Athens Main Street to dedicate Athens Farmers Market at Doug Gates Park

ATHENS – Saluting a man whose passion for downtown Athens and its small businesses, officials will dedicate the Athens-Limestone Farmers Market to Doug Gates in a ceremony Friday.

Athens Main Street, in collaboration with community supporters, will celebrate the completion of more than $800,000 in renovations to the market which will be renamed the Athens Farmers Market at Doug Gates Park. The ceremony is 3 p.m. at the site, 409 W. Green Street.

“Both the Farmers Market and Doug Gates have been invaluable assets to our community,” said retired Limestone County Extension Coordinator Curt Grissom, a founding member of the market. “Built in 1986, the market has served thousands of growers and customers, while Doug, throughout his life (1951-2022), quietly provided leadership to numerous community initiatives.”

The project reflects Gates’s passion for downtown Athens — encompassing the preservation of historic properties, fostering small businesses, enhancing parks and trails, and supporting the mission of Athens Main Street, said Tere Richardson, executive director of Athens Main Street.

“Doug worked tirelessly to support local entrepreneurs,” Richardson said. “Dedicating not just a park, but also one that nurtures small businesses is a fitting way to honor his memory.”

Over the decades, the Athens-Limestone Farmers Market grew a loyal following. In 2014, Athens Main Street expanded its operations with the Athens Saturday Market, adding artisans and prepared food vendors. By refocusing on the original mission, the Saturday market became an Alabama Certified Farmers Market, offering only locally grown and produced items.

In 2019, the Limestone County Commission made significant improvements, including handicap-accessible restrooms, upgraded electrical systems, stall fans, and new vendor tables. These upgrades increased the market’s popularity, creating the need for additional space. After more than 30 years, the main pavilion required extensive renovations, and the surrounding grounds needed attention.

In 2022, Athens Main Street launched a comprehensive renovation of the entire market site. This project was made possible through the collective efforts of the Limestone County Commission, the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, the City of Athens, local businesses, foundations, and individual contributions.

Project Funding

• $334,577 Federal EPA Grant
• $29,773 Local Public Funds
• $271,024 Private Donations & Grants
• $300,000 In-kind Donations
• Total: $835,374

Phase I focused on refurbishing the central pavilion, demolishing outdated restrooms and office space to expand capacity, replacing the roof, refreshing the siding and vendor tables, and adding string lights for a festive atmosphere.

Phase II addressed accessibility, correcting drainage and elevation issues to make the grounds more walkable and fully ADA-compliant. Through a 60/40 EPA grant administered by ADEM, the old asphalt was replaced with eco-friendly, porous asphalt, improving water filtration and protecting nearby Town Creek. A new entry plaza with porous pavers creates an inviting walkway, connecting parking areas to the site. This is the first watershed protection model in Limestone County.

Phase III added an entertainment and education pavilion to enhance market capacity. The new space includes a stage for musical performances and youth education activities, shaded seating areas, and designated spaces for children’s programs through the Athens Master Gardeners partnership.

In-kind contributions estimated at more than $300,000 included the Limestone County Commission, the City of Athens, Grayson Carter & Son, AMBL Studios, PRM Structural Engineering, Morell Engineering, Outdoor Elegance, DW Trucking, The Farm, Alta Design + Planning, Grayson Bailey Landscaping, Drop Metal, Ridgeline, artists, and others.