Board approves expansion of McKinney Roots Farm to Gray Branch Park

The McKinney Community Development Corporation on Aug. 27 approved a project grant for Harbor Sea Project Foundation to relocate and expand McKinney Roots Farm at Gray Branch Park. Presenter Rick Wells told the board the relocation will double the farm’s current production and expand its education programming.

“We produced 8,000 dozen eggs, 15,000 heads of lettuce, 15 tons of seasonal crops,” Wells said, describing last year’s output and saying the Gray Branch site will increase capacity and educational visits for students. He said the farm currently feeds about 350 families weekly and expects field-trip programming to start Sept. 3 at the new site.

The board closed the public hearing and acted on the item by motion and vote. Supporters emphasized the project’s combined food security and youth-education goals; one board member described it as potentially the most impactful parks investment the MCDC has made in recent years. The presentation included a timeline and budget summary; Wells also said the farm is pursuing organic and regenerative certifications.

The approved request represented roughly one-third of total project costs as presented to the board. The board recorded the motion to approve and cast votes after public comment ended. Staff will return funding details and reimbursement steps in follow-up paperwork.