The MacDougal Park community garden has expanded to offer 11 rentable garden plots to community members for the 2026 growing season. The expansion is a result of a year-long collaborative effort between local volunteers, AIO Food and Energy Assistance, and the City of Rockland Economic and Community Development and Public Services Departments.

 

Gardeners who rent plots at the MacDougal Community Garden will keep the yields from their rental plots, according to the City of Rockland, in a news release. Each gardener will also help grow food for donation for AIO Food and Energy Assistance at the separate MacDougal Community Garden’s Community Plot. Shared tools and newly extended water access will be available for gardeners.

 

“This project has been a true community effort, and we’re really excited to welcome gardeners to the space,” said Jenny Carter, the City’s sustainability and community development coordinator.

 

Each rentable garden plot is about 40 square feet, filled with donated garden soil from Black Dirt Guy, and topped with donated Coast of Maine compost. The plots have all been constructed with lumber donated from E.L. Spear. Thomaston Lowes donated materials for the garden’s new cedar fence, and Camden National Bank donated funds to purchase remaining materials. Picnic tables built with lumber donated by Hammond Lumber will be installed soon. The project also received generous support from Green Line Property Work.

 

In mid-May, about 20 volunteers came to MacDougal Park to help build the garden beds and set the new fence. Garden plots are now available to rent for the 2026 growing season.