GFN CommunityFarm: 2025 Building Projects FAQ
What is being built and when?
We are building two structures on the farm this Spring: a 30’x30’ farm operations shed and a 28’x28’ pole barn. Both should be finished by the end of June, 2025.
Why are you building these structures?
The farm operations shed will provide a protected space for all of the tools and equipment we use to steward the Community Farm, including the tractor, water pumps, irrigation equipment, and hand tools, which are currently located either outside in the elements or in flood-prone storage. The shed will be located out of the way, on the west side of the garden, and will allow for safer and less disruptive use of farm equipment. Because it will have electricity, it will also allow for the use of battery-operated equipment and our hope is to phase out fossil fuel lawn mowers.
The pole barn will be a community gathering space for all. Its shade and shelter will enable education workshops, meetings and community meals, or just a quiet, cool spot to take a break from gardening to chat with a plot-neighbor. Once it is built, we will work on developing community norms for the use of this new space.
Will they have solar?
The farm operations shed was designed to hold enough solar for all of our needs on the farm and beyond, and we hope to add panels as a next phase of the project. The pole barn will not have solar.
Isn’t it a floodplain?
The farm operations shed location was deliberately chosen to minimize flood risk. The pole barn was designed to be resilient to flooding.
Will construction be disruptive to gardeners?
We don’t expect construction to be very disruptive. The outhouse will be accessible throughout and the space will have a fence around it. We should expect more use of parking spaces by workers and loud sounds during certain phases of construction. Many thanks to the gardeners whose plots were located closest to the construction and have voluntarily moved to other plots!
Can I get involved?
The construction of both structures will be done by contractors (Keiter Builders for the pole barn and Valley Home Improvement for the operations shed), but it is our job to design, implement, and care for the landscaping around them. The landscaping will be a great opportunity for education and to showcase resilient and pollinator-friendly plantings to visitors. If you would like to be involved in a team to envision what this will look like, please contact Pat or stay tuned for future communications!
