programs / Workforce Development
Groundwork Lawrence understands that Lawrence youth are not only the leaders of our community, but will influence and lead spaces beyond our city’s borders.
We provide educational, leadership and workforce programs that allow for our youth to learn about environmental justice and social justice issues to best guide them and prepare them for their future professional work, leadership roles and positive civic engagement.