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. The garden includes 50 organic in-ground plots in two sizes and three raised beds for rent.
The Community Gardening program offers a variety of gardening opportunities for individuals, families, groups, and organizations. Services provided in the gardens include the initial preparation of the garden area, water access, maintained paths, composting facilities, deer fencing, access to mulch, the advice of knowledgeable staff, and the Garden Beet newsletter. Communal tools are available for use at scheduled times during the week. Our three garden sites have plenty of conveniently located parking and are accessible by Bloomington Transit bus routes. Plots are available for use starting in mid-April.
For more information about the community gardening program, or about renting a garden plot at Butler Park Community Gardens, contact Sarah Mullin at 812-349-3704 or mullins@bloomington.in.gov.
Registration and Garden Plot Rental
- New gardeners and returning gardeners who wish to garden in an additional plot, or in plot(s) other than those rented in 2019 may register on a first-come, first-served basis starting on Feb. 19, 2020.
Registering gardeners must complete the Program Registration Form and 2020 Gardener Agreement, and all participating gardeners must read and sign the contract 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.
- Community Gardening Program Registration Form
- Community Garden Agreement
- Rev. Butler Park Community Gardens Plot Map
For more information about the Community Gardening program, email communitygardens@bloomington.in.gov.
| Registration Code | 2020 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. |
Community Gardening Program
Large and small garden plots available for rent.
Willie Streeter Community Gardens
Organic and conventional plots for rent in the gardens inside Winslow Woods Park.
Switchyard Park Community Gardens
39 raised beds available for rent inside Switchyard Park
Community Gardening Classes
Educational programs for the home garden and landscape.
Community Gardening Financial Aid Application
Apply for financial assistance for garden plot rental fees.
Report a problem in Butler Park Gardens
Use the uReport online system to report a problem or make a comment.
Accessibility
Gardeners with disabilities or other limitations will find gardening support, including wheelchair-accessible raised beds and access to adaptive tools.
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 Sarah Mullin at 812.349.3704 or email mullins@bloomington.in.gov.