The Springfield Park District is transforming former baseball fields into a community garden at Hobbs Park, located south of Bunn Park near the intersection of Fox Bridge Road and Culver Avenue. Building on the success of the Jefferson Park Community Garden, this new initiative will provide a community garden serving the east side of Springfield. The ball fields at Hobbs Park were no longer being used, and there was community interest in having more spaces available for community gardens.
Initially there will be 20 spots available. Individuals may request a 10-foot x 20-foot community garden space to grow whatever they wish. Some rules apply, such as a requirement to be an organic garden. Marty Strieker, superintendent of programming and events for the Springfield Park District, says the plan is to be smart, do everything correctly and grow as needed in response to community interest.
Also under consideration is creation of a pollinator garden at Hobbs Park. This is a win-win for the community and taxpayers. Replacing the unused ball fields with grass would have increased costs for mowing. Having a pollinator meadow adjacent to community gardens creates multiple benefits.
Strieker says the Growing Grounds project focuses on inclusive participation, sustainability, shared stewardship and long-term community impact. For more information and to request a community garden spot, contact Scott Marlow, athletic manager for the Park District at 217-843-0012 or smarlow@springfieldparks.org.
This article appears in April 16-22, 2026.
