Farmers Market

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The Midland PlacePlans project brought national experts to the city to engage city staff, farmers market vendors, and other community leaders in a discussion of strategic opportunities for the popular market. In recent years, the market has seen an explosion of both vendors and customers—enough that the existing facility can’t keep up with demand—and the consultants confirmed that Midland can support a larger and more robust market. Designers prepared concept drawings as examples of what an expanded market could look like to support further discussions of these opportunities.

Key recommendations

The report recommends a community conversation about the role of the farmers market, both as a functional market and as a community gathering space and catalyst for economic development in downtown. Because expansion of the current farmers market along the Tittabawasee River is limited by flooding and soil conditions, the report recommends also considering a new market site in Putnum Park, which could offer more space for vendors and customers and also provide a link from downtown to the stadium and new East End development. Additionally, the report offers recommendations for building on Midland’s existing environmental, cultural, and entrepreneurship assets to support the strengthening of the entire downtown.

Contacts

Brad Kaye, Director of Planning and Community Development, City of Midland, 989-837-3379

Media Coverage