Goshen Garden Plot Rentals

Rental Regulations

Commercial Use

The use of park facilities for commercial or revenue-producing projects is prohibited unless approved by the Goshen Parks & Recreation board.

Special Use

An additional [link doesn’t exist, form needs to be created] Special Event Application is required at least 60 days in advance, if your event falls within this criteria;

• open to the public
• commercial sales
• has a large number of people
• has recreational equipment.

Use the blue Special Event Application link to download or print the application. Once you have completed the application please email ([email protected]), mail, or deliver the application to 524 E Jackson St., Goshen, IN 46526.

It is best to apply at least 60 days before your planed event. Once the application is received, a hold will be placed on the location and/or facilities you have requested, and the application will be presented to the Goshen Parks board for approval, denial, or additional information request. The Board meets on the 1st Monday of the month.

Restrooms

All GPRD facilities share restrooms with other park users, with the exception of the Schrock Pavilion and the Powerhouse. Restrooms are open seasonally, April 15-October 15 at all locations.

Not-for-Profit Entities

Please contact the GPRD to have an account created for you and make your reservation. Documentation of non-profit status is required.

Alcohol

Alcohol is Prohibited in or on GPRD property.

Refund Policy

Cancellations made prior to 60 days will receive a full refund of deposit and rental fee paid.

Cancellations made 30 to 60 days prior to rental date will be refunded the deposit and 50% of the rental fee paid.

Cancellations made 29 days prior or less will be refunded the deposit only. Cancellations must be made by the individual on the rental agreement.

This policy applies even if the rental was made after the 60 or 30 day reservation period.

Advance Registration

Reservations can be made up to 365 days in advance and no less than 8 days in advance.  If your event requires an extra day for set up or tear down you must reserve the

Gardening Rules

Organic Gardening Techniques

Organic gardening techniques are strongly recommended by the GPDP. Organic gardening is a method of gardening that uses an understanding of nature as a guide for gardening

and cares for plants without using synthetic, chemical pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. Organic gardeners use a number of cultural, physical, and biological methods to control insects, diseases, and weeds.

Cultural Methods

The most important principle of effective pest control is to avoid problems by giving plants the best possible growing conditions. Plants and seeds should be free of pests and diseases when brought to the garden. Choose healthy plants of disease-resistant varieties for the best results. Optimal soil health can be obtained by the addition of compost and well-rooted manure. If additional fertilizers are used, attention should be given to nutrient balance. Some other examples of acceptable fertilizers

are: Nitrogen: cottonseed meal, blood meal, hoof and hornmeal, and fish meal. Phosphorus: bone meal, rock phosphate. Potash: kelp meal, seaweed, wood ashes, crushed granite, greenseed. Many commercial fertilizers are not organic.

Physical Methods

The single most successful method of eradicating insect pests is diligent handpicking! Other physical methods include visual and olfactory repellents, barriers such as floating row covers, traps, and removing diseased and infested plants.

Biological Methods

Natural predators such as birds, frogs and toads, ladybugs, lacewings, and preying mantises, and pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and moths should be encouraged.

Parasitic controls such as parasitic wasps, beneficial nematodes, or the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) may be used. Worms and microbes, which build soil nutrients, should be encouraged.

Using Insecticides, Fungicides, and Herbicides (Poisons)

Because even natural insecticides and fungicides upset soil balance and kill beneficial insects, and because some are toxic to humans, animals, fish, worms, and microbes, they should be used as a last resort only. Insecticidal soaps, quassia, and Bordeaux mix may be used with caution. If no other alternatives exist, use diatomaceous earth. Pyrethrum, Ryania, Sabadilla, and Rotenone as insecticides and sulfur and Limesulfur as fungicides may be used. Prohibited materials are materials of synthetic derivatives or with synthetic additives, such as nicotine and petroleum-based materials or additives. It is illegal and potentially hazardous to use any pesticide on pests or crops not listed on its label. All instructions must be observed.