Community Garden

The Community Garden, located on the North side of the Oak Lawn Senior Center near 104th & Cook Ave, was formed through a partnership between the Oak Lawn Park District and the Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123. This space has been built as a place for families and individuals to rent allotments and grow their own food, and for community members and organizations to grow food that will be donated to local food pantries. 

Why a Community Garden? The benefits of a Community Garden are endless. Maybe a resident do not have space at their home to grow their own produce. Possibly local residents or organizations want to get involved in the community and help provide fresh produce to local families in need. Or maybe local gardeners want a place where they can educate and learn from other gardeners. 

There are three sizes of gardens available; ADA beds are steel bins that are 2’x6’x24” tall; regular sized beds are 4’x10’x10” tall; and XL beds are 4’x16’x10” tall. By using the principles of square-foot gardening, everyone can get the best results from their allotment. Each participant is allowed one bed of one size per year, with the potential for a second bed of another size if available. 

The Community Garden is open from 4/1-11/30 (approx.) each season. The nominal registration fees allow for the purchase of manure, new tools as needed, and necessary upkeep to the area each season.  Registration, payment, and signing of a Rental Agreement are required to participate, along with attendance at a mandatory meeting in the Spring.

Participants are expected to volunteer a few hours during the season to assist with up-keep of the garden and/or harvesting of the pantry beds. Bed availability is very limited. Please contact 708-857-2201 or maintenance@olparks.com for additional information.

2022 Membership Rental Agreement & Information: 2022 Membership information.pdf