News: New One-Acre Urban Farm Coming to Ridgeville’s Elks Park

Date Published	Author
2/16/2026 12:00:00 AM	Alison Rodes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Alison Rodes
Marketing & Communications Manager
Ridgeville Park District
847-987-2995
arodes@ridgeville.org
 

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.

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About Evanston Grows
Founded In April 2021, Evanston Grows is a collective impact organization dedicated to bringing together resources in the Evanston community to reduce food insecurity through increasing access to locally-grown produce and building community connections. For more information about Evanston Grows, visit evanstongrows.org.

About Ridgeville Park District
Celebrating its 87th year, Ridgeville Park District is an independent, unique and dynamic public resource in south Evanston, with more than 10,000 households living within its district boundaries. Ridgeville Park District brings engaging year-round programming for youth and adults, activity-filled summer camps, community events and opportunities for neighbors to gather. For more information about Ridgeville Park District, visit ridgeville.org.