Enhancing community

September 11, 2015

Grant Farmers Market

Not long ago the home of the Grant Farmers Market was just an empty lot with a few patches of grass, uneven gravel that trapped rain in deep ruts, and the remnants of an old shop’s foundation. But with plenty of vision and hard work, a dedicated community gave the vacant property a new purpose and a role to play in the city’s future.

The redevelopment project, supported in part by a grant from the Community Foundation, provides Grant with a venue for its own farmers market and expands local access to fresh, healthy food.

“Agriculture is one of the major industries in the state,” noted Ryan Rudzis, Grant city manager. “We can be an even bigger part of that and it will keep more money local.”

The project also addressed a need for increased public parking and green space in the downtown area. Connected to the neighboring Water Tower Park between M-37 and Front Street, the project added grassy areas, plants, and new picnic tables. The remainder of the space was outfitted with new gravel and a drainage system to provide plenty of safe, convenient parking.

“What makes this unique is that we were able to take a piece of property that hadn’t been used in years and turn it into this,” said Ryan. “Something like this encourages people to take pride in their community and we hope that catches on.”