Title
Urban Farm Park Feasibility Study Briefing
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Land Use & Environment Committee recommends receiving a briefing on the Urban Farm Park Feasibility Study.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive a briefing on the Urban Farm Park Feasibility Study.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive a briefing on the Urban Farm Park Feasibility Study
Staff Contact:
Sylvana Niehuser, Director of Parks Planning & Maintenance, 360.753.8068
Presenter(s):
Sylvana Niehuser, Director of Parks Planning & Maintenance, 360.753.8068
Craig Skipton, Director of Landscape Architecture, AHBL 206.267.2425
Background and Analysis:
The accessibility of local food has long been important to the Olympia community (as evidenced by the creation of the Olympia Farmers' Market). In the City's Comprehensive Plan, several goals and policies reflect the community's values regarding agriculture. These goals and policies have guided the work of the Olympia Farmland Work Group. The idea for an Olympia Urban Farm Park (Agri-park) emerged from recommendations to preserve local farmland by the Olympia Farmland Work Group in 2021 and the Land Use and Environment Committee of the Olympia City Council.
In 2022, Parks staff brought community members and potential stakeholders together for a series of meetings to discuss the Urban Farm Park Feasibility Study and develop a Request for Qualifications (RFQ). In spring of 2023, the City hired AHBL to develop the study. After several months of public engagement, research, stakeholder involvement, and briefings to PRAC and the Arts Commission, we have a draft of the Urban Farm Park Feasibility Study to present to the Council.
Related Comprehensive Plan Goals
GL25 Local Thurston County food production is encouraged and supported to increase self-sufficiency, reduce environmental impact, promote health, and the humane treatment of animals, and support the local economy.
PL25.3 Collaborate with community partners to en...
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