Charlie Olson, the longtime operator of the City’s Heritage Orchard, has announced his retirement. Charlie is a third-generation farmer in Sunnyvale who has cared for the 10-acre apricot orchard at the Community Center under contract with the City since 1977. Charlie provided the City with his required 90-day notice and plans to end his role in mid-April.

“We are so grateful that Charlie has given us – quite literally – the fruits of his labor for almost 50 years,” said Tim Kirby, City Manager. “The Olson family has a long history in Sunnyvale and Charlie is a treasured member of our community. We thank him for his incredible dedication and wish him well in his retirement.”

City staff are currently evaluating options for managing the orchard, including working with existing staff. There are no changes planned to the orchard at this time and no impacts to its existing footprint in the near term. Any future plans will include public input opportunities. 

Since last year, the City has been underway with a related study – the Orchard Heritage Park Study – that includes exploring ways to operate and maintain the orchard long term.