Doral plans Saturday farmers market pilot at Central Park starting Jan. 10

Parks and Recreation presented a recommendation to run a one-year pilot farmers market at Doral Central Park on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., starting Jan. 10 and running through March with a possible extension into April depending on weather. Parks staff said operating a successful farmers market is labor intensive and that the city would outsource to a vendor to ensure consistency.

"We have decided on a 1 year pilot program basis to go with Miami Frienders, have the farmer's market at Doral Central Park, 9AM to 1PM on Saturdays, starting, January 10, going into March, maybe April, depending on weather," Parks staff stated in their presentation. The transcript spells the selected vendor name as "Miami Frienders." The council asked clarifying questions and staff answered that there is no upfront cost to the city and that the arrangement is a revenue-share: the vendor will charge a per-space fee (transcribed in the meeting as a "per 10 fee") and the city will collect 25% of that fee during the pilot.

Council members expressed support and encouraged earlier promotion of the market to the community so the pilot can build momentum. Staff said initial activation and marketing will use existing budgeted funds to attract foot traffic during the market’s early sessions, and the city will reevaluate the agreement and consider restarting in October or November of the following year if the pilot succeeds.

The city did not present a finalized contract in the meeting; staff said the agreement is a one-year pilot and will return for council review if changes are proposed.