Garden plot concerns sprout again in Naperville

Naperville Park District initially may build only half the garden plots it planned at DuPage River Park on the city's far south side.

The cost, however, has not gone down from original estimates.

Planners have created a phased approach that calls for creation of 155 plots and the potential to double that figure if the demand exists.

"It is based on feedback we received regarding the number of plots in the initial plan and allows the park district to develop plots at the site, establish the program and be able to grow it from there," said Brad Wilson, director of recreation.

The district is installing plots at DuPage River Park as part of a deal with Naperville Unit District 203 to put two athletic fields on part of the existing garden plot land on West Street near Naperville Central High School.

Roughly 112 plots will be removed from West Street and the district originally planned to create 332 at DuPage River Park off Royce Road.

But doing so caused an outcry this summer from neighbors who said they are concerned the plots will be an eyesore and cause increased traffic.

After two community meetings, the park district made a handful of changes to try to ease concerns, including taking the phased approach.

Phase 1 calls for 155 plots at the northwest corner of the park that will be 20-by-30 feet each - just slightly larger than the plots at West Street. Four plots are handicapped accessible.

The initial phase also creates infrastructure for the plots including access roads, water connections, a shade structure, picnic tables, bike rack, screened portable restrooms and compost area.

The district will add landscaping along Royce Road to act as a buffer for neighbors and has put the vehicular access point off Royce Road between Fox River Drive and Apple River Drive in response to feedback.

Nearby resident Gary Conkright, who is leading a group of concerned neighbors, said the latest design is better than the originals. However, neighbors still aren't convinced more plots are needed since 69 of them are held by nonresidents and some people pay for plots but abandon them.

He also wants to see the district consider other locations that aren't so close to neighborhoods.

Furthermore, Conkright believes the district should install a fence around the perimeter of the plots because of wildlife in the area.

"Until it is thought out from demand and location and how to deal with wildlife issues, they need to step back and say clearly we're going to have to think this through," Conkright said.

Wilson says there are 33 people on a waiting list for plots this year and the district expects more demand from residents who find the south-side location more convenient. He said the garden plot survey last year, as well as this summer's community survey, also show demand.

Park officials will evaluate the situation during the first year to determine if a fence is needed.

Phase 1 of the project, with 155 plots and infrastructure improvements, is expected to cost $250,000 - the same price the district originally quoted last year for 332 plots.

Wilson said the district incurred extra infrastructure costs due to changes it made in response to residents' concerns. He does not yet have a cost estimate for future phases.

Park commissioners will view the plans and vote on a construction contract when they meet at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, at the Riverwalk Community Center, 305 W. Jackson Ave.

The district plans to complete the new garden plots by spring 2010.