An Agricultural Park or Ag Park is a combination of a working farm and a municipal park that is located at the urban edge. Ag Parks can serve as transition or buffer zones between urban and agricultural uses. They are designed for multiple uses that accommodate small farms, public areas and natural habitat. They allow small farm operations access to secure land and local markets. They provide fresh food, and an educational, environmental and aesthetic amenity for nearby communities.
Ag Parks can be located on either public or private land, vary in acreage, host single or multiple tenants, and have a variety of both agricultural and park components.
One example of this is the Sunol Water Temple Ag Park in the bay area. This model Ag Park is located on 18 acres of land leased by the non-profit group, Sustainable Agriculture Education (SAGE), for nine years from the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission. Six farmer tenants work rented plots in the park and sell their produce at farmers' markets, produce stands, to restaurants and through CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). Tenants share infrastructure, get training in organic agriculture practices and pay rent and water costs.
For more information about the Sunol Ag Park, visit: www.sagecenter.org.