Philips Farm Activity Proposal

["Andrew Grant" <agrant@latah.id.us>]

There has been much talk about the County aquiring a lease for the Philips
Farm Property.  Here are some proposed activites for the site.  I was
pleased that the youth attending the public hear held on Jan. 4, came up
with many of the same ideas.

Do not be intimidated by the number of activites proposed.  This is only a
list of possible activities.  They do not all need to happen at once.  They
and other ideas could be implemented as interest and funding allowed.

Andrew Grant
Latah County Parks and Recreation Director


Philips Farm Proposal:
Since the farm was donated to be used for the recreation of Moscow children,
it should be used for such purposes.  Activities will fall into basically
two categories:
	Educational (hopefully also fun)
	Simply recreational
Educational Programs
4-H Club activities
Animals for children
Gardening Programs
Crop Programs
Farming Displays
Logging and Mining Displays

It would be appropriate to take advantage of the farm aspect of the property
to develop programs.  Moscow youth could learn about the aspects of a farm
and also have some opportunities that they would not otherwise have as “city
kids”.

Involving 4-H would be a natural.  While many county children are involved
with 4-H programs, children live within Moscow maybe limited in their
involvement, if they do not live on a farm.  The Philips Farm could be a
place for 4-H members to raise a pig or sheep.  This would allow Moscow
children to be more involved with the farming heritage of the area.

Even if children did not have their own animals, they might want to go and
see animals for fun and to learn more about them.  Classes could be held to
teach children animal husbandry techniques.  Such classes would be helpful
for “city” and “country” children alike.

Gardening programs could also teach youth about growing and tending a
garden.  Girl scouts, boy scouts, 4-H club, and local schools could all be
involved in programs.  Everything including flowers, vegetables, fruit, and
crops could be grown.

Interpretive signs could be developed to allow visitors to learn about
different aspects of the farm, including the animals and crops.  Displaying
antique farm equipment would provide insight into the area’s farming
heritage and past, while being fun and interesting.  One may not want to
limit the activities to farming, Latah County’s logging and mining heritage
could also be explored.

Seeding some of the land with hay would provide for any animals from 4-H
programs.  Also Producing hay would cut down on the amount of mowing needed.
Recreational Activities
Youth groups could use the farm for picnics and other activities.
There also could be a general picnic facilities.  To be consistent with the
youth focus of the farm, alcohol should not be allowed.
Summer day camps where children could play games and learn skills could also
be held.
Winter sledding, cross-country skiing and possible ice-skating on the ponds
could also provide fun for the children of the County.
Introductory cross-country skiing classes could be held for youth, which
could involve groups and clubs such as boy scouts, girl scouts, and 4-H.