Urban Farm Center takes root with community grand opening Oct. 17

See what's growing in downtown Waukegan. College of Lake County (CLC) invites the community to celebrate the grand opening of the Urban Farm Center from 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17. This is a free family-friendly event.

"The Urban Farm Center is about much more than growing food—it's about growing opportunity," said Urban Farm Director Eliza Fournier. "We're creating a place where students can gain skills for emerging careers, local growers and food entrepreneurs can build their businesses and our community can have greater access to fresh, locally grown food. Most importantly, we're bringing all those pieces together in downtown Waukegan to create a stronger, more resilient local food system."

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The celebration will begin with opening remarks at 2 p.m., followed by an open house with guided tours in the new facility. Community members can learn about urban farming, sample food from local vendors and enjoy art, music and community. Tours and information will be offered in English and Spanish.

Located at the Lakeshore Campus, the Urban Farm Center is a community-driven, multipurpose space that combines hands-on learning, food production and entrepreneurial support. It will serve as a hub for community wellness, workforce development and innovative programming. Fresh produce will be grown indoors year-round, strengthening the regional food system and expanding training and learning opportunities for students and the Lake County community.

The Urban Farm Center will provide increased access to fresh, locally grown food while offering workforce training opportunities for youth and community members interested in careers in sustainable agriculture and food production.

Lakeshore Campus Dean Dr. Jesus Ruiz said, "The Urban Farm Center reflects what Lakeshore Campus is all about: responding to community needs, opening doors and creating opportunities that improve lives. By bringing education, entrepreneurship, sustainability and access to fresh food together in downtown Waukegan, we are investing in the health, talent and future of our community."

The Urban Farm Center is a hands-on training facility that equips students and community members with skills in indoor agriculture, food safety and supply chain management. This integration expands CLC's ability to deliver workforce training, support small business development and strengthen the regional food system. It is also a place where the community can purchase locally grown produce, learn about food production and gather in a vibrant space.

The Urban Farm Center is a mixed-use with operations including:

• Three high-tech indoor growing spaces producing a variety of crops and training opportunities

• A shared commercial kitchen for growing food businesses

• A reimagined campus bookstore featuring locally grown and created food

The Urban Farm Center is located at 100 West Madison St. Parking is available at the CLC parking garage that is entered from Sheridan Road.

For more information about the event, contact Amy Juarez at ajuarez26@clcillinois.edu or (847) 543-2207.