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Parks staff report strong community support for proposed 32nd Avenue urban farm
Summary
City staff told the Parks Board that outreach for an 11-acre remediated site near 32nd Avenue reached 268 residents; top priorities were community gardens, education and a farmers market. Staff plans an RFP by next month and will pursue a lease and water infrastructure work.
City parks staff updated the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Board on plans for an 11-acre remediated brownfield near 32nd Avenue in the West Valley, saying community engagement favored gardens, education programs and local food access.
"Through our workshops, we reached over 130 attendees and through the survey, we reached an additional 138 respondents. So through our community engagement events this spring, we reached over 268 members of the public to get feedback on this project," said Mattie Mercer, food systems program manager in the Office of Environmental Programs.
Mercer said workshops and a survey (conducted between March and June) asked residents to prioritize elements for the site. The most popular ideas in the "growing food" category were community gardens, a food forest and a community plant nursery; gathering features rated highly included an outdoor community event space and a community kitchen. Residents also prioritized gardening and nutrition classes and supported a farmers market and a "farm bag" subscription distribution option.
Director Marty (speaking on behalf of parks staff) said next steps include completing a rendering to include in an RFP, releasing the RFP by the end of next month and keeping it open roughly two months. "This is going to be a lease agreement that's similar to farm leases that we have," he said, and staff are coordinating with Salt River Project for flood irrigation and water infrastructure.
Staff emphasized that the city will work with the successful proposer to finalize site design and proceed to construction subject to procurement and contract negotiations. No formal action was taken at the meeting; the presentation was informational and board members asked clarifying questions about similar projects and the procurement timeline.
