Parks and Recreation Commissioner Representation at the Farmers Market for National Parks and Recreation Month

The City of Ramsey Parks and Recreation Department is launching a new farmers market set to open on June 23, 2026 for a 16-week season. The market is being developed with a “producer-first” focus to prioritize access to fresh and healthy foods and support local growers.

While fresh food access remains the primary purpose of the market, the City also recognizes that successful farmers markets often serve a broader community role. Markets often create informal gathering spaces, support small businesses, connect residents with local resources, and strengthen community connection and identity. For this reason, the Ramsey Farmers Market will include weekly themes, partner activities, limited food truck participation, and opportunities for Ramsey-based businesses to be featured in a way that supports the overall market experience without shifting the focus away from local food producers.

Each market date will include a weekly theme designed to connect residents with programs, services, and community partners. These themes include topics such as water education, local arts, health and wellness, public safety, civic engagement, and more. For example, Water Week will provide an opportunity for City staff and regional partners to share information about water resources, the new water treatment plant, and mosquito control. Art Night will take place the Tuesday prior to the Two Rivers Art Fair and feature partners such as Rumriver Art Center and Northern Starz. Kids’ Night will be paired with Party in the Park and include larger family activities such as inflatable water slides, free mini golf, and partner-led activities. Community Night is scheduled in conjunction with Nite2Unite and will feature our Police and Fire Departments as well as neighborhood events going on that evening. The market will also include limited incentive opportunities through the Power of Produce program. On select theme nights, children, seniors, and veterans will be eligible to receive a $2 market token to spend with eligible market vendors.

Other groups who provide community resources such as the Anoka County Public Health and Environmental Services will also be present to provide rotating outreach, including free child and teen checkups, mental health resources, opioid prevention education, and emergency response information. These partnerships help position the market not only as a place to purchase food, but also as a reliable weekly touchpoint for community health, education, and connection.

As July is Parks and Recreation Month, the first July market date, July 7, is themed around parks and recreation and the National Recreation and Park Association’s 2026 theme, “The Power Of” parks and recreation. This theme highlights the many ways parks and recreation brings people together, strengthens health and well-being, and helps build more resilient, connected communities. Throughout the month, NRPA recognizes the power of connection, play, community, nature, belonging, and well-being, all of which reflect the broader value of public parks, recreation programs, and community spaces.

For the Ramsey Farmers Market, this theme creates an opportunity to highlight parks and recreation opportunities, share information with residents who may not be familiar with available programs or park amenities, and recognize the groups that help support this work, including the Parks and Recreation Commission. It also offers a natural setting to connect with the community, have informal conversations about parks and recreation in Ramsey, and better understand the interests and ideas residents may have for future opportunities.

No additional funding is requested. The market will be staffed in conjunction with the Ramsey Community Foundation and funded by a sponsorship with Security Bank & Trust Co, vendor fees, and Anoka County SHIP grant award.

Staff recommend having Parks and Recreation Commission presence at the July 7 farmers market for Parks and Recreation Month to align with the National Recreation and Park Association's 2026 theme, "The Power Of" parks and recreation and how they can support connection, play, community, nature, belonging, and well-being. This could provide an opportunity for commissioners to connect directly with residents in an informal setting while celebrating the broader value of parks and recreation in the community.

Commission participation could be scaled based on interest and availability. As a minimal role, commissioners may attend in a meet-and-greet capacity to connect with residents, help share information about parks and recreation opportunities in Ramsey and highlighting projects such as The Waterfront. 

If there is interest from commission on a more active role, staff could provide supplies and set up a simple hands-on activity for commissioners to lead during the market. Activities could draw inspiration from the Power of Parks themes. Commissioners may also choose to work with staff and develop their own engagement or activity which promotes the Power of Parks. 

Staff are also open to additional ideas from the Commission. The intent is not necessarily any formal outreach process but rather to provide a welcoming opportunity for commissioners to be present in the community, celebrate Parks and Recreation Month, and have casual conversations with residents about the parks, programs, and natural spaces that contribute to the quality of life in Ramsey. 

The Parks and Recreation Commission is asked to discuss interest and availability for participating in the July 7 Ramsey Farmers Market as part of the Parks and Recreation Month theme. Based on commissioner interest, the Commission should provide direction on the preferred level of involvement, which may include informal meet-and-greet participation, assisting with a staff-supported activity, developing a commissioner-led activity, or another option identified through discussion.

Staff will use this direction to confirm participation, coordinate any needed logistics, and incorporate the Commission’s involvement into the July 7 market planning.