Downtown Lawrence Farmers’ Market

P. O. Box 335

Lawrence, KS 66044

August 17, 2005

Lawrence City Commissioners

City Hall

Lawrence, KS 66044

Dear Commissioners:

The Downtown Lawrence Farmers’ Market would like to thank you for forming the Farmers’ Market Task Force that over the last year has studied the options of  “growing our market”.   The task force explored many possible solutions to the need for the market to have a space where both the vendor and patron base could increase.  The formation of the task force also gave the vendors a reason to reflect on their goals for the market and its’ place in the community.  From all perspectives the task force proved a positive instrument for growth.

As the task force focused and refined its’ objectives one option was unanimously decided upon.  It is this decision we respectfully ask you to consider for action.

The Downtown Lawrence Farmers’ Market would like to move the Saturday market for the start of the 2006 season to the two hour free lot in the 800 block of New Hampshire.   This lot affords a 34% increase in vendor spaces.  It offers a significant increase (18 – 95%) in parking for customers.  The location has greater drive-by visibility and is located in a growing area of downtown.  All of these attributes will aid in assuring the growth of the market for the future.  

We look forward to addressing any questions you may have at the meeting on Tuesday, August 23^rd. 

With sincere thanks,

Barbara A. Clark, vendor & task force member

Maggie’s Farm