The colorful tiles set in stone tell stories of Denver youth gunned down due to gang violence in the 1990s. Among those killed in 1993 was 16-year-old Troy Chavez who once dreamed of working with kids.

In honor of their son, parents Ana Chavez de Quintana and James Chavez in 1994 built a community peace garden with donated land from Leprino Foods and neighbors, businesses, garden centers, non-profits and student groups.

Located at 3825 Shoshone Street, The Troy Chavez Memorial Peace Garden features stone walkways and blooms again every spring with shade trees, vegetables, herbs and flowers. In 2010 a 22-foot greenhouse named The Troy Chavez/Dandelion Project Dome was built by CU Boulder student group, Engineering For American Communities. Escuela Tlatelolco students work in the greenhouse to earn credit for math, science and home economics.

“We don’t plant anything outside the greenhouse till after Mother’s Day because of the frost dangers,” explains Ana Chavez. “Helping the kids has brought peace in our hearts and helped with the healing process.”

Support has continued from Global Children’s Network, Denver Urban Gardens, Colorado Home & Garden Show, PEER I, National Gardening Association, CSU students, Front Range Organic Gardeners and EON Office Products. For information visit: www.thetroychavezfoundation.weebly.com or email troyshope@comcast.net.