Invoice #64 to Community Food Parks

Travel, site visits, and design meetings are essential expenses in the development of the public food parks in Isabela and Humacao, Puerto Rico. These two locations represent distinct ecological zones and community contexts that require tailored design solutions rooted in on-the-ground observation and collaboration. Site visits allow the design team to accurately assess existing soil conditions, drainage, microclimates, access, and infrastructure—factors that are critical for successful agroecological and community-centered design. In-person evaluation ensures that each layout harmonizes with the natural landscape while accommodating accessibility, safety, and the educational goals of the food parks. Equally important, travel and design meetings foster close collaboration with local partners, municipal representatives, and community members. Engaging directly with stakeholders on-site builds trust, ensures cultural and regional appropriateness, and encourages local participation in both the design and eventual stewardship of the parks. These meetings also allow for efficient coordination between architects, agroforestry specialists, and project managers—leading to more accurate plans, reduced long-term costs, and stronger community ownership. Thus, the expenses associated with travel, site visits, and design meetings are not peripheral—they are foundational to creating functional, inclusive, and ecologically resilient public food parks for Puerto Rico.