May 2014 - Parks & Recreation - 28

Member to Member

Agriculture and Parks: It's a Natural Fit
By Mark Alan Young

he family farm, an iconic piece of the American landscape, is becoming
a fading memory. In recent decades, expansive urbanization and economic forces have led to small-farm selloff for residential and commercial development and the establishment of mega farms. Today's youth have little
knowledge of or experience with agriculture. Farmland has been diminishing
at an alarming rate, but there is an agricultural renaissance underway. Park and
recreation agencies and districts are partnering with the farming community
to preserve agricultural heritage, promote conservation and provide education
programming that reconnects urbanites with rural America. It's a natural fit.
Whether you are in an urban, suburban, county or special park district, the
connection with the agricultural community is relevant and important. The
interface between parks and recreation and agriculture occurs on various levels,
including community engagement and education, conservation of natural resources and the agritourism economy.
Community Engagement
And Education
Almost 10,000 farmers markets are
operating in the U.S. today. Farmers
markets are becoming a mainstay
operation for an increasing number
of park and recreation agencies. The
obvious benefit of supporting local
meat, vegetable, fruit and herb producers meets a growing demand for

fresh, healthy food choices. Farmers
markets now offer nutritious food
sources for those eligible for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Park and recreation
agencies that offer community garden
programs can also provide farmers
markets with their bounty. The new
Farm Bill gives park and recreation
agencies the opportunity to partner

Young participants in the City Beets Youth Program offered by Ohio's Five Rivers Metro
Parks learn about agriculture and nutrition in a hands-on community garden.

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with the local school district as part
of the Farm to School program.
Conservation Of Natural Resources
Farmers are conservationists. Conservation is a pillar of sustainable
agriculture in the U.S. Park and recreation agencies also have a conservation mission, and there are opportunities to partner with farm owners
to protect natural resources. Stream
corridors shared by a farm and public
park land can be protected through
a cooperative agreement. Park and
recreation agencies and districts use
lease agreements, conservation easements or fee-simple purchases to
protect adjacent farmland and natural resources, as well as preserve
agricultural heritage. The agricultural land can be actively farmed using
conservation practices such as stream
buffers, grassed waterways and conservation tillage.
Agritourism Economy
To reconnect with the agricultural
past, agritourism has become a popular and lucrative enterprise. Agritourism can be defined as any activity on
a farm that is operated for recreational, educational and cultural purposes.
Park and recreation agencies operate
demonstration farms, interpreting
farm life and engaging children and
families in the rich history of agriculture. Agritourism is also a good revenue generator for a park system.
Two park districts in southwestern
Ohio are at the forefront of the agriculture and parks movement.
Miami County Park District
(MCPD) and neighboring Five Rivers

May 2014 - Parks & Recreation

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