Alpharetta, Georgia – The City of Alpharetta has officially launched a fundraising campaign to support the creation of a new Agriculture and Sustainability Education Center at Old Rucker Farm. The city is aiming to raise $650,000 to transform an existing farmhouse into a year-round hub for hands-on environmental education, agricultural workshops, and community programs that will serve people of all ages.
The Education Center, once completed, will help expand the offerings of Alpharetta’s Community Agriculture Program, a city-led and volunteer-driven initiative that has already made a significant local impact. Since its founding in 2018, the program has served as a model of community-driven urban farming, focusing on education, food production, and donation.
Community Farming Meets Education
Tucked inside Old Rucker Park, the 1.2-acre farm is more than just a green space—it’s a thriving ecosystem and an educational platform. The farm currently includes a 36-bed community garden, along with areas for growing vegetables, herbs, and flowers. It also houses an orchard, a pollinator garden, an apiary, a chicken coop, and an open-air classroom.
Each week, the farm yields fresh produce that is harvested and donated to the North Fulton Community Charities food pantry. The new Education Center would allow the farm to extend its educational and charitable impact even further. The center would enable the city to host classes and workshops throughout the year, increase programming for families, students, and corporate groups, and build initiatives centered on food security and sustainability.
“We’ve seen firsthand how powerful community-centered agriculture can be as a teaching tool, healing space, and community connector,” said Amanda Musilli, Community Agriculture & Sustainability Services Manager with the City of Alpharetta. “An education center will give us a home for learning and collaboration—helping us grow food, knowledge, and community together.”
Development Timeline and Future Park Improvements
Old Rucker Park is one of nine park bond projects approved by the City of Alpharetta, with broader park development scheduled to begin in April 2026. Planned improvements include a new entrance, upgraded parking areas, new trails, and a public restroom. However, the city hopes to complete the education center ahead of that timeline.
“Ideally, we’d like to build the education center before the park development begins,” Musilli added. “If we are able to raise the funds needed before the end of 2025, we can make that happen.”
How to Support the Project
The City of Alpharetta is encouraging individuals, families, and businesses to support the project. All donations are tax-deductible and will go directly toward the construction and development of the Education Center. Contributions can be made through the Alpharetta Community Agriculture Program website.
For those interested in corporate sponsorships or media coverage, inquiries can be directed to Amanda Musilli at [email protected].
The Alpharetta Community Agriculture Program is committed to teaching people where their food comes from, how it’s grown, and how agriculture plays a vital role in building stronger communities. With the new Education Center, that mission is poised to flourish even more.
