Community Gardening

Organic Gardens: Community Gardens In Meadowbrook Park

Garden at the oldest local organic community gardens! Since 1975, the Meadowbrook Organic Garden Program has supported healthy people and a healthy community. We provide space, water, hoses and wheelbarrows. You supply tools, plants, labor, and optional fencing. During the growing season (March-October), a Garden Supervisor will assist with any questions or concerns. Garden plots are rented in "as is" condition and participation is at your own risk. This is a community garden and interaction with the general public is expected and encouraged.

For more information, call the Anita Purves Nature Center at 217-384-4062 or see the Garden Manual. Tips on the basics of organic gardening are available in the supplemental guide.

To Register for a Garden Plot:

Register by calling the Anita Purves Nature Center at 217-384-4062 or in-person at the Phillips Recreation Center. Online registration is not available.
In addition to the plot rental fee, gardeners pay a $30 deposit. The deposit is returned at the end of the growing season if the gardener abides by the Urbana Park District’s published guidelines. Returning gardeners in good standing earn a discounted deposit.
New gardeners will receive an orientation email once they are registered. This is when plot assignments will take place.

Plot Size	Fee
Raised Plot*: 11' x 3'	$20R/$30NR
Half Plot: 17' x 15'	$30R/$45NR
Full Plot: 17' x 30'	$50R/$75NR

Solidarity Gardens

Solidarity Gardens was launched in June of 2020 by Cunningham Township in collaboration with Urbana Park District, Sola Gratia Farm, Channing Murray Foundation, and other community partners. By providing seeds, tools, knowledge, and redistribution, Solidarity Gardens intended to address current and worsening food insecurity by supporting local residents in growing food for themselves as well as their neighbors in need. They encouraged individuals and organizations to work together and create gardens throughout the Urbana-Champaign area and to donate seeds, garden supplies, labor and expertise.

Solidarity Gardens CU

Solidarity Gardens CU helps home and community gardeners network to grow food for themselves and neighbors in need. This partnership includes:

Vegetable donation drop-off sites at Sola Gratia Farm and Channing Murray Foundations
Seed Exchange at The Urbana Free Library
Tool Lending Library at Cunningham Township
Garden volunteer opportunities

Visit the Solidarity Garden website for more information.

Is your club or group interested in volunteering?

Solidarity Gardens CU can match you with a community garden in need of extra hands. Or bring some of your friends together and create your own garden with their support! Interested? Email Connor Ross at cjross@urbanaparks.org.