A Feasibility Study for Urban Edge Agricultural Parks - SAGE

• Relationship to surrounding neighborhood: Pedestrian connections to thesurrounding neighborhood are proposed. The senior center in the northwestprovides potential connections. Landscape buffers along the north and westprovide visual separation from the neighborhood, but, more importantly, providefor connections via a recreational trail network.• Costs: The plan assumes that the Agricultural Park—as a distinct entity fromMartial Cottle Park as a whole—would cover its own costs. Parks and Recreationwould provide organizational structure and AgPark staff if the AgPark providedfunds for the staff position(s).RecreationThe AgPark plan for Martial Cottle assumes that SCC Parks and Recreation wouldfacilitate educational and interpretive elements, which would be concentrated in thehomestead area—with barns, the historical house, and gardens serving as the sitesfor various programming. Passive recreational elements—such as riding andrunning trails--would be incorporated throughout the site.The plan incorporates the following recreational elements:• Trails: Approximately 23,000 linear feet of multi-use (walking, jogging, biking,and equestrian) trails.• Park: Approximately 9 acres of park space, including picnic areas. Passiverecreation only (no playing fields or sports facilities).• Horseback riding: Multi-use trails accommodatee horseback riding, while a corraland stable would be located at the central animal facility.Consumer Demand &Commercial/Concessions:The concept includes the following concessions, located in the central “homestead”area:• Market/Produce stand: Approximately 1 acre along Snell Avenue. Access fromSnell Avenue and parking are provided for the market.• Bed and Breakfast/Restaurant: Proposed for historic farmhouse after life estatebecomes part of the park.• Event Space, lawn, gazebo: Available for weddings and other events.Agricultural OperationsThe outlying acres would be parceled into 5-20 acre farm plots to be leased ataffordable rates to farmers, with shared management and amenities (such astractors). Leasing farmers might undertake a range of activities, from general,intensive vegetable production to specialty crops, orchards, and small livestockoperations. The infrastructure already on-site provides the possibility of smallgreenhouse and value-added operations, as well. Leases of AgPark plots might runfrom 1-10 years, with the possibility of renewal.DRAFT 1.6.05 33