As of today (May 5, 2012), the Fulton Street Farmers Market
in Grand Rapids is back in action with its new covered structure. There will be
no more ducking as the farmers poke their overhead tarps with brooms to clear them of
rainwater. You know – you have been there!
I stopped by for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Guests included Grand Rapids Mayor George
Heartwell and City Commissioner Rosalynn Bliss, Rockford Construction Project
Manager Tim Marcus, Architect Ted Lott, Midtown Neighborhood Association Board
President Mark Stoddard, Market Manager Melissa Harrington, FSFM Development
Project Manager Christine Helms-Maletic, market vendors Case Visser and John
Platte, and Campaign Chairperson Diane Griffin.
The fundraising campaign, called Our Goodness is Growing has
successfully raised over 90% of the funds needed for the significant
renovations and upgrades to the Farmers Market. These funds allowed the Midtown
Neighborhood Association, which manages the city- owned property, to replace
the storm-water retention system, rebuild a 75-year-old retaining wall, re-
grade the site for wheelchair accessibility and remove 4,500 cubic yards of
contaminated soil, all as a first phase of the improvement project. During
Phase II, MNA added an all-new, open-air shed area for vendor stalls with
multiple plumbing and electrical fixtures; re-configured the traffic flow of
the parking areas with a turn-around area at the north end; and built a new
plaza area with separate space for seating, bike storage, and hot food vending.
The Silver Spork food truck was there this morning to feed shoppers.
Fundraising for a planned Phase III continues in order to
raise the money needed to construct a year- round building to allow the public
to enjoy locally grown, wholesome foods throughout the winter. Another $225,000
must be raised for the construction of the year-round building and additional
north-end restrooms. The opportunity to sponsor a brick or a paver for the
Fulton Street Farmers Market has re-opened for a second round of orders to be
installed mid-summer. Order forms are available at the Market office, and
contributions can be made on-line at www.ourgoodnessisgrowing.org.
Below are photos of the event -- and of the brick that I
purchased in support of the market. It honors my mother.
No comments:
Post a Comment