Community Gardens

Close-up of yellow zucchini growing in a garden bed.

Beginning in the 1940’s with the Rainbow Beach Victory Garden, Chicago has become home to hundreds of community gardens, many of which can be found in parks across the city.  The practice of community gardening, whether inspired by the desire to transform outdoor space or contribute to healthier lifestyles, is now deeply rooted in modern culture.  

The Chicago Park District’s Community Gardens in the Parks program provides guidance, support and resources to dozens of community garden groups across the city. From helping maintain beautifully landscaped perennial beds to managing your own plot of vegetables, there are a wide range of opportunities available for those who wish to become involved in Chicago’s vibrant gardening movement.  

See below for more information, or contact us at communitygardens@chicagoparkdistrict.com.

Community Gardens

99 Facilities

Existing Community Gardens

There are over 90 community gardens spread throughout Chicago’s parks. The gardens vary greatly in size, style and function. From large pots of flowers to carefully planned landscapes, many of the community gardens are ornamental and focus on growing native plants, shrubs and beautiful annual and perennial flowers. The “edible” gardens feature a variety of opportunities, including allotment plot gardening, pantry gardening and children’s learning gardens. Welcoming people with a range of interests and experience levels, there are many opportunities to volunteer in one of the many gardens found in Chicago’s parks.  The documents below will help those interested to learn more and get involved.   

Starting a New Community Garden 

The Chicago Park District helps to promote and expand the greening efforts in our city by providing valuable outdoor space where communities can garden together. Building the foundation for a successful community garden is a long-term responsibility which requires community support and dedicated, ongoing commitment by all members of your gardening group.  

Ornamental gardens are typically characterized by shared plots of land where groups divide the responsibility of tending and weeding. Vegetable gardens are more often divided into allotment plots assigned each season to gardeners, or shared space where members are responsible for working together and sharing equally in the fruits of their labor. Fruit trees and beehives are also welcome in select gardens; please contact Community Gardens in the Parks staff for more info.  

All gardens in parks are and will continue to be public property. While the Community Gardens in the Parks program continues to support efforts to reduce unnecessary vandalism or theft, we cannot guarantee that any garden is free from the risk. 

You may find it helpful to read through Reference Manual before beginning.  
 
In order to form a new community garden with the Chicago Park District, the following documents are required: