Germantown, Tenn., is a municipality accustomed to playgrounds and sports fields. The idea of a working farm as a public park felt overwhelming to constituents, but with intensive public involvement throughout the design process, Memphis, Tenn.-based archimania created a new recreational model that will ensure the community remains aware of where its food comes from, as well as the value of educating children.
The northern portion of Lanier Farm Park’s property has become the public/education zone while the southern part is the production zone. The layout provides flexible spaces that allow activities to overlap. The community garden, discovery garden, kitchen garden, chicken yard, orchard, horse barn and performance lawn are closely grouped and connected via paths that allow children to view and participate in multiple activities in a relatively small area.
Assorted lawn areas accommodate various-sized groups for outdoor classrooms, fall festivals and concerts. Two renovated barns are used for classes and to provide an income stream through rentals for weddings, reunions and parties.
Today Lanier Farm Park has developed partnerships with the local university, hospital and several non-profits, each contributing to seasonal and annual educational programs for children and adults. The bio-intensive growth methods produce a yield providing enough food for the community- supported agriculture association members, as well as generate a significant donation for local food banks.
PHOTOS: archimania