While I am too lazy to organize some sorta movement or proposal around this, I want Fresno to build my longstanding idea: Orchard Park!
Measure P has passed through all the things and is getting ready to find projects in Fresno to throw money at.
Why not my old-ass Orchard Park idea?
What The Hell Am I Talking About?
Orchards of different things we grow in the valley (I kind of like calling them forests, in this context) scattered throughout a large green space.
Orange Forest.
Almond Forest.
Grapevine Forest.
Jalapeno Bush Grove.
… you get the idea
We could even bring back fig trees and have a fig forest!
It should be smaller than Roeding Park but bigger than Oso Del Oro.
Paths, picnic areas and benches throughout these “forests” of fruit.
Throw some community gardens in there too, while you're at it!
All the food and trees grown are maintained by city park staff with help from Fresno State’s Ag students - Fresno Pacific, Fresno Unified, Central Unified and FCC too.
People are allowed to pick fruit and eat it if they like, but not so much that they could sell it themselves.
Where?
Very good question. I really don't know. Gotta be somewhere with a little bit of space and be in an accessible area of town. Ideally a spot near 99 or 41 where people driving through could check out with ease.
Since Measure P money feels like we couldn't use it to build a destination style farmers market (something Fresno TOTALLY should have), this is the next best thing.
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-The Fresnan