Organizers are considering future changes to the Green Valley farmers market after safety concerns brought an early end to the market’s first season.
Portia Clark, founder of the Community Association of Resources, Education, Enrichment & Economics (CARE), said that her nonprofit is considering alterations to the location, day of the week and time of the farmers market, which operated on Friday afternoons this year at John M. Robinson Jr. Town Square.
Organizers are “reviewing the 2025 season to consider some changes for the 2026 season,” Clark told County Board members at an Oct. 21 public hearing. Any changes would require alterations to the market’s use permit and the agreement between CARE and county leaders related to use of space and parking.
According to one of those involved, the market ended early after a period of escalating tensions between those who congregate at the square and those who shopped and sold at the market.
“When the market launched, it brought a welcome and positive presence,” said Sara Kirwin, president of the Green Valley Civic Association. “But as the season progressed, we began to hear more concerns.”
The farmers market had sought to combat food insecurity and answer some community concerns about public safety and drug use in and around the park at 2400 S. Shirlington Road.
“The Green Valley Civic Association is constantly questioned about negative behaviors in this area,” the original statement of justification said. “We believe that the negative behaviors are not prevalent when activities are programmed on the stage or in the area of the [town square].”
Kirwin praised organizations for an effort that “really brought energy and connection” to the town square, and added that the community’s challenges extend well beyond issues at the once-a-week gathering.
“Concerns are not new to Green Valley, and they’re not the sole responsibility of the market,” she said.
County staff said there had been no zoning, health or code issues identified during inspections of the market. But County Board member JD Spain, Sr., said public-safety concerns cannot be dismissed.
“It’s not about stopping the market. It’s about, what are we going to do over the next 12 months to ensure people’s safety?” Spain said. “Not to do anything, I would say, is a dereliction of duty.”
Board members on Oct. 21 approved a renewal of the market’s use permit, with administrative reviews in 2026 and 2028 and a Board review in 2030.
Among those hoping for a strong 2026 is Frederick Craddock, who lives in the community and volunteers for the market.
He acknowledged there were issues, but said that on balance the effort proved a resounding success.
“People had an opportunity to come together. Vendors who were new to the area, vendors that were established, had an opportunity to show up, offer their goods. It was really working,” Craddock said.
County officials said they will need a month or more to evaluate any proposed changes to the market’s operating plan for 2026. Clark said the goal is to open on time next April.
