Learn about plans for Naperville garden plots at May 18 open house

Naperville Park District invites the community to a second public open house on Wednesday, May 18, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Ron Ory Community Garden Plots, 811 S. West St.

Gardeners and other interested residents may stop by anytime between 6 and 7 p.m. to view preliminary, alternative concepts for improvements in the garden plots based on previous community feedback. In the event of inclement weather, the meeting will be held at the Knoch Park Central Maintenance Facility at 427 W. Martin Ave.

The Ron Ory Community Garden Plots provide approximately 500 plots for gardeners in the community to grow their own vegetables and flowers.

Over the years, other features have been added to the site, including the Idea Gardens, a tree nursery, honey bee hives, and more.

In 2022, before considering further development of the garden plots, the park district is engaging gardeners and interested members of the community in creating a site master plan for the garden plots.

To assist with this process, the park district is working with Upland Design Ltd.

Earlier this spring, the park district met with stakeholders and then hosted an open house on April 27, followed by an online survey for those who were not able to attend the meeting.

At the May 18 open house, attendees will be able to view two alternative, preliminary concepts showing potential improvements to the garden plots.

These concepts will show different ways to incorporate some of the suggestions made by gardeners and others through the community engagement process.

Following the meeting, there will be another opportunity to provide feedback online at www.napervilleparks.org through May 27.

The elements of the two concepts then will be combined into one draft site master plan to be reviewed by the park board this summer.

"We appreciate the input of community gardeners so far and look forward to refining a plan that includes ideas that will make the most of this unique site," said Brad Wilson, executive director.