As local residents flock to downtown Greenwood this summer, they’ll seek out relaxation at city parks, find free live music nearly every weekend and stop into a wide variety of locally owned businesses.
Now, they’ll have access to a revolving and robust slate of food, thanks to a new food truck program.
Greenwood Parks & Recreation and the Greenwood Parks Foundation have worked together to schedule different food trucks at Old City Park every Friday and Saturday evenings, starting today. The pilot program is expected to run through the end of October.
Organizers hope it will enhance the recreation options for local residents and visitors, while also providing a boost for local small businesses.
“We’re starting to create a more diverse downtown, and felt the inclusion of food trucks would help add to the diversity of that, giving people more opportunities for what they could find,” said Rob Taggart, executive director of Greenwood Parks and Recreation. “It makes for a more vibrant atmosphere.”
The idea for the food truck program formed between the city’s parks department and the Greenwood Parks Foundation, a nonprofit aimed at promoting, preserving and enhancing public parks, green spaces and recreational programs in the city.
The food industry is constantly growing and evolving, offering unique variations on well-known favorites such as burgers and tacos, while introducing people to new culinary experiences, as well.
By giving food trucks a place to reach a large audience, it provides people exposure to different foods while also allowing businesses to test menu options and market themselves.
“It really fit into that cultural experience we’re trying to create for downtown,” Taggart said.
The addition to food trucks will also provide an attraction to draw people to Old City Park and the surrounding downtown area during prime weekend hours, he said.
“Having it on a Friday or a Saturday, you can depend on it being there. There’s a variety of things to do. You can walk downtown, have dinner and enjoy the park at the same time,” Taggart said.
Trucks will be on site along Meridian Street, next to the bocce court and shelter house at Old City Park, from 5 to 9 p.m. each weekend night. Space is available for two trucks each night.
Since announcing the program on Tuesday, parks organizers received immediate interest from area food truck operators. Organizers are currently lining up a schedule of trucks over the next six months.
About half of the available slots are already claimed, Taggart said. That matches the buzz from the community about the new program.
“People have been very supportive, sharing it on social media. I think people are excited about it, and I think the community will embrace it,” Taggart said.
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Greenwood food truck program
What: The addition of food trucks every weekend in the Old Town Greenwood area
When: 5-9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through October
Where: Old City Park, 304 S. Meridian St. The trucks will be parked along Meridian Street, next to the bocce court and shelter house.
Who: A partnership between Greenwood Parks and Recreation and the Greenwood Parks Foundation
How food trucks can sign up: Interested food vendors can find more information at greenwood.in.gov under the “Play” heading.
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