Park Management and Maintenance

Proven Programs

While the concept of an Agriculture Park is new to our community, the activities and organizations that will make up this collaborative site are tried and true. The Agriculture Park will boost the impact of successful organizations and their proven programs. Much of the funding to support the programs and activities at the park will come from the partner organizations' existing budgets. As for program expansion at the park, new sources of funding have already been secured for these existing programs.

Strong Partnerships

The Friends of the Farm public-private partnership is working to build the Agriculture Park, although, our work continues beyond fundraising and construction. The partners are also working together to manage and maintain this site to serve our community's needs. Each organization will remain independent. Together, the partner organizations have the experience and capacity to deliver the park's day-to-day programming. This is not a new entity and the organizations are not merging, it is a group of organizations who have agreed to work together. The deep partnerships will allow this park to serve the entire community with an emphasis on fresh, healthy, local foods.

Columbia Parks and Recreation

Clary-Shy Park will continue to be a part of the Columbia Parks and Recreation Department. Parks and Rec currently oversees over 3,100 acres of park land and maintains 83 parks, green space locations, and recreation facilities. Parks and Rec will share maintenance and upkeep responsibilities with the other partners.

The Agriculture Park is one of many successful public-private partnerships Parks and Rec is involved in. Maplewood Barn Community Theater organizes a community theater in Nifong Park, and the Diamond Council organizes baseball and softball leagues across Columbia's park system. The Parks Department takes care of basic maintenance of facilities while private organizations take responsibility for the day-to-day activities provided on the site. These partnerships allows park spaces to be more productive and engaging to the community. Parks and Rec's operational funds come from the City of Columbia's General Fund and rental fees. The Agriculture Park's multipurpose building and market building will generate rental revenue for the department. Parks and Rec's capital improvements are funded by the Park Sales Tax.

Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture

Since 2009, CCUA has grown from an all-volunteer nonprofit to a full-time staff of almost 30. CCUA operates their 1.3 acre Urban Farm and directly oversees the management of other gardens at locations across Columbia such as: Kilgore's Pharmacy and Columbia Housing Authority. CCUA will play the largest role in day-to-day activities at the park.

Today, CCUA's PLANTS Program provides hands-on experiences to groups at the Urban Farm and other community sites. In 2023 students spent 22,086 hours with CCUA learning about agriculture and nature. With Phase 1 construction now completed, the Agriculture Park is home to an outdoor classroom, demonstration gardens, an urban farm, and outdoor pavilions. We need your help to complete Phase 2 of construction that will add a Community Welcome Center providing our community with a commercial kitchen, activity, space, and so much more. This program is supported by funding and partnerships with: Columbia Public Schools, Heart of Missouri United Way, Boone County Children's Service Fund, and fees paid for by participants.

In 2020, CCUA’s original headquarters on Smith Street became Mark and Carol Stevenson’s Veterans Urban Farm. The Veterans Urban Farm is a place for Veterans to benefit from the therapeutic, vocational, and recreational aspects of horticulture in a supportive, community-centered environment.

At the Veterans Urban Farm, Truman VA Hospital Veterans have the opportunity to participate in vocational rehabilitation and recreational therapy programming. Program participants and community volunteers work to maintain the farm over the course of the growing season. Produce grown on-site is donated to local Veterans and used in health-focused programming at the VA Hospital. Community events and volunteer workdays on the farm create a healthy space for Veterans to gather and build community.

Columbia Farmers Market

Established in 1980, CFM is a producer-only farmers market that operates within a 50-mile radius, and since then, the Columbia Farmers Market has continued to thrive at the same site. As a member-managed organization, their goal is to enhance the connection between local food producers and consumers by offering a year-round, health-focused community agricultural facility. CFM's market has steadily grown over the years, boasting 90+ farmers and producers who sell a diverse range of products. The market's integrity is evident as a "producer-only" market, allowing only local producers within the designated radius, verified through regular inspections.

Engaging with the community is a priority for CFM, as they host a variety of events, feature musicians, and provide educational opportunities. Additionally, CFM runs multiple charitable food relief initiatives like SNAP & WIC matching, a Produce Prescription Program, and the Good Food Detectives Club. Managed by a full-time Executive Director, a full-time Assistant Manager, and ten part-time staff members, CFM has achieved national acclaim voted the #1 farmers market in the nation in 2021 and #2 in 2022, while also being the top farmers market in Missouri both years. This recognition has propelled CFM to national prominence, making it a destination for quality, local products.

Today, individuals can shop at Columbia Farmers Market every Saturday year-round, and twice per week in the summer, with the addition of the Wednesday market. Columbia Farmers Market can be found year-round inside the recently completed MU Health Care Pavilion. Sustainable funding for the market is derived from fees paid by its dedicated member-vendors, supplemented by grants, donations, and sponsorships. This diverse financial support ensures this community-driven initiative's continued success and sustainability.