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

Diversifying Farmers Market Report

Projects

Hub City Farmers Market, Spartanburg SC

NewBo City Market, Cedar Rapids, IA

Vandergrift Farmers Market, Vandergrift PA

Market Case Studies

Allen Street Farmers Market, Lansing, MI

High Springs Farmers Market, High Springs, FL