Food Coalition for Archuleta County Colorado
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VISTA LAKE PARK (VLP) PROJECT

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Project Overview:
The Vista Lake Park project, which includes a future community garden and park for the Vista neighborhood, was initiated in May of 2021.  Since then community members and partners have formed a group that meets regularly and have already identified the land for the park, secured funding for infrastructure and programming, and have completed multiple rounds of community engagement to inform a meaningful design and activation of this future community asset.  The project is led by a community learning and leadership circle (CLLC) which is made up of Vista residents and surrounding neighbors from throughout the community.  Together the CLLC visions a Vista Lake Park that is community led, generating solutions and building community while honoring culture, heritage, history and place to increase access to fresh foods and health/wellness using equity centered practices through learning, sharing and education. This project is open to community members interested in supporting this vision through whatever means they can contribute. Come learn and grow with us. For more information please contact us at fsfearchuleta@gmail.com or call 401-371-3227.

Project Values/Benefits:
1) Neighborhood festivals & redesign days; 2) Amenities and connectivity; 3) Healthy programming; 4) Neighborhood leadership; 5) Fresh local fruits and vegetables; and others

Site of A Community Garden & Park in Vista

The site for the garden and park includes ½ acre of land off the Vista Lake that with water cess to irrigate the garden.  When we started we did not know what the garden and park would look like, but as the community got involved and shared their stories and ideas it has shaped the design and programming so that it is meaningful for the participants, their families, and friends.
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What was the funding for?
The funding was intended to support a community led process by neighborhood residents.  This includes understanding Vista's vision for local food and wellness in the neighborhood.  Money has gone toward infrastructure like fencing material, water pump, shed, benches, etc. and supporting programming like garden classes and hands on sessions.
Vista Community Learning & Leadership Circle (CLLC)
Vista residents and neighbors are invited to participate in a community learning and leadership circle that will inspire and oversee the Vista Lake Park project now and into the future.  You'll have access to local experts as well as opportunities to share your own knowledge and talents.
Future Activities
The Food Coalition is meeting on a regular basis to inspire and share resources.  Visit our Facebook for the most recent activities.

Timeline for the Project

Timeline for Project
May 2021: PLPOA & Food Coalition meet and identify land for garden and park.
June 2021: Applied for funding from Colorado Health Foundation.
Summer 2021:  Outreach at PLPOA BBQ and Vista Veggie Garden Tour
September 2021: Received funding for infrastructure and programming.
November 2021- Spring 2022: Outreach, community gatherings, & community engagement in design and development of the garden.
Goal Summer 2022: Phase 1 community garden and park in the Vista neighborhood.
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Outreach & Community Gathering Efforts

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Vista Lake Park: Community Garden & Park is a community-led project that relies on the insight and expertise of residents. The effort involves a partnership between Vista residents + neighbors, the FSFE - Food Coalition and PLPOA.

VLP Community Learning & Leadership Circle (CLLC)

A nine member group of individuals have formed the CLLC for the Vista Lake Park Project.  The group met weekly and now bi-weekly at the PLPOA clubhouse. They are primarily focusing their efforts on two areas, 1) Infrastructure & Design, and 2) Outreach, Programming, and Education.
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The two images below are renditions of design vision by two members of the CLLC.  If you are interested in joining the work of the Vista Lake Park Project, please contact fsfearchuleta@gmail.com.
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​Acknowledgments

Contact Us
​Donate
  • Home
  • Donate
  • Food Pantry Network
  • Events & Happenings
    • Garden Education
    • Food Drive
    • Chef on Wheels - Food Demos
    • Community Celebration
    • Vista Lake Park
    • Community Conversations
    • NS|HE Assessment
    • Participatory Voting
    • Archuleta Food Summit
  • All About Us
  • Contact
  • En Espanol
  • Primary Health Care Access
  • Food Equity - Community Sharing