Allensworth Hub for Organic Vegetables

State Park interpreter Steven Ptomey and Allensworth residents

 standing in front of the restored living agricultural display.

Depending on the time of year that future visitors come to Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park they could see rows of freshly plowed soil, seeding starting to break through the top soil, or red tomatoes, green peppers and other vegetables in the park’s living agricultural display. The display is the result of the California Department of Parks and Recreation entering into a partnership with the residents of Allensworth, The South Central Farmers Coop and the Center on Race, Poverty and the Environment (CRPE). As part of the Department of Parks Volunteer In Parks program Allensworth community residents will plant and maintain a living agricultural display at Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park.


According to state park interpreter Steven Ptomey the restored display will enable the park staff to show visiting children how early Allensworth residents grew their own food.

In an October 10, 2011 news release Allensworth resident and CRPE advisory board member Denise Kadara said “The community believes that this endeavor complements the economic development effort that has been underway in Allensworth since 2008, and continues our overall quest to make Allensworth the hub for organic vegetables in Tulare County.” In October of 2010 the residents planted an organic community garden at the Allensworth Community Center. Earlier this month the Tulare County Farm Bureau’s education committee awarded the Allensworth Elementary School a $250 renewal grant to help them maintain their garden. In addition to the awarding the renewal grant the Farm Bureau gives the school access to the California Foundation for Ag in the Classroom, advice from Master Gardeners, and the bureau’s Beyond-the-Farm trailer.

With the assistance of the South Central Farmers Coop the Allensworth residents will sell the vegetables from the agricultural display, thereby producing revenue for community improvements.

For more information about the park’s living agricultural display contact Steven Ptomey at (661) 849-3433 or sptomey@parks.ca.gov.



Stephen Hill, Sr.

Colonel Allensworth SHP Now has a Bike Rental Fleet!

Thanks to a donation from Walmart you will able to rent a bicycle next time you visit Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. The park now has a fleet of two step thru ladies bikes and three heavy duty Sun Atlas beach cruisers.


Ranger Steven Ptomey said Allensworth is the perfect place to bike.



Stephen Hill, Sr.

Thank You e-card

Recent budget cuts have caused California state park rangers and their staff to work harder than they have ever done in the past. In addition to leading tours of the parks the staff’s daily duties include such things as maintaining trails and access roads, and repairing and cleaning restrooms.


The California State Parks Foundation has created a special “Thank You” e-card that they are asking their supporters to sign and write special messages to park personnel.

If you have ever visited Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park please take a few minutes to send a Thank You e-card to Ranger Steven Ptomey and his staff. Let them know how much you appreciate their hard work and all of the support they have given the Friends of Allensworth during our special events at the park.

In addition to the above duties Ranger Steven Ptomey is an ambassador for Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park. He regularly speaks about Allensworth at local schools, colleges, and museums. He has also promoted the park on local television shows. And somehow he finds time to maintain a Facebook page for Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park.



Stephen Hill, Sr.

Ranger Ptomey appears on the Great Day Show

Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park Interpreter Steven Ptomey appears on KMPH FOX 26’s the Great Day news and entertainment show with Kopi Sotiropulos and Kim Stephens. This show is part of their 2010 Black History Month series.


Stephen Hill, Sr.