Parkside Farm Expansion Plan
Help Nicole Zaagman spread more JOY!
Project Description
PARKSIDE FARM EXPANSION ANNOUNCEMENT
A plan has recently been set in motion to expand Parkside Farm through local requirements and state certifications.
Nicole Zaagman has been working very closely the last several weeks with MDARD and MSU Extension Government, Land Use and RTFA (Right to Farm Act) / GAAMP (Generally Accepted Agricultural Management Practices) Experts to clearly define Parkside Farm and future opportunities for farm protected development and activities within Kent County.
As a result of recent conversations and future opportunities the necessity to obtain a special land use and business permit for expansion through our local township is pressing and will require financial resources to put in motion. The prayer and hope is for this special land use and business permit to be approved later this year.
The latter will provide opportunities for local families to enJOY utilizing Parkside Farm as a place of learning, fun and agricultural education for small gatherings such as birthday parties. Other applicable services would include consulting and coaching services at the farm and farm photography sessions for those in our community.
Future farm offerings to families potentially include:
- Historical Farm Tours
- On-site Goat “Therapy” Program
- A Farm Roadside Stand
- Agricultural Classes and Events
- U-pick Flowers and Gardens
After carefully and prayerfully considering what the Lord's will is for the future of Parkside Farm and seeking wise council, doors have opened and support has come though in unexpected ways locally and nationally for this plan to be set in motion to carry out a vision that Nicole believes the Lord gave her in December 2021.
It's in humble obedience that Nicole has continued to step out in faith to trust the Lord to fulfill His vision for Parkside Farm. The farm was founded on the Scripture verse: Matthew 19:26 NIV "But Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."'
The application fees alone for the special land use and business permit amount to $2000. These fees do not include any of the costs that will potentially be incurred to have additional permits and engineering and legal professionals work to create the required documentation for the application.
If you’ve followed Parkside Farm or been touched in any way through Nicole and her efforts to spread joy through her pygmy goats, a crowdfunding gift would be so appreciated. Please read more about the levels of partnership. Please consider helping Parkside Farm impact the lives of children and families in a positive way through preserving history, agriculture and farming.
Every gift, no matter the amount helps! Rewards will be mailed to recipients on or around 10/1/2023. Gracious Giver rewards may be redeemed until 12/31/2023. Please check out the FAQ section for more details about this crowdfunding campaign.
The Campaign FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Why are you asking for money/launching this crowdfunding campaign? Nicole is reaching out in faith to ask for financial support to see the vision of Parkside Farm come to fruition. She believes that this is not just about her dreams and passions but as an opportunity for ministry to reach the lives of families in our local community and beyond, to be a beacon of love, light and joy and ultimately point others to Jesus Christ. Nicole has up until this point self-funded and run the entire setup and operational costs of the farm since 2021 and at this time is trusting the Lord to provide financially to help cover the unexpected and unforeseen costs of the expansion plan.
- What will be done with the money? Funds collected through the crowdfunding campaign will go directly towards the costs of Parkside Farm's Expansion Plan. $2000 will go towards necessary application fees and additional professional fees required for potential site surveys, permits and legal counsel as part of the expansion plan.
- Is my contribution tax deductible? Parkside Farm is not a 501c3, so no, unfortunately contributing to this crowdfunding campaign is not tax deductible. Parkside Farm is a DBA set up under Nicole Zaagman Enterprises, LLC. Crowdfunding Partners will however receive a reward of appreciation in the form of the merchandise offered with the different levels of partnership offered. Nicole also welcomes monetary contributions if desired should anyone want to contribute and not receive any tangible reward in return.
- What is the mission of Parkside Farm? Spread JOY with Others! Matthew 19:26 NIV "But Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."'
- Who does Parkside Farm serve? Families, Children, Adults and Senior Citizens.
- Impact Since 2023:
- Hundred's of local families through community events and festivals (Byron Center, Lowell, Kalamazoo, Muskegon).
- Over 6,300 social media @ParksideFarmMI followers (Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and TikTok).
- Numerous senior center facilities (Grand Rapids, Byron Center, Lowell, Wyoming, Kentwood).
- Over 100 individuals (children, teens and families) through special events and pilot programming.
- Current Services?
- Mobile Jump for JOY Program™ (pygmy goat "therapy" program)
- Farm Products: Maple Syrup, Pygmy Goat Merchandise, Children's Storybook
- Farm and Agricultural Education
- Planned Services?
- The expansion plan will provide opportunities for local families to enJOY utilizing Parkside Farm as a place of learning, fun and agricultural education for small event gatherings such as birthday parties. Other applicable services would include consulting and coaching services at the farm and farm photography sessions for those in our community.
- The expansion plan will provide opportunities for local families to enJOY utilizing Parkside Farm as a place of learning, fun and agricultural education for small event gatherings such as birthday parties. Other applicable services would include consulting and coaching services at the farm and farm photography sessions for those in our community.
- Future Farm Services?
- Historical Farm Tours
- On-site Goat “Therapy” Program
- A Farm Roadside Stand
- Agricultural Classes and Events
- U-pick Flowers and Gardens
- How is Nicole serving those in the community?
- Through the above services. The testimonials she has received since April 2023 speak volumes:
"What a JOYful experience it was to have Nicole and her goats here at my facility!! Although we have had other animal visits here, this was our first experience with pygmy goats. The residents LOVED watching Samuel's antics and having the privilege of holding him as well. We could not have had a more delightful few hours."
"Nicole is very knowledgeable about her animals and it is very apparent that she takes great care of them. She came equipped with cleaning supplies, coloring pages and storybooks. Money spent on a visit like this is well worth the cost. Seeing the smiles on the faces of my residents was priceless! It is certainly an afternoon we will all remember! Thanks, Nicole!"
"Thank you for your visit with our residents! Your pygmy goats were adorable and the everybody loved them! Our residents have been talking about it for days and are enjoying the little booklets we purchased for them to read to their grandchildren when they come visit! We didn't know that there was so much to learn about the pygmy goats, and most just knew about large goats! This visit was deeply enjoyed and brought happiness and Joy to all who participated. We will gladly have you come again and visit!"
"My daughter and I really enjoyed our sessions with Nicole and her goats! It was a nice break from thinking about life stressors and just be, enjoying the goats and the laughter they brought. We are blessed to have had the opportunity to do this together.”
"Everyone loved the goats! It was such a great addition to our mother’s day program. Everyone enjoyed learning about the goats and interacting with the pygmy goats. It was interesting to learn about what pygmy goats eat, comeback in terms of popularity in Michigan, and care/routines. The residents are still talking about the goats! Definitely book Nicole and her goats! Nicole does a great job interacting with the crowd and answering questions and the goats are entertaining and adorable!"
"You and the goats bring me so much joy! Thank you!!"
"The goats were very calming for my sensory needs child."
"I met Samuel and got to bottle feed him. I visited with Samson for a bit and he has grown so much in 6 months!"
"Thank you Nicole for hosting this visit!"
"We have never had goats here before; we have had other animals but not goats. It was a beautiful day, and we sat outside with the residents. Nicole was so great, she explained so much about the goats. The residents were quite interactive and asking questions. I think holding the baby goat was a great experience for them. Also, they had the chance to feed the older goat and they enjoyed that as well. I would highly recommend, we loved it and are looking forward to another visit."
- More Information about Parkside Farm? Parkside Farm is a women-owned and ran small farm located in Byron Center, MI. Parkside Farm was founded by local entrepreneur and children's storybook author, Nicole Zaagman. You can visit www.nicolezaagman.com and www.parkside.farm for more information.
Gifts are not tax deductible, however will go towards the Parkside Farm Expansion Plan. Details can be found under the FAQ section.
- Baby Samson Vinyl Sticker
- Baby Samson Plushie
- Baby Samson Vinyl Sticker
- Samson Softcover Storybook
- Baby Samson Plushie
- Baby Samson Vinyl Sticker
- Half Pint of 100% Pure Maple Syrup
- Softcover Samson Storybook
- Baby Samson & Brita Plushie Set
- Baby Samson Vinyl Sticker
- Pint of 100% Pure Maple Syrup
- Hardcover Samson Storybook
- Baby Samson & Brita Plushie Set
- Hand Felted Alpaca Fiber Samson
- Baby Samson Vinyl Sticker
Select one (to take place within 30 miles of Byron Center, MI):
1.5 Hour Photography Session with Nicole Zaagman or
1.5 Hour Mobile JOY Visit with One Pygmy Goat
Also includes:
- Pint of 100% Pure Maple Syrup
- Half Pint of 100% Pure Maple Syrup
- Hardcover Samson Storybook
- Softcover Samson Storybook
- Baby Samson & Brita Plushie Set
- Hand Felted Alpaca Fiber Samson
- Baby Samson Vinyl Sticker
- Pygmy Goat Coloring Sheets
Rewards
Gifts are not tax deductible, however will go towards the Parkside Farm Expansion Plan. Details can be found under the FAQ section.
- Baby Samson Vinyl Sticker
- Baby Samson Plushie
- Baby Samson Vinyl Sticker
- Samson Softcover Storybook
- Baby Samson Plushie
- Baby Samson Vinyl Sticker
- Half Pint of 100% Pure Maple Syrup
- Softcover Samson Storybook
- Baby Samson & Brita Plushie Set
- Baby Samson Vinyl Sticker
- Pint of 100% Pure Maple Syrup
- Hardcover Samson Storybook
- Baby Samson & Brita Plushie Set
- Hand Felted Alpaca Fiber Samson
- Baby Samson Vinyl Sticker
Select one (to take place within 30 miles of Byron Center, MI):
1.5 Hour Photography Session with Nicole Zaagman or
1.5 Hour Mobile JOY Visit with One Pygmy Goat
Also includes:
- Pint of 100% Pure Maple Syrup
- Half Pint of 100% Pure Maple Syrup
- Hardcover Samson Storybook
- Softcover Samson Storybook
- Baby Samson & Brita Plushie Set
- Hand Felted Alpaca Fiber Samson
- Baby Samson Vinyl Sticker
- Pygmy Goat Coloring Sheets