Mayor John Tecklenburg announced Monday that Ackerman Park off Sycamore Avenue will soon be home to the city’s newest farmer’s market.
Surrounded by supporters and staffers. Tecklenburg told the assembled that the naming of this site is the next step in the city’s efforts to revitalize West Ashley.
Ackerman Park is already a well-utilized public gathering space, with a doggie park, skate-park, and two full-sized soccer fields adjacent. It also has extensive parking and abuts a pond and is located caddie-corner from a post office. One block away is the community garden at the corner of Sycamore and Magnolia Avenue.
There is hope that the farmers market will act as a catalyst for improvements in the largely empty shopping center it sits behind, which includes an empty Ryan’s and grocery store.
Tecklenburg said that the farmer’s market would be held Wednesday evenings from 3:30-7:30 p.m. from Sept. 14 until Oct. 26 this year.
The city had put in extensive research and took in public input on selecting Ackerman as the site, including an online survey earlier this year gauging interest, by the city’s Department of Planning, Preservation and Sustainability.
Input was collected via public surveys and focus groups; results identified community preferences regarding market location, schedule, character, amenities, accessibility and vendor mix.
The city’s Office of Cultural Affairs will oversee the park, in cooperation with the Parks Department. Cultural Affairs already runs other very successful farmers markets, including the one on Marion Square.
According to City Hall, the West Ashley Farmers Market will be dedicated to the support and advocacy of local farmers and growers and will “feature fresh seasonal produce, as well as sweet and savory foods from area vendors who source ingredients from nearby farms.”
The city will also host a program of live entertainment and family-friendly activities to enhance the farmers market experience.
Applications are now being accepted from qualified local farmers, growers and food vendors. To apply, contact the City of Charleston’s Office of Cultural Affairs at (843) 724-7305 or visit www.charlestonfarmersmarket.com/westashley/. Applications must be submitted by Aug. 8, 2016.