Ron Ory Community Garden Plots
2025/2026 Site Improvements

Preparations are underway for site improvements at the Community Garden Plots and along West Street, scheduled to kick off in late summer and fall of 2025. The main area of the existing parking lot along West Street will be closed during construction activities. However, all garden plots are slated to remain open for the normal gardening season which typically closes in mid-October. (Please note: The Naperville Park District shifted the schedule for the site improvements from 2024/2025 to 2025/2026 to better align with grant opportunities to support project funding.)

Planned site improvements include the following:

Parking Lots - Permeable pavers are proposed to be installed to replace the gravel parking lot along West Street adjacent to the main entrance. This enhancement will improve water quality and drainage, increase ADA accessibility, and provide designated parking stalls for patrons visiting the Community Garden Plots and Knoch Park. Once installation of the new permeable paver parking lot begins, renters of garden plots will continue to have access to their respective plots. However, renters located near the construction area will likely need to park their vehicles at alternative locations onsite further away from their plots.

Site Drainage / Lighting – The conversion of the main area of the parking lot at the Community Garden Plots from gravel to permeable pavers is expected to enhance drainage and improve water quality onsite. Additionally, the area along West Street will be improved with LED lighting that focuses on the existing parking lot along West Street that serves the patrons who utilize the Community Garden Plots and Knoch Park.

Raised Planting Beds – New raised planting beds are planned to be installed at the Community Garden Plots in late 2025. These new raised beds are proposed to be available for rent and use during the 2026 gardening season and will require a doctor's note. The additional raised beds will be provided in two height options to better accommodate those of varying needs. A first come, first serve system will be used to determine registration for the new raised beds.

The site improvements work may extend into early 2026 if needed.

No-Till Plots – coming in 2025! The addition of the no-till plot option requires early planning and preparation in order to coordinate with gardeners who may need to relocate to another plot prior to the 2025 season due to the creation of the no-till area. Current 2024 plot renters have been asked to provide feedback on whether they intend to register for no-till plots in 2025 or wish to move out of the area. This information will assist the Park District in determining the number of no-till plots requested by gardeners, and coordinate with any gardeners who might be affected by the creation of a no-till area.

Click here to see the map highlighting the area currently proposed for the no-till plot area.

The following information is specific to various plot holders:

Interested in a no-till plot for 2025?

A no-till plot is defined as a plot that will have year-round access and will not be tilled annually. No-till plot renters are responsible for maintaining the plot year-round. Additional rules will apply.
A limited number of no-till plots will be available for the 2025 season and all no-till plots will be in a clearly defined area. See the map referenced above highlighting the proposed no-till plot area. The area may increase or decrease in size for the 2025 season based on gardeners' interest in reserving a no-till plot. Additional no-till plots may be added annually based on demand.
No-till plots will be allocated by a first come, first serve basis for the 2025 season: only one no-till plot per person.

Gardeners who rent a plot that may be affected by the designation of a no-till plot area:

If you currently rent one of the garden plots identified on the map highlighted above that will transition into the no-till plot area, you will have the ability to remain in your current plot with the understanding that it will become a no-till plot, or you will have the option to move to an unoccupied tilled garden plot.