A crew from the Perry Public Works Department last week removed the PVC piping that formed the bocce ball court boundary in the Josh Davis Memorial Plaza, and the change improved the safety and circulation at the Perry Farmers Market, according to organizers of the market.
“That was an accident just waiting to happen,” said Perry Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Bob Wilson. “Luckily, nobody tripped over the white pipes since the Farmers Market moved here, but we wanted to be proactive about everyone’s safety.”
Chamber member Emily Leslie said the change was well received.
“The vendors were so excited that the white tube was removed from the bocce ball court,” Leslie said. “It made for a safer environment in regards to people walking around. We put the bocce balls out for several weeks with nobody taking any interest in playing the sport.”
The removal of the boundary pipes also allowed the vendors to cluster centrally on the court area, permitting customers to circulate around the sellers, who were previously set up around the perimeter of the plaza.
“Last week we did put a couple of vendors in the middle of the plaza,” Leslie said, “and it worked out beautifully. We plan to do exactly the same thing this week.”
“This makes a lot more sense,” Wilson said of the improved layout, “and if the market grows and fills up Soumas Court or the rest of the alleyway to First Avenue, all the better.”
Leslie said 16 vendors sold their goods last week, and this week’s market will include a face painter who has signed up for the rest of the market season.
“People are talking, and vendors are very excited to come try our market out,” she said.
The Perry Farmers Market is open Thursdays from 4-7 p.m.
