The Poolside Pollinator Garden at Van Cleve Park was brought to life through a collaboration between the Southeast Como Improvement Association (SECIA), local volunteers, and community partners. The garden, located next to the wading pool maintenance shed, was designed to support pollinators with native plants.

A partnership with the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board established a Stewardship Agreement to ensure the garden's long-term care. Grant funding covered essential materials for construction and planting.

In June 2023, a groundbreaking event invited volunteers and community members to help prepare the garden by removing sod and shaping the space. Volunteer days in July, August, and September 2023 focused on planting and nurturing hardy native perennials to attract pollinators. The garden is now part of the regular volunteer schedule for ongoing maintenance.