Each year, garden plots are available to residents through the Park District’s Garden Plot Program. Plots are 20 feet by 30 feet each and are $15 per plot for residents ($30 for non-residents), with a maximum of four (4) plots that each gardener may register to use.

Those who rented garden plots the previous year may reserve their same plots beginning on October 16. Starting on March 1, any remaining plots will be made available to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. Reserved plots may be accessed from April 15 through October 15.

The Barnes Road plots have water service available by a public water supply connection at the silo. The Oakhurst plots have non-potable water made available through the use of an onsite tank (near the parking lot) filled weekly. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that either water will be made available at all times at either site due to seasonal conditions, operational resource availability, vandalism, misuse or planned or unplanned infrastructure maintenance.

The Fox Valley Park District wishes gardeners success while growing fresh, healthy produce at the garden plots!

West Location – SOLD OUT

7S505 Barnes Road (just south of Blackberry Farm), Sugar Grove Township
This area hosts 94 garden plots. All registrations for garden plots at the west location are accepted at the Cole Center Administration Office, 101 W. Illinois Ave., in Aurora. For information, call 630-897-0516. Barnes Road Plot Map

East Location

Oakhurst Forest Preserve (1574 Fifth Ave.), Aurora
The Park District offers 172 garden plots at the Oakhurst Forest Preserve on Aurora’s east side, thanks to an agreement with the Forest Preserve District of Kane County. All registrations for garden plots at the east location are accepted at the Cole Center Administration Office, 101 W. Illinois Ave., in Aurora. For information, call 630-897-0516. Oakhurst Plot Map



  • Hours
  • Garden Plot Permits
  • Garden Plot Regulations
    • Hours

    Reserved plots may be accessed from April 15 through October 15.
    Gardeners may work on plot from dawn to dusk.

    Garden Plot Permits

    Gardeners are required to fill out a plot permit and will receive a vehicle permit to display in their car window to visit the site. Gardeners who rented plots the previous year have the first opportunity to reserve a plot starting on October 16. Beginning March 1, remaining plots are rented on a first-come, first-served basis. When registering to reserve plots, please have your vehicle license plate number along with the make, model and year of the car you will be using to visit your garden plot.

    West Location

    7S505 Barnes Road, Sugar Grove Township
    All registrations for garden plots at the west location are accepted at the Cole Center Administration Office, 101 W. Illinois Ave., in Aurora. For information, call 630-897-0516.

    East Location

    Oakhurst Forest Preserve (1574 Fifth Ave.), Aurora
    All registrations for garden plots at the east location are accepted at the Cole Center Administration Office, 101 W. Illinois Ave., in Aurora. For information, call 630-897-0516.

    Garden Plot Regulations

    Violations of the following regulations may result in revocation of the use of the plot(s), without refund if necessary or fines as appropriate. The Park District also reserves the right to refuse future gardening privileges to anyone who abuses the program.

    • Motorized vehicles are not allowed inside the plot area.
    • Gardeners must park only in the designated parking area.
    • Pets are not allowed inside the garden plot area.
    • Please leave a non-planted footpath between plots.
    • Be courteous to fellow gardeners and do not walk on others garden plots.
    • If you place stakes on your plants, please remove stakes by October 15.
    •  If gardener chooses to erect a fence, they must adhere to the following guidelines:
        • Fencing shall be constructed of wire fabric “chicken wire” or welded wire fabric utilizing steel “t” posts or similar metal posts. No plastic or wooden fencing allowed.
        • Fences and other structures are to be kept in good condition, posts and fence materials upright, no sharp/rusty wire or other protrusions that could cause injury.
        • Posts must be placed deep enough into the soil to securely anchor the post in a vertical (plumb) position. NO poured concrete may be used.
        • Metal fence posts may be up to 4 feet tall maximum, above ground, it is recommended that they have a flange at the base.
        • Tarps, plywood and other items not allowed.
    • All wood, wire, string, landscaping blankets, fencing and other materials must be cleaned from the plots by October 15.
    • Place all trash in the garbage containers located near the parking lot and garden plot areas.
    • Place all garden plot waste in the designated area marked near the garden plots.
    • Any garden plot that is not tilled by June 15 will be forfeited for the season.
    • The Fox Valley Park District does not assume responsibility for theft or vandalism.
    • Gardeners must not infringe on any other plots and must not allow pesticides, water, or other materials to infringe on another gardener’s plot.
    • Use only the garden plots that you hold a permit for.
    • Gardeners must display a vehicle hang tag permit from the rear view mirror during the time you are in the garden plots. Vehicles that do not display the hang tag permit will be ticketed. This procedure ensures the security of all gardeners and plots

    If you have any questions or encounter any problems with your garden plot rental, please contact the Fox Valley Park District at 630-897-0516 (Cole Center Administration Office). In the event of an emergency, occurrence of vandalism, theft or damage at a garden plot site, please call 911 for assistance.

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