Ames Parks and Recreation Department invites the community to a dedication ceremony for the new Community Gardens on Delaware Avenue. The brief ceremony will be held at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 29, at the gardens at 803 Delaware Ave.

This new garden expands the City’s Community Garden program, operated by the Parks and Recreation Department, to include 61 plots at the Ioway Creek Gardens and 28 raised beds at Carr Park. Delaware Avenue Community Gardens provides 14 ground-level beds, fencing, and a water hydrant.

“Many people may remember this property as the site of a former water tower. We have been able to repurpose this land as green space and provide additional community garden plots,” said Parks and Recreation Director Keith Abraham. “The City’s Community Garden program has been very popular and successful for many years, and this project has helped us add more capacity.”

Ames City Council first directed staff to provide information about the possible expansion of the Community Garden program in 2020. Subsequently, staff conducted a survey and held two public input meetings to gauge community interest in adding garden plots. As a result, the Delaware Avenue site was identified and selected for community gardens. All garden plots have been reserved for the 2022 season. Those interested in applying for a spot for the 2023 season should go to www.amesparkrec.org and click on “Garden Plot Interest” in the left navigation panel.