New One-Acre Urban Farm Coming to Ridgeville’s Elks Park
Evanston Grows to grow free, organic produce for Evanstonians in need
Evanston, IL — February 16, 2026 — At their February 12 meeting, The Ridgeville Park District’s Board of Commissioners voted to enter into a 10-year partnership with Evanston Grows to establish a new one-acre urban farm at the District’s Elks Park. The farm is a community-powered project made possible through Evanston’s Participatory Budgeting (PB) process and Evanston Grows.
In October 2023, more than 3,000 Evanston residents voted to bring a new one-acre urban farm to life. They selected the project as one of only seven proposals funded out of 20 citywide submissions through the City of Evanston’s Participatory Budgeting process. Based on Evanston Grows’ proven success in creating productive, attractive, and community-centered gardens, the City’s PB Committee selected Evanston Grows as the contractor to realize the project.
After extensive research and analysis of potential sites throughout Evanston, Evanston Grows identified Ridgeville Park District’s Elks Park, at the corner of Callan and Mulford in south Evanston, as a potential location. Ridgeville community members were invited to share input through four Board meetings, an on-site meeting, and a survey emailed to more than 1,800 neighbors with feedback showing strong and widespread support for the project.
Ridgeville Board President Matthew Mitchell is excited that the farm will give back to the Ridgeville community: “Elks Park is a perfect location for Evanston Grows’ new urban farm, and we are proud to be part of the initiative to provide free produce to families in need in our community.”
Soil and infrastructure work through the spring will allow Evanston Grows to begin planting in early June. Installation of fruit trees are planned for the fall.
Once established, the farm will:
Provide free, fresh, organic produce to Evanston residents
Create green job opportunities for local teens and adults
Serve as a welcoming community space for gatherings and celebrations
With one in six Evanston residents experiencing food insecurity and grocery prices continuing to rise, the Ridgeville Urban Farm and Orchard represents a meaningful investment in local health, sustainability and equity.
“When communities have access to fresh, healthy food, everything changes—from health outcomes to economic opportunity. This farm is about equity, dignity, and ensuring that everyone in Evanston can thrive,” said Laurell Sims, Executive Director of Evanston Grows. “We’re honored to be partnering with Ridgeville Park District and excited to work alongside neighbors to grow food, skills and connection.”
The Ridgeville Urban Farm and Orchard builds on Evanston Grows’ longstanding commitment to food justice and community-led solutions that strengthen the local food system while centering on dignity and access.
For more information about the urban farm or how to get involved, visit EvanstonGROWS.org or contact info@evanstongrows.org.
Media Contact:
Alison Rodes
Marketing & Communications Manager
Ridgeville Park District
847-987-2995
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here is a list of frequently asked questions regarding the proposed urban farm:
Is the urban farm a commercial farm? No. We don’t have tractors or any type of large machinery. Zoning will not be changed to commercial zoning.
Is the urban farm a gated garden? We will have a 4-ft fence, but only to keep wildlife out. The garden is in a park and will be a resource and gathering space for the community aligned with the mission of the park.
Click here to see answers to other frequently asked questions.
Ridgeville Community Feedback Timeline
Week of October 20:
Email to Ridgeville Park District 2,000-address email list and to Alderman Matt Rogers’ Eighth Ward email list.
Proposed garden site and feedback opportunity information posts on Facebook and Instagram
Posters and flyers posted in the neighborhood.
Week of October 27
Lawn signs installed in neighborhood surrounding Elks Park.
1600-postcard mailing to residents living within four blocks of Elks Park, inviting neighbors to give feedback through survey and Nov. 13 meeting attendance
Week of November 10
Email, social media reminders for November 13 input meeting.
Thursday, November 13 at 7 PM
Ridgeville Community House, 908 Seward StMeeting held at Ridgeville Park District Community House for community feedback regarding a proposed Elks Park Urban Farm
November 22
Email sent out for the December 7th Q&A Session at Elks Park and social media begins to alert neighbors.
Sunday, December 7 at 10 AM
Elks Park, 301 Callan Avenue
Meeting held at Elks Park for a Q&A regarding a proposed Elks Park Urban Farm with Ridgeville Park staff and Evanston Grows.
Thursday, December 11 at 7 PM
Ridgeville Community House, 908 Seward St
Park District Board of Commissioners Meeting held at Ridgeville Park District Community House.
Thursday, January 8 at 7 PM
Ridgeville Community House, 908 Seward St
Park District Board of Commissioners Meeting held at Ridgeville Park District Community House.
Thursday, February 12 at 7 PM
Ridgeville Community House, 908 Seward St
Park District Board of Commissioners Meeting held at Ridgeville Park District Community House.