Park district unveils new community garden agreement

The Fox Valley Park District has entered into an agreement with the Kane Country Forest Preserve District to provide 250 new community garden plots at Oakhurst Forest Preserve, 1680 Fifth Ave. on the east side of Aurora.

A five-acre site on forest preserve property north of Fifth Avenue has been designated to host the plots and will be prepared for planting during the next several weeks. The site features a separate entrance from Oakhurst Forest Preserve and a small parking lot.

"In working with the Kane County Forest Preserve District on the national Healthy Kids Initiative, providing opportunities for community members to grow their own gardens is a great way to focus on healthy eating," said Bill Donnell, director of natural resources, forestry and special projects.

The district already provides 260 community garden plots that sell out quickly each year on the west side of the district between Jericho Lake Park and the Stuart Sports Complex. "This partnership with Kane County will provide a good geographic location to serve both near and far east side residents," said Donnell.

The rental fee per season is $15 per plot for residents and $30 per plot for non-residents. A plot map will be available at www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org and at the Eola Community Center, 555 S. Eola Road, Aurora, by April 21. Plot reservations will be taken at the Eola Center beginning at 9 a.m. on Monday, April 26. Plots will be available for planting beginning May 10.

For information, call (630) 851-8990.