The Naperville Park District is preparing the Ron Ory Community Garden Plots for a season of gardening, anticipating an early May opening, conditions permitting.
Online registration for garden plots begins April 20 at 8:30AM. for Naperville residents. Nonresidents and those requesting a second plot may register beginning April 23 at 8:30AM.
In-person garden plot registration had just begun in mid-March when the Governor’s stay-at-home order took effect. With the registration process now exclusively online, registration can continue until plots are filled. Those wishing to register for a plot may visit www.napervilleparks.org, click on the Online Registration tab, and search for Garden Plots.
There are three main categories of plots available for rental: full-sized, half-sized and raised. Within each of these, there are regular and organic plots. Once you click “check details for fees” a list of the numbered plots appears. Some of the plots have been reserved by returning gardeners and will be marked as full, however many other plots are available. Clicking on any of the individual plots will display a page where you can see a link to download the map of all of the garden plots.
Gardeners will be encouraged to follow social distancing guidelines to help ensure a safe, stress-free environment.
“Gardening is an outdoor activity that has many health benefits, all of which are helpful as people are continuing to do what they can to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” said Angelique Harshman, Nature Center Manager and program manager for the Ron Ory Community Garden Plots. “Gardening can be enjoyed by individuals or small family groups and provides full body exercise, lowers the body’s stress response, improves mood, and provides fresh, tasty and nutritious fruits and vegetables.”
