Metro Philadelphia<\/p>\n
Philadelphia Parks & Recreation marked Earth Day with the opening of a new Agriculture Resource Center<\/a> aimed at expanding access to tools, training and support for urban agriculture across the city.<\/p>\n The center, known as ARC, debuted April 22 at the Fairmount Park Horticulture Center as part of the department\u2019s Farm Philly program<\/a>. Officials say it\u2019s the first city-run resource in Philadelphia<\/a> dedicated to helping residents care for land and grow food in their communities.<\/p>\n The opening marks a milestone in the city\u2019s urban agriculture strategy, Growing from the Root<\/a> (2023), serving as the plan\u2019s first capital project. The center will provide residents with free access to tools, materials and training for gardening, farming, orchard care and tree stewardship projects on public land.<\/p>\n \u201cPhiladelphia\u2019s parks and public spaces are essential infrastructure for community health, environmental resilience, and civic life,\u201d Parks & Recreation Commissioner Susan Slawson said in a statement. \u201cThe Agriculture Resource Center advances our commitment to equitably invest in these shared spaces.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n The facility includes a tool lending library with equipment ranging from hand tools to specialized machinery, an outdoor classroom for workshops and cultural programming, and access to city-produced compost, mulch, and wood chips.\u00a0<\/p>\n ARC membership is free for Philadelphia residents 18 and older working on public land projects such as community gardens, farms, orchards and park stewardship groups. Participants must complete an application and orientation through Farm Philly to access resources.<\/p>\n \u201cThe ARC stands as a testament to the principles of sharing and solidarity economies,\u201d said\u00a0Ash Richards, director of urban agriculture for Farm Philly. \u201cIt is a catalyst for resilient, community-driven action.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Farm Philly also released a public survey<\/a> to gather feedback from growers and land stewards to help shape future programming.<\/p>\n To learn more, visit farmphilly.org<\/a><\/p>\n