Shelby County Food Park District

We propose the creation of a new park district on a county level called The Shelby County Food Park District. The County Farm,instead of being sold, could be donated to the park district.

The County Farm is a 236 acre farm located northwest of Shelbyville. This Food Park can become many different things, but all under the umbrella of growing local, nutritional food. The overall intention is to get 50% of the food consumed in this county grown in this county, with resources from this county. The Food Park will be intended to grow 50% for the schools, and inspire others to build more farms and local infrastructure to eventually get the entire county to 50%.

The Food Park will have full time employees keeping all the day to day operations going as well as participation from kids from local schools. A schedule could be made with each school in the county to have classes of all ages visit the farm periodically allowing them to see the progression of the crops throughout the year.

Eventually the Food Park will have infrastructure including dorm type housing and communal spaces allowing for many opportunities to stay and work in Shelby County. Workers and volunteers of all kinds could come and stay on the farm for a day or week or months if they so choose.

All of this could be a reality if we choose.

Rebecca DickensMay 1, 2024