Vibrant, healthy communities often share a similar function: farmers' markets. Whether it takes place in a bustling city abroad or in a quaint Western town, a farmers' market benefits a community in many ways.It provides a place for customers to buy directly from the grower who planted the tomato seed or the artist who stitched the fabric. That's becoming an increasingly rare chance in today's sprawling global market, where goods often are shipped hundreds of miles before ending up on local shelves.A farmers' market also provides a place for the community to gather. An outing to a farmers' market is more than just an exchange of cash for vegetables. You'll likely see a neighbor, wave at a few acquaintances or chat with a vendor about this year's crop. It's not like a regular stop at the grocery store — it's a community event.The recent decision to move Powell's market away from downtown comes as a disappointment. It's understood that while Plaza Diane is under construction, the market can't meet there. However, construction is scheduled to be finished in August, about a month after the first market occurs in July. A newly-renovated Plaza Diane could host the remaining eight weeks of the market season.Parking concerns are a main reason for the move. In a community the size of Powell, where parking spots are always free, parking isn't something to gripe about. For older residents or those who have difficulty walking a block or two, perhaps an agreement could be made with the city to reserve spaces adjacent to the plaza. For most residents, a bit of a walk would simply be good exercise.A busy farmers' market is a characteristic of a thriving community. Its return to downtown would help revitalize Main Street.

Vibrant, healthy communities often share a similar function: farmers' markets. Whether it takes place in a bustling city abroad or in a quaint Western town, a farmers' market benefits a community in many ways.

It provides a place for customers to buy directly from the grower who planted the tomato seed or the artist who stitched the fabric. That's becoming an increasingly rare chance in today's sprawling global market, where goods often are shipped hundreds of miles before ending up on local shelves.

A farmers' market also provides a place for the community to gather. An outing to a farmers' market is more than just an exchange of cash for vegetables. You'll likely see a neighbor, wave at a few acquaintances or chat with a vendor about this year's crop. It's not like a regular stop at the grocery store — it's a community event.

The recent decision to move Powell's market away from downtown comes as a disappointment. It's understood that while Plaza Diane is under construction, the market can't meet there. However, construction is scheduled to be finished in August, about a month after the first market occurs in July. A newly-renovated Plaza Diane could host the remaining eight weeks of the market season.

Parking concerns are a main reason for the move. In a community the size of Powell, where parking spots are always free, parking isn't something to gripe about. For older residents or those who have difficulty walking a block or two, perhaps an agreement could be made with the city to reserve spaces adjacent to the plaza. For most residents, a bit of a walk would simply be good exercise.

A busy farmers' market is a characteristic of a thriving community. Its return to downtown would help revitalize Main Street.