Our Story
A Community Farm in the Heart of the San Luis Valley
The Rio Grande Farm Park is a 38-acre community farm in Alamosa, Colorado. It serves as a public gathering space hosting family and commercial farmers, volunteer groups, and educational programs for the community of the San Luis Valley to enjoy.
Nurturing Community, Cultivating Change
At Rio Grande Farm Park, we believe in the power of sustainable agriculture, cultural preservation, and community engagement. Our story is rooted in a shared vision of creating a place in Alamosa where people can connect, learn, and grow through local food and love for the outdoors. RGFP farmers have the chance to work at high altitude on a diversified, regenerative farm rooted in ecological stewardship, local food systems, and community resilience.
History
What was once the location of Polston Elementary School is now the Rio Grande Farm Park.
When it was a school, the on-site Alamosa Community Gardens (started in 1995) taught students about growing, harvesting, preparing, and eating vegetables. Even after the school site was abandoned, members of the local Guatemalan and Mayan communities used the land to grow food for their families.
In 2008, upon learning that the school would soon be closed, SLV residents from all walks of life came together with a shared vision of preserving the land’s alluvial soil, sharing resources, and growing food. Many of these individuals were part of a non-profit organization called “LiveWell Alamosa”, which later became the San Luis Valley Local Foods Coalition.
In 2014, the LFC was able to purchase the land with generous help from the Trust for Public Land, the LOR Foundation, Great Outdoors Colorado, and a bridge loan from two Alamosa residents. Funding for program planning and operations came from donations of over 300 individuals. The site became the “Rio Grande Healthy Living Park”, which was eventually renamed the Rio Grande Farm Park.
A conservation easement protects the agricultural, recreational, and natural resources of the park and is held by Colorado Open Lands, a respected statewide land trust. In 2014, the Local Foods Coalition secured a grant from the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area and the Gates Family Foundation to support the master plan of the park, which can be found HERE.
Sustainable Agriculture and Regenerative Farming
At Rio Grande Farm Park, we embrace sustainable agriculture and regenerative farming practices. Our commitment to regenerative agriculture extends beyond the cultivation of high-quality crops. It is about replenishing the soil, conserving water, and promoting biodiversity.
Through innovative techniques and a deep reverence for the land, we strive to create a harmonious ecosystem where nature thrives and people thrive alongside it.
Cultural Heritage and Community
Nestled in the heart of San Luis Valley, a Hispanic cultural heritage area, Rio Grande Farm Park aims to honor the rich tapestry of cultural traditions that exist here. We celebrate the diverse origins that have shaped our community — including Native American, Spanish, Mexican, Guatemalan, Mayan, and Amish cultures.
As a gathering place for people of all backgrounds, we hope to embrace and preserve cultural foodways while fostering and strengthening community bonds.
Collaboration and Impact
Rio Grande Farm Park is a program of the San Luis Valley Local Foods Coalition. Together, we work towards our shared goals of creating an equitable local food system and revitalizing our community.
Through collaboration with the Coalition, our partners, and our incredible volunteers, we have achieved significant milestones, including the establishment of the Education Center, our adobe wall and horno, a passive solar greenhouse, cold storage, volunteer housing, an orchard, and the Mercadillo en el Rio farmer’s market. These projects serve as catalysts for change, empowering individuals to reconnect with the land and their food.