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Patnoe Park Family Gardens

Dog Park Sign The garden plots are located at 10499 White Oak Ave, St John, Indiana 46373. Users are required to register each calendar year at the St. John Town Hall, 10955 West 93rd Avenue. Parking is along White Oak Ave, Patnoe Dr, and W 105th Pl.


GARDENING AGREEMENT:

In order to participate in the 2024 Town of St. John Parks and Recreation’s Family Gardening Program at Patnoe Park, the gardener(s) agree to the following by reading and signing below:
  1. REGISTRATION: St. John residents will register from February 1, 2024 through February 28, 2024. Non-residents may register from March 1, 2024 to March 31, 2024. Please note that all registrants are limited to one plot during the pre-registration period. Additional plots may be reserved based on availability when pre-registration concludes on April 1.

    The garden plots are 4 feet by 8 feet raised beds. Gardeners will register and pay for their garden plot for the current season only. Fees are used to offset direct costs of the program. No refunds on garden plots will be given unless the space can be assigned to another gardener. No refunds will be given on abandoned garden plots.

  2. PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION: The St. John Parks and Recreation Department (SJPR) administers the program with the assistance of the gardening committee. The SJPR can be contacted by phone at 219-365-6236 or email at parks@stjohnin.com. Gardeners must include their preferred method of communication on their Registration Form. Notification of change of address or other contact information changes must be given to SJPR.

  3. GARDENING SEASON: The season runs from April 15 through October 31. Weather and other unforeseen factors may delay the opening of the gardens. Gardeners will be notified of changes to the opening of the gardens and notification will be posted at the garden. All plots will have signage with last name of the gardener. Gardeners are responsible for maintaining their plot as soon as the gardens are open for the season or immediately upon rental. By Memorial Day of each year there should be marked progress toward a productive garden. This progress should include: at least half of the plot under cultivation, plants established and cared for, path maintenance carried out, weeds being managed etc. (see section 5).

  4. GARDEN PLOTS: All plots are 4 feet by 8 feet raised beds. There will be a wood chip path around all garden plots.

  5. MAINTENANCE: Gardeners must consistently maintain their plot throughout the garden season. This includes: regular weeding, harvesting ripe produce, and removing all spent or diseased plants. Gardeners are also responsible for maintaining the woodchip paths adjacent to their plot(s) by keeping them weeded, and refreshing the chips as needed. All paths must be kept free of overgrowing plants, gardening supplies and equipment. The program will provide chips for the path maintenance. Gardeners must make arrangements for weeding, watering, and harvesting if they plan to be away for an extended period of time. Gardeners who are unable to maintain their plot(s) and paths in a way described above, must contact SJPR immediately. We may be able to assist with a temporary solution.

    UNMAINTAINED/ABANDONED PLOTS: Gardeners who have unmaintained plots will be given two weeks from the initial notification to comply with all requirements described in this Agreement. If the gardener does not comply by the end of the two-week period the plot will be considered abandoned. The gardener will give up the privilege of participating in the program for the remainder of the year. Gardener may be charged a maintenance fee for each plot. If a gardener addresses the two-week maintenance request by the deadline, but leaves the plot unmaintained, the second maintenance request will have a one-week deadline. A third request will have 3 days. Any gardener who gives up their plot due to abandonment or does not comply with the maintenance rules may be dismissed from the program for the season.

  6. TURNING IN PLOTS/END OF SEASON: Gardeners can finish gardening and turn in their plot at any time. This will mean clearing the plot of all plant material. This must be completed by October 31. Gardeners must notify SJPR in writing if turning in their plot before the end of the season. Any gardener leaving a plot so that SJPR has to care for the plot in any way may be restricted from renting a plot in future growing seasons.

  7. GARDEN HOURS: Gardens will be open from dawn to dusk daily.

  8. TOOLS/TRELLISING/OTHER GARDEN MATERIALS: Gardeners are required to use good tool safety when using tools in their garden. Garden tools will not be supplied. Tools are the responsibility of the gardener and must not be left in the garden or on pathways. Gardeners can use tomato cages, stakes, and trellises to stake vegetable plants. Cages, stakes, and trellises must be removed as soon as they are no longer needed. Watering cans and hoses must be removed from the plot when gardener is not present and using them. Gardeners may not use carpet or plastic as a weed barrier or any other purpose in the garden.

  9. WATERING/HOSES: A water spigot will be centrally located in the garden. Gardeners will be required to bring a hose and sprinkling can for watering plants. When using the hose gardeners must be careful not to damage other garden plots. When finished watering turn off the water at the source and remove your hose.

  10. GATES/FENCING: Gardeners must close the gate of the perimeter fence when entering and exiting the garden. Gardeners are not permitted to put any type of fencing around individual plots.

  11. PESTICIDES: The spraying of pesticides is not allowed in the garden area. You may have to remove any infected vegetation and properly dispose of it. By keeping your plants healthy and your garden area clear of weeds and dead vegetation you should not need to use harsh pesticides.

  12. TRASH: Gardeners must remove any trash they generate, including empty plant pots, from the garden area and dispose of it properly.

  13. PETS: Pets are not allowed inside the fence at the garden site as a food safety concern and as a courtesy to other gardeners.

  14. THEFT AND DAMAGE: Gardeners should report any theft, vandalism, suspicious behavior or activity in the garden areas to SJPR immediately. If you feel you are in danger, contact the St. John Police. No person is permitted to remove anything from plots not rented by them. SJPR is not responsible for any damage to garden spaces, theft of produce or personal belongings in the vicinity of the gardens or elsewhere.

  15. LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION: The undersigned is an adult program participant, or is the parent or legal guardian of a program participant. The undersigned hereby states that s/he understands the activities that will take place in this program. The undersigned recognized, as with any activity, there is risk of injury. In the event that the program participant sustains an injury in the course of the program, the SJPR and/or its employees or volunteers are authorized to take reasonable steps to obtain appropriate medical treatment. The program participant and/or their parent or legal guardian shall be responsible for the cost of such treatment. The undersigned agrees to release, hold harmless, indemnify and defend the SJPR, its employees, agents, and assigns, from any claims including, but not limited to, personal injuries or damage to property caused by or having any relation to the activities covered by this contract, even if arising from the negligence or releases. It is understood that this release applies to any present or future injuries that it binds the undersigned, undersigned’s spouse, heirs, executors and administrators. The program participant may be photographed and videotaped while participating in Parks and Recreation activities, and consent is given for the reproduction of such photos or videos for advertising and publicity.

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