Green Hill Park Community Gardens Application

Please note: The following application form is open to Worcester residents only.

Community Garden Guidelines

The Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery (DPRC) announces the availability of garden plots for residents of the City of Worcester on a first-come, first-serve basis. Plot sizes are 10'x7' (1 foot height), 8'x4' (2 foot height), 6'x4' (2 foot height), and 6'x4' ADA (3 foot height) located at Green Hill Park (125 Green Hill Parkway).

This is a community service provided by the City of Worcester’s DPRC for the benefit of families and individuals who wish to grow vegetables for personal use from May 1st - October 1st.

1. Permits: This permit application must be completed in full and returned by Friday April 3, 2026. To retain your plot(s), you must attend both the registration day, Spring clean-up, and Fall clean-up. (Dates to be determined)
2. Plots: Gardeners will be assigned plot(s), on a first come, first serve basis. Gardeners who had a plot the previous season and maintained it in good, clean condition will be given the first right of refusal. It's prohibited to paint, decorate, or graffiti on planters.
3. Planting: Plant only within your assigned plot. Do not weed or care for other gardeners' plots without their permission and have approval from DPRC. No invasive plants are allowed. A list will be supplied on registration day.
4. Parking: Vehicles must be parked in designated parking areas only.
5. Pets: Pets are not allowed at any time in the garden area.
6. Pesticides: No pesticides shall be used without prior approval from DPRC. DPRC reserves the right to remove and destroy insect or disease-ridden plant material and growing materials without prior notice to the gardener.
7. Rocks: Please place any rocks removed from your plot in the designated area to avoid equipment damage.
8. Water: Water is available from the facility spigot indicated on the map. One hose will be available; gardeners may bring their own to extend the length. Hoses must be neatly replaced when not in use. Each year all seasonal water services will be shut down after the first week of October. This includes all seasonal restrooms, concessions, and irrigations. *If a water restriction is announced, the City will abide by the guidance given to us by the City of Worcester Water Operations.
9. Equipment: Gardeners must supply their own tools. Gardeners are responsible for providing potting soil, pots, and seeds.
10. Facility Clean-Up: Gardeners must keep their plot(s) clean and free of weeds. Plant residue should be placed in the designated compost pile, and all rubbish must be disposed of in the appropriate container. Plot(s) must be left in a clean condition by October 31. Clean means that plant residue is placed in appropriate compost pile, piles of rocks are removed to designated area, and that stakes and strings are removed. If a plot appears abandoned for more than 2 weeks, it is the right of DPRC to reassign the plot to people on the waiting list. We will attempt to contact you two (2) times before reassigning your plot.
11. Administration: The City of Worcester DPRC reserves the right to minimize, reschedule, or cancel use of facility based on renovations, maintenance, weather conditions, or emergency situations.
12. Transferring of Plots: There shall be no transferring of plots from one permittee to another.
13. Review Policy: All permits will be reviewed by DPRC for opportunities & challenges after completion of the season, to enhance and make the community garden process better. We look forward to enhancing and helping our community garden program to become better.
14. Responsibility: The City of Worcester DPRC is not responsible for any lost or stolen items (vegetables or equipment).
15. Department of Parks, Recreation, & Cemetery reserves the right to revise the rules, regulations, policies, and procedures at any time and to rule on a situation not specifically covered in this application or other City documents.
16. All Community Garden Permit holders are required to abide by the DPRC Rules & Regulations.

For additional information, please call: Parks Department 508-799-1190 or WorcesterCommunityGarden@worcesterma.gov.

City of Worcester Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery Rules & Regulations

Please read and understand all items listed in the Department of Parks, Recreation & Cemetery - Rules & Regulations