A free tour of the community gardens and parks of Springfield, Ohio's south side returns
July 25, 2026, 10am-4pm
In recent years, the South Side of Springfield, Ohio, has seen a blossoming of new community gardens and neighborhood parks, which offer residents more opportunities to grow their own food, buy fresh produce at affordable prices, get exercise, or simply enjoy beautiful places. Eight of these spots will be open to the public during the free “South Side in Bloom” tour, which takes place on the last Saturday in July.
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See five spots! Win prizes!
By visiting at least five of our eight locations, visitors will win a bag with some nice surprises inside. In addition, you can be entered in a drawing to win a painting being created live on tour day by a local artist. Pick up a check-off card at any location and get it stamped at each spot you visit. The cards must be turned in at one of these spots: Auburn Tolliver Peace Garden, Covenant UMC Community Garden, Dorothy Bacon Memorial Park, or Gammon House. ​
Participating Sites
Auburn Tolliver Peace Garden
1626 S. Limestone St.
This neighborhood park offers a peaceful haven from the traffic zipping by on Limestone. Brian Keith's family has spearheaded the development of this park, which is named for his great-grandfather, a civil rights activist in the 1960s and '70s.
Covenant UMC Community Garden
529 W. Johnny Lytle Ave.
The church started this garden to provide a healthy resource of vegetables grown from seeds and nourished by love. Since 2021, the garden has yielded tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, zucchini, green beans, okra, greens, and peppers, which are shared with the community.
Dorothy Bacon Memorial Park
349 W. Grand Ave.
One of three neighborhood parks developed by The Conscious Connect CDC, this vibrant community space features a basketball court, a "Little Library," benches, and beautiful landscaping. On tour day, enjoy an exciting fitness activity, live entertainment, books, and fun for all ages!
Gammon House
620 Piqua Pl.
This National Historic site is one of a unique handful of Ohio Underground Railroad “stops” still in existence that was owned by a family of color. The rededication of the new interactive “Discovery Trail” this year features stories from 15 significant Ohio stops. Volunteers will guide visitors on tours of the house and grounds.
Hartman Rock Garden
1905 Russell Ave.
The Hartman Rock Garden has been welcoming visitors since 1932. While this visionary art environment is known for its concrete and stone art, flowers were Ben Hartman's first true passion. South Side in Bloom coincides with Tchotchke Palooza, the museum's annual summer event. The day will include new self-guided tours, special tours and programs for kids, and a flower scavenger hunt.
Jefferson Street Oasis Garden
1100 W. Jefferson St.
At this site, visitors can explore 3 acres of 110 allotment garden plots, available to Springfield residents. The Oasis includes pollinator, culinary herb, wheelchair, and children’s gardens. Heritage breed pastured chickens are raised on site. A poly house features both summer and winter production. Tour day coincides with the annual “Grilling in the Garden," where vegetables are prepared on charcoal grills in various ways, including sweet corn. Rapid-fired pizza from our outdoor kitchen is served as well. Vegetable growing demonstrations are new for this year's event. Parking available.
Melrose Acres Urban Agriculture Project
1030 Mc Cain Ave.
Springfield Ohio Urban Plantfolk grows vegetables to sell affordably at South Side farm stands. This site includes fruit trees, beehives, a hoop house, and chicken coops. Tour day includes a scavenger hunt, children’s activity, farm stand, and learning about no-till methods that support soil health.
Promise Neighborhood Visioning Garden
1217 Linden Ave.
This is a community garden with plots available to the public. Summer interns, youth garden camp and service groups help grow over 3,000 pounds of produce annually. Visitors can enjoy self-guided tours, crafts and games, and a neighborhood cookout. Help us celebrate our summer staff, volunteers, and supporters at 2:00 p.m.
Thank you to our sponsors!
