Ron Ory Community Garden Plots
2025/2026* Site Improvements


Project construction, at the Community Garden Plots and along West Street, is scheduled to begin September 2, 2025.

  • The main area of the existing parking lot along West Street will be closed during construction activities along with smaller sections along the south and north sides of the plots.
  • Most garden plots are slated to remain open for the normal gardening season which closes in mid-October.
  • However, plot access and parking will be impacted and the front line of watering spigots will not be available for use starting Sept 2, 2025.
  • Renters that will be directly impacted by the construction will be contacted by the Garden Plot Manager before Priority Registration. 

2025 Garden Plots map showing construction areas

Planned site improvements/projects include the following:

Parking Lots - begins Sept 2

Permeable pavers are going 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 away from the construction areas 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. Renters whose plots are included in the construction buffer zone will need to cease gardening by Sept 1. (These gardeners will be contacted the Garden Plot Manager before Priority Registration).

Site Drainage / Lighting - begins Sept 2

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.

Additional Raised Planting Beds - begins Sept 2

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. Call to be placed on a waiting list.

*Please note: The site improvement work may extend into early 2026 if needed for any of above projects.  

Year-Round (No-Till) Plots begin May 2025

The addition of the no-till plot option required early planning and preparation in order to coordinate with gardeners who planned to stay in the Year-Round are or needed to relocate.

Click on the blue button above to view Year-Round plots area.

Interested in a Year-Round Garden (No-till) Plot for 2025?

  • A Year-Round Garden Plot is defined as a rental plot that will have year-round access and will not be tilled annually by the Park District. However, gardeners are permitted to till their plots themselves or by hiring someone to do so.
  • Year-Round plot renters are responsible for maintaining the plot year-round. Additional rules will apply - see the 2025 Garden Plots Rules & Regulations brochure.  (coming soon!)
  • A limited number of Year-Round plots will be available during 2025 and all Year-Round plots will be in a clearly defined area. See the map referenced above highlighting the Year-Round gardening area. Additional Year-Round plots may be added annually based on demand.
  • The limited number of Year-Round plots will be allocated by a first come, first serve basis for the 2025 season and current gardeners will be given priority over new gardeners.
  • Limit of one (1) year-round plot per gardener.  

For Gardeners who rented a plot in the designated Year-Round Gardening section in 2024:

  • If you rented a garden plot in 2024, within the designated Year-Round Gardening section, you may continue renting the plot with the understanding that it is now a Year-Round Gardening Plot. This plot will not be tilled and must be maintained year-round.
  • Or you may transfer to a Seasonal Garden Plot (May - Oct, tilled), during Priority Transfer Registration, Feb. 26 - Mar 5.
    • Please note, you must first register for the 2024 plot you rented last year before being able to transfer to a different plot.