The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and G.E.T. Solutions today commemorated the 50th anniversary of 811 Chicago with the launch of the third 811 Chicago “Damage Prevention” Garden – a collaboration to raise awareness about the importance of calling 811 before digging while also enhancing green spaces in neighborhoods across the city. August 11th, or “811 Day,” is a national initiative to remind residents, contractors, and property owners to always call 811 before digging to avoid damaging underground utility infrastructure and ensure public safety. 
 
This year, 811 Chicago marks the occasion with the launch of a new garden partnership at Edna White Community Garden, located at 1812 W. Monterey Avenue in the Morgan Park neighborhood. 
 
“811 Chicago has done incredible work over the past 50 years to promote safety and prevent damage to critical infrastructure, and we’re proud to celebrate that legacy,” said CDOT Acting Commissioner Craig Turner. “This partnership is a great example of how we can raise awareness through community-driven initiatives and beautify public spaces.”  
 
“We are so thrilled to begin this partnership with 811 Chicago and G.E.T. Solutions,” said Kathy Figel, Executive Director of Edna White Community Garden. “Edna White Community Garden is over 30 years old, and we’ve struggled at times. This support means that we can continue to grow food for communities in need, educate folks about the environment and be a place of peace and relaxation.” 
 
Since 2023, 811 Chicago has partnered with  G.E.T. Solutions advancing the 811 Chicago Community Partnerships Initiative with three main goals: to raise awareness of 811 Chicago’s message to call before you dig, to support local green and public spaces, and to provide technical training for individuals with barriers to success. 
 
Through this initiative, G.E.T. Solutions and 811 Chicago identify and support community gardens across the city by providing financial and technical resources to enhance local open spaces. To date, 811 Chicago has launched two other partnership gardens: 

• 46th Street Block Club and Community Garden, 433 E. 46th Street 

• SkyArt’s Artists’ Garden, 8907 S. Brandon Avenue 
   

G.E.T. Solutions leverages the hands-on support of Greencorps Chicago, CDOT’s paid green industry job training program for individuals with barriers to employment. Greencorps participants gain hands-on experience and develop skills in landscape maintenance, green infrastructure, tree care, and construction by advancing projects with local community garden groups, schools, parks, and on empty/vacant lots. 
 
About 811 Chicago  
811 Chicago, which is operated by CDOT’s Division of Infrastructure Management, is a free, 24-hour service to homeowners and private contractors within Chicago to identify underground utilities, including gas, electric, and water lines. To ensure the safety of people who live and work near underground infrastructure, anyone planning to dig in Chicago must obtain a “dig ticket” from 811 Chicago at least 48 hours prior to digging. 
 

G.E.T. Solutions 
Greencorps Chicago NFP dba G.E.T. Solutions is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to  promote access to sustainable, environmental, and economic solutions for individuals and communities that have been historically impacted by systemic barriers and inequities.G.E.T. Solutions advances green and climate resilient programs and initiatives for individuals, communities, and small businesses through collaboration, education, and training. 

Edna White Community Garden  
Edna White Community Garden, Founded in 1993, The Edna White Community garden gained momentum when federally funded NeighborSpace purchased the one-acre parcel in 1998 to preserve it as open green space.