See our Community Gardening and Bloomington Community Orchard class offerings.
Bloomington Parks and Recreation's Community Gardening Program
Visit Willie Streeter Community Gardens
Located in Rev. Ernest D. Butler Park at the intersection of West Ninth and North Fairview Streets, the Butler Park Community Gardens enable gardeners to learn and practice the techniques of organic gardening in rented plots. 2017 marks the seventh season for the gardens, which include 38 in-ground plots in two sizes and a limited number of raised beds.
The garden area also supports the Community Gardening program's partnership with Mother Hubbard's Cupboard, a local food resource center, by providing space for them to maintain a hoop house, continue a youth gardening program, and produce more food for those in need.
Email communitygardens@bloomington.in.gov for more information on renting a plot at Butler Park Community Gardens.
Registration and Garden Plot Rental
- Returning gardeners in good standing from last season may renew the rental of the same plot(s) they gardened in 2017 between February 1-16.
- New gardeners, and returning gardeners who wish to garden in an additional plot or in plot(s) other than those they rented in 2017 may register starting on February 20 on a first-come, first-served basis.
Registering gardeners must complete the Program Registration Form and Gardener Agreement, and all participating gardeners must read and sign the agreement as well. The registration forms must be submitted in person at the Bloomington Parks and Recreation office, 401 N. Morton St. Suite 250 inside City Hall. The registering gardener will select from available plots on the maps at the Parks and Recreation office. New gardeners who want to rent more than one plot or a plot with year-round use must contact gardening program staff before registering.
For more information about the Community Gardening program, or about garden plot rental, call 812.349.3700 or email communitygardens@bloomington.in.gov
See the Butler Park Community Gardens plot map.
Apply for financial assistance for garden plot rental fees
| Registration Code | 2018 Plot Rental Fee | Plot Description |
|---|---|---|
| 165201-A | $33/in-city, $38/non-city | Organic Small Plot approx. 95 sq. ft. |
| 165201-B | $33/in-city, $38/non-city | Organic Raised Bed approx. 32 sq. ft. |
| 165201-C | $51/in-city, $59/non-city | Organic Large Plot 140 sq. ft. |
Accessibility
Gardeners with disabilities or other limitations will find gardening support, including wheelchair-accessible raised beds and access to adaptive tools.
Plant a Row for the Hungry
To address local issues of community food security, Bloomington Parks and Recreation joins with Worm's Way, Hilltop Garden and Nature Center, Bloomingfoods Market and Deli, Mother Hubbard's Cupboard and Hoosier Hills Food Bank in encouraging gardeners to grow an extra row for a hungry family. In 2017, the campaign raised over 27,500 pounds of fresh produce, which was distributed through the Food Bank to community members in need. For more information on how to participate, call Robin Kitowski at 812.349.3704 or email kitowskir@bloomington.in.gov.
Financial Aid Program
To ensure gardening opportunities are available to all members of the Bloomington community, financial assistance is available for those in need to help cover garden plot rental fees. For more information or to receive an application, call 812.349.3700.
Sponsorships and Donations
The Community Gardening program benefits from generous donations from corporations, businesses, groups and individuals in the form of seeds, plants, tools, soil amendments and other supplies, which allow us to keep our gardening opportunities affordable to all. There are a number of opportunities to become a donor to or sponsor of the Community Gardening program. Sponsorships or donations are accepted throughout the year. For more information about making a sponsorship or donation to the City's community gardens, contact Robin Kitowski at 812.349.3704 or email kitowskir@bloomington.in.gov.