Coit Road Farmers' Market Gateway

Coit Road Farmers' Market has been a pioneer in providing fresh local food for almost 90 years. The oldest continually operating market in the state, the site houses both history and an important mission to supply locally grown fresh food. With changes in the community, keeping the market open has gotten harder - but at the same time made it all the more vital, as the only source of support for local farmers, organic food, small vendors, and community groups in a hard-hit area. We want to keep it strong and growing to its 100th birthday and beyond! And your donation, of any size, can help us make that happen.

The Market needs a safe look to match the safe environment we have created inside to address COVID 19. Drive by the Coit Road Farmers Market and you’ll see 750 feet of the battered and weed-infested fence line. This is the gateway presented to the hundreds of vehicles and pedestrians who pass by daily.  With the pandemic in play, is this an abandoned property or a place to buy fresh food?  In the time of COVID 19, the perception and reality of a safe environment are most important to consumers. 

The Coit Road Farmers Market Gateway project combines volunteer efforts with donations for construction to give the Market a safe and welcoming appearance.  The fence has been damaged by years of being hit by vehicles and uncontrolled vegetation.   The gates are also damaged or missing with temporary repairs. Volunteers have spent the past 3 months working on removing the trees and other vegetation growing into and damaging the fence. This work will continue through the time period to install the fence improvements paid by your donations.  The result will be a uniform fence cleared of unwanted vegetation.  Four damaged gates will be repaired and a new gate installed to improve access to the Market.  The additional gates are important to Kevin Scheuring, our Market Manage who wants the Market to be accessible as possible during Market hours Wednesdays and Saturdays 8:00A to 1:00P.  

The rusted pavilion ceiling is another obstacle to the perception of the Market.  Funds to repaint the ceiling will address this issue.  

August 30:  Complete removal of vegetation surrounding the fence line.  We have volunteer cleanups scheduled for August 8 and 22 from 9:00A to Noon. 

September 15:  Contractor completes repair and installation of fence improvements.

September 30:  Contractor completes painting of pavilion ceiling.

We have had numerous meetings with city government and community organizations on how to get the community involved with the Market.  The current environment at the Market does not feel safe and worthy of their support...especially the condition of the property at the street (or fence line).   They have promised community support and engagement if we take these steps.  The community needs access to fresh food, and this project will remove a major deterrent to residents shopping at the Market.