Fort Collins Farm Celebrates 40 Years of Agricultural Education
The Farm at Lee Martinez Park will mark four decades of connecting families to Fort Collins' agricultural heritage with a free anniversary celebration on Sept. 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The milestone event at 600 N. Sherwood St. will feature live music, food trucks, barnyard games, line dancing and visits with farm animals. Since opening to the public in 1985, The Farm has served as both an educational center and recreational destination for thousands of annual visitors.
The celebration highlights The Farm's role in preserving the community's agricultural roots. The land that hosts The Farm was part of Fort Collins' original Agricultural Colony concept, established in the early 1870s, according to city historic preservation documents. Various farming families, including the Nelsons, Hulls, Andersons, and the Blood family, used the site for cattle and dairy operations well into the 20th century.
The City of Fort Collins purchased the property in the 1970s and named the surrounding park after Lee Martinez, recognizing his extensive community service until his death in 1970.
"For four decades, The Farm has been a place where families and community members come together to experience a hands-on connection with our agricultural heritage," said LeAnn Williams, City of Fort Collins Recreation Director. "We are excited to celebrate this milestone and honor the role The Farm has played in cultivating both memories and community spirit."
Today, The Farm houses typical agricultural animals including cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, chickens, ducks, rabbits, and occasionally horses and donkeys. The facility offers year-round educational programs such as field trips, summer camps, preschool classes, and seasonal events designed to teach children and families about farming and animal care.
The Farm stands out among Colorado's municipally operated agricultural education facilities. City documents indicate it's one of the state's largest city-run farm education centers, distinguished by its extensive land area, diverse animal species, and comprehensive year-round programming.
Recent improvements have modernized the facility's infrastructure. The Lee Martinez Farm Renovation & Expansion project was approved as part of the city's capital investment plan, according to City Council meeting records. The project includes expansion of educational spaces and facility upgrades funded through city budgets and the 0.5% sales tax approved in 2023 for parks, recreation, transit and climate initiatives.
Free parking for the anniversary celebration is available at The Farm and in the Lee Martinez Park parking lot to the east.
For more information, visit The Farm's website.