A Feasibility Study for Urban Edge Agricultural Parks - SAGE

Concessionaires including blacksmith, beekeeper, horse-drawn train, farmer, andwedding/event hosts play a significant role in Ardenwood’s operations. Outside ofthe “Core” historical area, the land has been leased to a farmer who grows a varietyof crops for market and for the Farm’s interpretive programs. The farm is certifiedorganic. Tours of the historic house are operated by the Fremont Park andRecreation Department. Ardenwood is open to the public, with a small fee.Business PlanThe Parks District is in the midst of implementing its Phase One Business Plan forArdenwood. The plan was prompted in the mid-90’s by the relatively high level ofGeneral Fund support, the limited number of visitors, and the increasing financialrequirements of the “partners”, providing services as the Farm. The Plan states thefollowing Vision and Mission:Ardenwood Historic Farm will be a unique andvibrant public attraction, offering a rich spectrumof cultural, education and recreationalopportunities. Ardenwood will offer authentichistoric facilities and activities, interpreting thegeneral themes of the Post Gold Rush Era andFarming Evolution. Ardenwood will host a varietyof Events and Celebrations, continuing its role asa center of community life.It is the mission of Ardenwood to:• Create a haven from the rapidly expanding urban environment of the Bay Area• Establish and maintain a Core Historic Area within Ardenwood, including thePatterson House, lawn, gardens, farmyard and immediate fields. This Core Areawill be the heart of Ardenwood, affording cultural and educational experiences,interpreted by a variety of skilled craft workers, staff and volunteers. Eventsand facilities within the Historic Core will be designed to be as authentic as ispractical, with a time frame of approximately 1860 to 1925.• Create a model of efficient land use by establishing areas and facilities, outsidethe Core Historic Area, for large public activities and events. EstablishArdenwood as a vibrant, regional center of social and cultural celebrations.• Conserve agricultural open space as well as natural and cultural resources.• Attract visitors from the broadest cross section of the regional populationpossible, with a special focus on East Bay Regional Park District residents.• Appropriately locate and offer a variety of high quality facilities to meet visitorneeds and expectations, including restaurants, day meeting and conferencefacilities and retail stores selling produce and goods germane to the Farm.• Focus on the benefits of partnerships (public-public, public-private) and soundbusiness practices.DRAFT 1.6.05 44