On Solid Ground
In the fall of 2024, we were thrilled to secure a former football field on Ball Avenue—one of the last greenspaces in the Creston neighborhood. With community support, we’re turning this space into a hub for expanding our farm and programming. Our capital campaign, On Solid Ground, invites you to dream big with us. What if this space became an urban agriculture training center? We’re making it happen, and we need your help! Join us in making Phase 2 of our campaign a reality!
Imagine With Us
…imagine a revolution in our communities where young adults are equipped to change the world through the art of farming, and I believe this beautiful agricultural movement will begin right in the heart of our neighborhood.
– Ricardo Tavárez, Executive Director
See The Vision
Aerial views of the new site are included in this promo video!
Phase 2 Milestones
We’re excited to share that we’ve already secured $150,000 in grant funding, plus $60,000 from our Spring campaign—bringing us closer than ever to our goal of $300,000 for Phase 2 of the Solid Ground project. Together, we’re turning this greenspace into a vibrant, farm-ready environment that will benefit our entire community. We need your support to reach the finish line! Your donation today will help fund the remaining essentials needed to make this vision a reality.
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A Well
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Electrical Service
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Fencing
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Irrigation Systerm
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Farm Equipment
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High Tunnels
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Native Plant Border
Growing Farmers and Leaders:
A Vision for the Future
Operations Director, Lance Kraai, shares reflections on our vision.
Phase 1
Land Acquisition (2024)
We purchased a 5-acre former football field only a mile away from our Farmhouse location for $400,000. With overwhelming support from the community we have already secured $100,000 for our down payment. Gifts received beyond the $100,000 goal were directed to the principal of our loan.
Phase 2
Farm Development (2025)
The goal of phase two is to build the infrastructure needed to start farming the site in 2026. Needs include a native plant border, fencing, farm equipment, electrical service, a well, high tunnels, and an irrigation system.
Phase 3
Education & Production (2026)
Our dream is to build an environmentally sustainable farm education center with a greenhouse, washing/pack area, solar panels, and cold storage to bring our programming to the next level.
We Are Raising Leaders
We start by offering youth employment we move toward finding connections between the land we share and food access for everyone.
Four Steps To Success
New City Farm: Twelve Years of Impact
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$481,470
Youth Wages
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228
Youth Employees
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640,000 lbs.
Fresh Produce
My experience with New City Neighbors, from being a youth employee to one of the apprentices, has been incredibly impactful. Working here has taught me not only about sustainable farming and teamwork but also the value of community involvement/building and giving back. As an apprentice, I’ve had the chance to take on greater responsibilities from my mentors, and see the positive impact I could truly make. This journey has been a powerful foundation for not just my professional growth, but personal as well.
I’ve received a lot, but have been able to give back as well. I appreciated how the farm apprentice program isn’t just one way. I’ve never been in a job where people care.
Working at New City Neighbors has introduced me to a community of people like me, passionate about food access and youth development. Through the farm apprenticeship I have learned many aspects of growing food. I have also come to treasure what it means to be a part of a community that takes care of each other. The hands on experience I’ve gained through the apprenticeship will benefit my future in farming and gives me a greater appreciation for the earth and the hands that grow the food we eat.