Case Studies 

Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.

*Nominee 

Boulder County Farmers Market

Boulder

CO

USA

Contributed by 
Project for Public Spaces
 on 
December 23, 2014
May 1, 2024

A deliciously groovy farmers' market in the heart of downtown Boulder, sandwiched between mountains, which draws around 60 vendors and 15,000-18,000 customers weekly.

What makes it Great?

Why it doesn't work?

Members of the Boulder Farmers Market nonprofit corporation have expertly developed its market infrastructure, taking note of the successes and failures of other similar markets. The site of the market in Central Park, located in the center of the city, was carefully chosen for its accessibility and idyllic surroundings. If not in the shopping mood, guests can grab a snack and relax on the banks of nearby Boulder Creek. Parking in city garages is free during market hours, making it even more convenient for locals and visitors to drop by on a whim.

Open seasonally on Saturdays from April through November, and Wednesday evenings May through October, the market has become not only an engine for the local economy, but a thriving gathering place. In addition to hosting a weekend-long Winter Market each December, BCFM organizes special children’s events, monthly art shows, and a roving “Farm-to-Neighborhood” community dinner program featuring local growers and chefs.

Access & Linkages

Comfort & Image

Uses & Activities

Sociability

How Light?

How Quick?

How Cheap?

History & Background

After a succession of small, informal farmers markets proved unsuccessful in Boulder’s downtown, a group of local farmers and students from the University of Colorado decided to organize a more formal open-air market in 1987. The Boulder County Farmers Market (BCFM), located in Boulder’s Central Park, is a growers-only market that supports local farmers, prepared and packaged food producers, along with local artists and artisans.

Related Links & Sources

Image credits: Josh Montague via Flickr, Zane Selvans via Flickr, Josh Montague via Flickr

Website: http://www.boulderfarmers.org/

Twitter: @BCFMarkets

Facebook: facebook.com/BoulderCountyFarmersMarkets

Instagram: @bcfm

Boulder County Farmers Market
Boulder County Farmers Market
Boulder County Farmers Market
Boulder County Farmers Market
Boulder County Farmers Market
Boulder County Farmers Market
Boulder County Farmers Market
Boulder County Farmers Market

*Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.

NOMINATE A PLACE

Corrections or additions? Email info@pps.org
Comments