Spina Farms Pumpkin Patch Connects Community to Local Agriculture on Open Space Authority Lands

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An aerial photo of agricultural land focused on a pumpkin patch with rows of cars at the bottom of the photo and brown fields stretching out into the distance

In late 2021, the Open Space Authority -- in partnership with the State of California Department of Conservation through the Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation program (SALC), Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), and the Santa Clara County Planning Department -- protected sixty acres of prime farmland at Laguna Avenue and Santa Teresa Boulevard in the middle of Coyote Valley (also known as Mid Coyote Valley).

The property became known as “Laguna 60.”

A wide green field under a blue sky, with brownish mountains in the distance
Laguna 60, sixty acres of prime farmland in Mid Coyote Valley, was protected by the Open Space Authority and partners in late 2021.

When Spina Farms Pumpkin Patch approached the Open Space Authority after losing their previous location, the agency embraced the opportunity to keep the pumpkin patch in Coyote Valley to help connect residents and youth to nature and agricultural education.

In June of 2022, the Open Space Authority entered a three-year lease with Spina Farms to reopen their popular family-friendly autumn destination at Laguna 60.

After months of planting and preparing the land, Spina Farms Pumpkin Patch opened at Laguna 60 from September through early November, offering a variety of family-friendly activities for anyone looking for fall fun in the South Bay.

A group of about 40 people standing in a pumpkin patch and smiling at the camera under a large banner that says "WELCOME"
Open Space Authority staff visit Spina Farms Pumpkin Patch at its new location at Laguna 60.
An aerial photo of agricultural land focused on a pumpkin patch with rows of cars at the bottom of the photo and brown fields stretching out into the distance
Spina Farms Pumpkin Patch opens at its new location at Laguna 60, in Mid Coyote Valley. Photo: Derek Neumann
Pumpkin stands filled with a variety of large and small pumpkins surrounded by corn fields, with a blue sky in the background
Spina Farms connects the community to Santa Clara Valley's rich agricultural heritage. Photo: Ron Horii

Throughout the season, the pumpkin patch connected people to Santa Clara Valley’s local agriculture and fostered community building.

In October, the San Francisco 49ers football team visited the patch with several organizations that serve children and youth with developmental disabilities: Best Buddies, Special Olympics, Football Camp for the Stars, and the Stanford Autism Research Program. Spina Farms hosted the party and donated the food, staff time, and activities for this special event.

A collage of two images side by side. One image shows a woman posing for a photo with two men wearing red 49ers gear. The second photo shows a smiling man wearing a pizza costume next to a smiling man with a hat.
The San Francisco 49ers football team visited Spina Farms Pumpkin Patch to meet and celebrate with several organizations that serve children and youth with developmental disabilities.

“Keeping Spina Farms in Coyote Valley is a win-win for the whole community,” says Matt Freeman, Assistant General Manager of the Open Space Authority.

A pile of pumpkins in front of a field of yellow and orange marigold flowers under a blue sky
Since the 1940s, Spina Farms has provided a popular and affordable place for families to have fun and connect with each other and the land.
Open Space Authority outreach booth with several people in front of it, set up in front of a field of orange and yellow flowers and a pyramid of pumpkins
The Open Space Authority's outreach booth at Spina Farms gave visitors the chance to connect with staff and volunteers and learn more about open space.

“The Open Space Authority is dedicated to preserving open space and to keeping working landscapes working. We’re proud to support the families who have farmed and invested in Coyote Valley for many generations.”

Bird's eye view of Spina Farms corn maze. "Open Space Authority" is spelled out in the field
A bird's eye view reveals "OPEN SPACE" written in the corn maze at Spina Farms Pumpkin Patch.

Since the 1940s, Spina Farms has provided a popular and affordable place for families to have fun and connect with each other and the land. Throughout the fall, the patch provided many children and teachers opportunities for in-person agricultural and environmental education.

Education station containing white and orange pumpkins on bales of hay next to a sign labeled "education station."
Connecting with nature and local farming allows us to better appreciate where our food comes from

“These experiences could spark a life-long interest in agriculture, and it’s important for people to learn about the many benefits local farmers and farmlands provide,” says Gary Tognetti, Partner, Spina Farms Pumpkin Patch. “What better way for families to connect with nature, learn about agriculture, and see where our food comes from?”

Bird's eye drone view of Spina Farms showing the pumpkin patch, marigold fields, and corn field. "Open Space Authority" is spelled out in the corn maze with a pumpkin figure wearing a witch hat underneath.
A bird's eye view of Spina Farms: Pumpkin patch and marigold fields (upper right corner), corn maze (bottom right corner), and tractor ride loop (bottom left corner).

Purchasing, protecting, and restoring working farms and ranches like Laguna 60 and Spina Farms is all part of the Authority’s work to support the County’s Santa Clara Valley Agricultural Plan and help combat climate change. The Agricultural Plan serves as a roadmap to protect the multiple benefits that farmlands and working lands provide, including groundwater recharge, flood management, food production, climate mitigation, biodiversity protection, and much more.

For more information about the Open Space Authority’s ongoing efforts to protect and restore the Coyote Valley for water, wildlife, agriculture, and people, visit www.openspaceauthority.org/cvcamp.

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