What's happening: Increased food and community focused programming will come from a $300,000 grant awarded to the city of Ishpeming. The municipality received the grant from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity Community Center program. The city will pair with local Partridge Creek Farm in the downtown and historic district to create a space that could be used for exhibitor fairs, farmers markets, equipment demonstrations and more. It will also include a skate park.
Furthering urban farming: This project continues an ongoing aspect of the Partridge Creek Intergenerational Farm in downtown Ishpeming. The location includes 3.5 acres of space specifically used to create farm-to-school efforts, large community garden space and additional areas that can be used for hands-on experimental learning. The project has already seen immediate success in supplying some crops to local food assistance programs and local school cafeterias.
What they're saying: “This grant helps us further realize our goal of providing superior support and programming to our residents, their families and our workforce, enabling them to thrive and continue to grow together as a community,” said Ishpeming City Manager Craig Cugini. “We are grateful to the Michigan Community Center Grants program for prioritizing the needs of our city through this $300,000 grant, allowing us to promote needed programming that increases food security and opportunities for recreation in partnership with Partridge Creek Farms.”
What's next: Projects will begin this summer to help with the construction and growing season, with various programming projects starting as the installation is completed. For more information about what options are available, visit
Partridge Creek Farm.
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