Portland Farmers' Market

We are considering making some changes at the Deering Oaks market to accomodate the addition of new vendors in an effort to expand the Portland Farmers' Market in the future. We would love to hear feedback from you so that we can include our customers' opinions in our decision making process.

Here's the issue:

Do you think we should move some of the customer parking (about 30 spaces) to the parking lot behind the Middle School on Deering Ave? Those 30 spaces could be filled with new vendors, adding to your market experience and increasing what is available to buy at the market.

The big issue here is, are you willing to possibly walk a little further to access the market so that our market can grow?

There would be clear signage directing you to this new "overflow" parking if you cannot find a space right in the park.

Thank you so much, in advance, for you feedback! We are working hard on improving our market & are excited for changes & additions to our wonderful Portland Farmers' Market.

I live within walking distance, so I'm not the one to ask about the parking issues, but I love the idea of expanding the market.  When I visited the farmer's market in Portsmouth, I was impressed with all the variety of vendors.  I love our market and I would love it to be bigger and have more diversity of vendors.

I think expansion is good and that you're right to keep the vendors together. Is there a marked crosswalk at that location? That might be an issue, since it's a broad, fairly busy street. Also, some handicapped parking should be preserved close to the market.  I usually park on Park Ave and walk across the park anyway so I'd have no problem with the parking at the school. One problem I can see with that is that if the lot is full you'd have no way to know it before entry which could lead to jams and frustration...that and the crossing question might point to the need for an attendant/crossing guard to make the idea work.    best, Stephen

I walk to the market...   So my view point on the parking isn't very strong. However, more diversity would be wonderful. I'd love to see the market expand!     Is there any way to allow other food items? Baked goods using local produce/grain? Breakfast burritos using local produce/eggs/dairy? CoffeeByDesign would be a nice way to start the morning

    I'm so grateful for the dairy and tempeh vendors. I'd like to see more free range eggs at a more competitive (lower) price.

Looking forward to SUMMER!

I think anything that needs to be done to expand the market is worth doing.  But I do agree with the concerns expressed by Stephen, especially about crossing Deering.  Personally, my wife and I walk to the market as often as possible.  As to Chelsea's comments -- I believe that baked goods and prepared foods are prohibited by City ordinance, so that would have to be changed.

Jaime Berhanu at 11:57AM on Mar 23, 2010

We are considering making some changes at the Deering Oaks market to accomodate the addition of new vendors in an effort to expand the Portland Farmers' Market in the future. We would love to hear feedback from you so that we can include our customers' opinions in our decision making process.

Here's the issue:

Do you think we should move some of the customer parking (about 30 spaces) to the parking lot behind the Middle School on Deering Ave? Those 30 spaces could be filled with new vendors, adding to your market experience and increasing what is available to buy at the market.

The big issue here is, are you willing to possibly walk a little further to access the market so that our market can grow?

There would be clear signage directing you to this new "overflow" parking if you cannot find a space right in the park.

Thank you so much, in advance, for you feedback! We are working hard on improving our market & are excited for changes & additions to our wonderful Portland Farmers' Market.

The more the better.  This market is great and I would love to see a broader range of offerings.  The winter farmer's market is nice in that there are more vendors offering local meat.  Please expand.