Overview
Originated by a citizen-led, grass roots effort, the vision for Thomas Open Space continues to blossom as the historically farmed land is in use today for organic crop production and as the home site of a barn, which is currently under construction. The unique relationship between a municipality and a local farming operation demonstrates Lafayette’s commitment to providing diverse experiences for citizens, while preserving our small town atmosphere.

Location
The Thomas Open Space is located at 1640 West Baseline Road, west of Highway 287 and Baseline Road, south of the Anna’s Farm subdivision.

Who & When
The barn & land is leased by Isabelle Farm and will begin 2012 season sales on June 30 so be sure to stop by for fantastic food. Most crops grown in this region are not available for harvest until late summer. Therefore, Isabelle Farm typically opens the farm stand seven days a week from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, from early June through November. Come by for fresh, organic produce and lots more.

Solar Project
In late 2012 a 9 kW groundmount solar array was installed at Thomas Open Space. This energy-efficiency project supplements energy use at the barn and has an estimated annual carbon offset of 23,930 lbs. View the online Real-Time Data Monitoring module for the Thomas Open Space solar array provided by Lighthouse Solar.

Funding
The space is funded by the POST (Parks, Open Space and Trails) fund. Every time you shop in Lafayette you make a valuable payment of 0.25% to POST which supports enhancements to maintenance, preservation, and acquisition of each of these community amenities that make Lafayette special.

Project Time Line 

• November 2005 - Voters pass a ballot issue allowing the City of Lafayette to lease open space for farming purposes 
• Spring 2007 - City obtains free fill dirt to raise the area for the parking lot, farm stand, and future barn 
• Summer 2007 - An irrigation system is installed and the farm stand makes its initial opening and produces its first crops 
• Summer 2009 – City Council approval to design a barn 
• Winter 2010 – City releases a Request for Proposals for the Agricultural Lease of Thomas Open Space 
• January 2011 – City Council approves lease agreement with Isabelle Farm, LLC, a local and organic farming operation, after city staff completed a highly competitive bid process 
• August 2011 – Isabelle Farm hosts a festive Grand Opening of the organic farm stand. City Council approval of a contract for the construction of the barn which is tentatively scheduled for completion by July 2012