Atkins Field at Cooper Brook
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Atkins Field: Former Woodbury Granite Co. Shed |
The CAE is moving towards a sustainable agricultural educational and resource center in Hardwick and has identified the site of the former Woodbury Granite Company (locally known as Atkins Field) consisting of 15.2 acres and 3 granite era buildings as an ideal venue. |
Recent Updates:
May 2011
Hardwick Farmers' Market
Every Friday, 3pm to 6pm from May to October
SpringFest and Sustainable Living & Agriculture Fair
Saturday, May 28th, 1pm to 4pm
April 2011
Atkins Field Survey Graph
Atkins Field Results_pdf
History:
In 2007, the Center for an Agricultural Economy (CAE) purchased Atkins Field at Cooper Brook, located in the village of Hardwick, Vermont. At the turn of the century, the site was once home to the flourishing, world-renowned Woodbury Granite Company and to this day, you can still find remnants of hewn granite scattered around the property.
Our Vision:
Our vision for Atkins Field at Cooper Brook, is to build an agricultural center that encourages and inspires community members to engage in the local food system as well as to increase agricultural capacity in the immediate area, with the result being a strengthening of our community, local economy and food security.To that end, we held a community visioning forum in the spring of 2009 so that we could engage and gather ideas from those stakeholders most likely to benefit from the property's development. Possible uses included: community gardens; indoor year-round farmers' market; nature trails; community space for workshops, food preservation and cooking classes; outdoor art displays; skate park; music amphitheater; outdoor classrooms.
Since that initial outreach, we've continued to take stock of community input, most recently with a survey, so that as we pursue resources for development, we are thoughtful and far sighted in our vision.
Our Goals:
2010-2011
- Assess integrity and rehabilitation needs of existing structures; evaluate cost of maintaining and renovating
- Determine and clean up the agricultural zones, including logging, stumping and leveling
- Clean up, repair and maintain the property and its buildings, particularly the Granite Shed.
- Develop framework for community input and identify community partnerships to develop the site
- Create conceptual development budget and funding strategy for capital improvements and development
- Continue to gather community and stakeholder input
- Establish community partnerships
- Continue to raise funds
- Embark on first phase of construction which includes finalizing conceptual design, construction plans and more
