In the town of Vandergrift, PA, a weekly farmers market transforms a public parking lot into a public gathering space for the community. Town leaders interested in expanding the market and creating a real town square worked with PPS to prepare a plan to renovate an adjacent park and turn the parking lot into a flexible public plaza good for outdoor movie nights, community suppers and the growing market.
PPS assisted Spartanburg, SC in opening a new farmers market next to a recently renovated train station and nearby park. Immediately, this underused space became the pulse of the city with shopping, cooking demonstrations, children’s activities, and more. Towns and cities like Vandergrift and Spartanburg exist all over the country, and show that vibrant public spaces can be created relatively simply through public markets.
Resources
How Markets Can Turn a Place Around
Kellogg Diversifying Farmers Market Report
Projects
Vandergrift Farmers Market, Vandergrift PA
Jefferson Market, Louisville KY
Hub City Farmers Market, Spartanburg SC