Are you wondering what we're up to?

Wondering what is going on with ArtFarm? Staff are hard at work behind the scenes on two primary things: completing the design drawings and funding.

Staff have been looking closely at a 90% complete design package. They are checking out every tiny detail from the lights to signage to trash cans. We have to be sure that the design is functional, buildable, and meets the community's needs. Part of this work includes talking with other City departments like the Department of Public Works and Arts & Culture. It also involves assessing the cost of the design to make sure it meets our budget.

We still estimate construction will begin in 2027, but a few things need to happen before then:

1) We need to secure funding!

We can't build a park without funds. Staff are actively applying for State, Federal, and local grants to make this community dream a reality.

2) We have to go "out to bid."

For park construction projects, we hire contractors who know how to build parks. When we put a project "out to bid," we give contractors a chance to say they would like the job and how much it would cost. This is a competitive process and we choose the lowest qualified bidder. We expect to hire a landscaping contractor in the winter of 2026-27.

3) We have to wait for the Poplar Street Pump Station work.

The 10 Poplar site is under active construction. So we can't start building the park until the area around the pump station is not being worked on. Otherwise, anything we build would be damaged before it was opened. Staff estimate that park construction will begin in mid-2027.