Ron Ory Community Garden Plots
2025/2026 Site Improvements


Project construction, at the Community Garden Plots and along West Street, will be completed in Spring 2026.

  • The existing parking lot along West Street is temporarily closed for construction and installation of new permeable pavers.
  • The garden plots are slated to open on schedule in Spring 2026.  
  • Plot access and parking might be temporarily modified in early spring during the final phases of project completion.

2025 Garden Plots map showing construction areas

Site improvements/projects include the following:

Parking Lot - will be completed by Spring 2026

Permeable pavers are being 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.   

Site Drainage - Completed

The conversion of the main area of the parking lot at the Community Garden Plots from gravel to permeable pavers will enhance drainage and improve water quality onsite. Underground drainage improvements were completed near the Cold Storage building and on the southwest side of the Community Garden Plots area.

Lighting - will be completed by Spring 2026

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 - Completed

New raised planting beds were installed at the Community Garden Plots in late 2025.  These 25 new raised beds will be available for rent and use during the 2026 gardening season and will require a doctor's note. The new raised beds offer two height options to better accommodate those with varying needs. 

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 area or needed to relocate.

Interested in a Year-Round Garden (No-till) Plot for 2026?

  • 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. 
  • 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 2026 season and current gardeners will be given priority over new gardeners.
  • Limit of one (1) year-round plot per gardener.