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City and school district consider co‑locating urban farm park with Freedom Farmers
Summary
City parks staff proposed a potential partnership to co‑locate an urban farm park and school programming with the Freedom Farmers organization; the city estimated an initial planning phase cost of about $248,000 and suggested a 50/50 split with the school district to move into detailed planning and permitting.
City parks staff presented a potential partnership with the Olympia School District to co‑locate an urban farm park that would serve students and the wider community, and asked the district to consider participating in a planning cost split.
Silvana Niehauser, director of purchasing and maintenance for the city, described results of a 2024 feasibility study showing the project could be feasible with a strong partner. The city proposes a partnership model in which school‑peak uses and park‑peak uses are complementary, allowing shared facilities and reduced capital costs. The city estimated the planning and permitting phase — including SEPA and habitat conservation permitting — at about $248,000 and proposed a 50/50 split of that planning cost with the district.
Why it matters: District representatives and school officials said the Freedom Farmers program provides hands‑on experiences that have supported student engagement and alternative education pathways. District staff noted the program helps with credit retrieval and CTE pathways and could be tied to apprenticeship or credential opportunities for students.
Scope and timeline: City staff described the planning phase leading into permitting and a multi‑year buildout, estimating 10–15 years for full development depending on approvals. The city does not yet have funds set aside in its capital facilities plan and said a formal interlocal agreement would likely be the next step if the district wishes to proceed.
Community benefits and concerns: Several elected officials and staff praised the farm’s instructional and food‑justice benefits and said the site already functions as a community amenity. District and city officials discussed how shared classroom space, a community kitchen and ongoing operational support might be structured. No financial commitment was made at the joint meeting; both bodies indicated interest in continued staff‑to‑staff talks and in exploring an interlocal agreement.
Next steps: City and district staff will continue discussions and, if both parties agree, pursue an interlocal agreement and include planning in future capital facilities updates. No formal vote occurred at the meeting.
