The farm would be operated by McKinney Roots, a nonprofit organization currently based north of US 380, with the goal of expanding its educational and community engagement opportunities. The nonprofit is seeking a long-term lease agreement to open and operate the farm on a patch of land purchased by the city in 2016.
In a nutshell
During a March 25 City Council work session, Parks and Recreation Director Amy Kinkade delivered an update on the potential project with a timeline for moving forward.
Council members are expected to consider and vote on a resolution in support of the potential project at the scheduled March 31 meeting. City staff expect to bring a formal agreement for consideration near the end of the summer, Kinkade said.
McKinney Roots is a food donation farm that distributes fresh produce to local nonprofits and churches within Collin County, according to its website. The farm currently grows over 21 varieties of produce on two acres of farmland and raises 340 laying hens.
The farm was founded in 2017 and has since donated 6,300 eggs and 61,000 pounds of produce.
The background
The idea for a community farm was brought to council during a work session in October 2024. City staff also made presentations to the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Advisory Board in November and February.
At the February meeting, the board voted 5-1 in favor of moving forward with the project, Kinkade said.
The specifics
The farm would be located on a 62-acre patch of land acquired by the city in 2016 for $3.5 million, according to an October staff presentation.
Plans for the site include splitting the existing barn on the property into two purposes. Part of it would still be used to store equipment. The other part would be developed into a center for educational purposes, Kinkade said.
Concepts for the interior include a catering kitchen and food processing room, according to a staff presentation. It also includes a deck built at the back of the building for visitors to enjoy the view of Gray Branch, Kinkade said.
Development could also add a greenhouse, a half-acre community garden and a range of amenities such as benches throughout the property and a picnic area.
What’s next?
Some points are still being discussed ahead of an official agreement for the development, Kinkade said, such as:
- Land still needs to be acquired to connect walking trails across US 380
- Consideration of the best flow of traffic to lessen impact on the neighborhood
- Design plans that maintain as many wildflowers as possible
- Determine lighting needs for the parking lot
- Create a plan to keep chickens away from the guests at Gray Branch
- Ensure the barn and community center are compliant with city code
McKinney Roots Director Rick Wells said the project would include a new greenhouse next to the barn. Expanding into Gray Branch can help McKinney Roots expand its educational opportunities in many different ways, he said.
“Our biggest step in this direction to Gray Branch is to continue to expand our education,” he said.
