Community Gardens

Community Gardens create a safe and healthy recreational activity within our park system and on other city-owned land. They allow for local food production and can become a gathering place in a neighbourhood. Although there are several gardens within city limits, Nanaimo Parks, Recreation and Culture currently has four community gardens on park property with more in planning stages.  They include:

• The Beaufort Park Commons- This centrally located garden currently has allotment beds available. Please contact Robin or Germaine 250 716 5780 or robinwil@telus.net  for more information.
• Smugglers Park on Protection Island - managed by DIGS - Douglas Island Garden Society. Contact Jim Harris 250.740.0317 http://www.digsgarden.blogspot.com
•  Beban Urban Garden Society (BUGS)- managed by the VIEX (started 2010). Contact: kstreeter@viex.ca or 250.758.3247 
• Pawson Park - managed by Nanaimo Old City Association (started in 2011)
• Forest Drive Park

The gardens were initiated under the City's Volunteer in Parks Program (VIP). Groups applied for seed money through the VIP Granting Program, and they facilitated the initial setup of the gardens. Neighbourhoods interested in starting up a community garden at a park or on a piece of underutilized city property should refer to the tool kit and guidelines for step-by-step instructions on how to go about doing it.

Click here for a list of Community Gardens operated by local organizations.