Crowds line up to buy fresh fruit at the farmers market, and children run toward the nearby playground. Not far away, visitors learn about the importance of locally grown produce from a speaker.
Adam Saunders has been involved in community organizing since he was a member of Sustain Mizzou as a student.
This is the vision ofย?Build This Town, a campaign for a new agriculture park at 1701 W. Ash St. With construction beginning in April, this project seeks to better the communityโs exercise and eating habits. Wondering what this revitalization means for Columbia? Allow those involved in the project to explain it all.
What is Build This Town?
Without the project, creating a new agriculture park would not be possible. Established in 2015, the campaign has driven the entire project, from planning to funding to legislative approval. The four major organizations involved are the Columbia Parks and Recreation Department, Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture, Columbia Farmers Market, and Sustainable Farms and Communities.
Being a public-private partnership makes this project stand out, says Adam Saunders, campaign director for Build This Town and development director for the Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture. It allows the Columbia Parks and Recreation Department to create a โdynamic place for people to go to,โ he says.
How is the agriculture park being funded?
Funding for the project comes from various locations, such as MU Health Care and the Columbia Parks and Recreation Department.
Why was Clary-Shy Park chosen?
Simply put, Clary-Shy Park is a central location and the home of the existing outdoor market. Thereโs also no better way to promote a healthy lifestyle than having the Activity and Recreation Center near the park. โIt can really transform the broader neighborhood,โ Saunders says.
Build This Town envisions a park that promotes and improves the community's healthy lifestyle.
How will the farmers market change?
Local farmers will be pleased to hear about the new farmers market pavilion, which houses 98 stalls, a roof and a storage area. Vendors can sell their products year-round at one location as opposed to the current Parkade Plaza winter market. Corrina Smith, executive director at Columbia Farmers Market, says this will help increase the number of vendors and customers. โOur customers and vendors will be able to be out of the weather and have a more enjoyable experience,โ she says.
What features will be included in the agriculture park?
Besides the pavilion, the park will boast an outdoor playground and educational facilities, such as outdoor classrooms and a place for live demonstrations. Saunders says there will be a large urban farm where produce will be donated to food banks. Dining and multipurpose facilities are included in later phases of construction, he says.
What is Build This Town?
Residents can foster healthy habits while getting involved with local groups. Groups can rent out the pavilion through Columbia Parks and Recreation to host field days and workshops. Saunders says this is โan opportunity for rural and urban communities to work together in a really positive and fun way.โ
Why should you get involved?
“Everybody eats,” Saunders says. “Everybody has a connection to this project and park somehow.” He advises visiting buildthistown.org, signing up for the monthly newsletter or attending farmers markets.
