Redeveloping Food In Parks: A Policy Strategy for Community Empowerment

INTRODUCTION:Concession stands are notoriously a place where families by their “peanuts and crackerjacks” or a hot dog at the game, however the management, upkeep and operational structure are rarely top of mind for shoppers. For community members though, how the operator is selected, how contracts are developed, where revenues flow and how maintenance costs are paid for can be critical concerns.

METHODS: Recently partners the Food Trust, Fairmount Park Conservancy, Philadelphia Parks and Recreation and a local stewardship group, Hunting Park United, undertook a one year planning process to redevelop the concession stand at Hunting Park, an 86-acre park located in a low income neighborhood in North Philadelphia. The work began with a series of meetings to understand park redevelopment goals, neighborhood values and needs, and best practices for healthy food sales.

RESULTS; Ultimately these were aligned and a concession development plan was developed, in part documented in a report released last year by the partners entitled “Creating Healthy Concessions: A resource guide.” Today, the park system, community and conservancy have agreed upon a framework which will allow the local park to receive some of the profits of the concession stand, and the park system authority to maintain structures and contract vendors, with a preference for local operators.

DISCUSSION: The session will describe the process, key issues and concerns presented by all stakeholders and will review the business plan and operations framework which resulted.