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6. 1.
<br />Park and Recreation Commission
<br />Meeting Date: 05/14/2026
<br />Primary Strategic Plan Initiative: Connect the community through Parks, Trails and Recreational Programming
<br />Information
<br />Title:
<br />Parks and Recreation Commissioner Representation at the Farmers Market for National Parks and Recreation
<br />Month
<br />Purpose/Background:
<br />The City of Ramsey Parks and Recreation Department is launching a new farmers market set to open on June 23,
<br />2026 for a 16-week season. The market is being developed with a "producer -first" focus to prioritize access to
<br />fresh and healthy foods and support local growers.
<br />While fresh food access remains the primary purpose of the market, the City also recognizes that successful
<br />farmers markets often serve a broader community role. Markets often create informal gathering spaces, support
<br />small businesses, connect residents with local resources, and strengthen community connection and identity. For
<br />this reason, the Ramsey Farmers Market will include weekly themes, partner activities, limited food truck
<br />participation, and opportunities for Ramsey -based businesses to be featured in a way that supports the overall
<br />market experience without shifting the focus away from local food producers.
<br />Each market date will include a weekly theme designed to connect residents with programs, services, and
<br />community partners. These themes include topics such as water education, local arts, health and wellness, public
<br />safety, civic engagement, and more. For example, Water Week will provide an opportunity for City staff and
<br />regional partners to share information about water resources, the new water treatment plant, and mosquito control.
<br />Art Night will take place the Tuesday prior to the Two Rivers Art Fair and feature partners such as Rumriver Art
<br />Center and Northern Starz. Kids' Night will be paired with Party in the Park and include larger family activities
<br />such as inflatable water slides, free mini golf, and partner -led activities. Community Night is scheduled in
<br />conjunction with Nite2Unite and will feature our Police and Fire Departments as well as neighborhood events
<br />going on that evening. The market will also include limited incentive opportunities through the Power of Produce
<br />program. On select theme nights, children, seniors, and veterans will be eligible to receive a $2 market token to
<br />spend with eligible market vendors.
<br />Other groups who provide community resources such as the Anoka County Public Health and Environmental
<br />Services will also be present to provide rotating outreach, including free child and teen checkups, mental health
<br />resources, opioid prevention education, and emergency response information. These partnerships help position the
<br />market not only as a place to purchase food, but also as a reliable weekly touchpoint for community health,
<br />education, and connection.
<br />As July is Parks and Recreation Month, the first July market date, July 7, is themed around parks and recreation
<br />and the National Recreation and Park Association's 2026 theme, "The Power Of' parks and recreation. This
<br />theme highlights the many ways parks and recreation brings people together, strengthens health and well-being,
<br />and helps build more resilient, connected communities. Throughout the month, NRPA recognizes the power of
<br />connection, play, community, nature, belonging, and well-being, all of which reflect the broader value of public
<br />parks, recreation programs, and community spaces.
<br />For the Ramsey Farmers Market, this theme creates an opportunity to highlight parks and recreation
<br />opportunities, share information with residents who may not be familiar with available programs or park
<br />amenities, and recognize the groups that help support this work, including the Parks and Recreation Commission.
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