Originally published in the Park Bugle, April 2025.
If you caught our previous report about Westgate Commons Park, you know the St. Anthony Park Community Council (SAPCC) has been dreaming up ways to make this space even more welcoming. We’re thrilled to announce that our “Summer Activation Program” just won a grant from the Good Neighbor Fund (GNF) — an endowment managed by the University of Minnesota that’s been helping local neighborhoods thrive since 2007. That means a 2025 season full of Activity Days, Pop-Up Play and Shade Days, and other fun ways to bring neighbors together.
“This grant is a huge boost for our plans,” says Zev Radziwill, Executive Director of SAPCC. “We can’t wait to see folks enjoying the park, getting their hands dirty planting, and finding out just how easy it is to explore our neighborhood on two wheels.”
As part of the planned activities, the SAPCC Transportation Committee is gearing up to spotlight the Wabash Bike Trail, which winds around the park and connects to other paths in the area. “We want people to know this trail exists,” explains Pat Thompson, Co-Chair of the Transportation Committee. “SAPCC partners and volunteers will be on hand at the park to help folks learn the route, practice safe riding, and discover all the ways our neighborhood is growing.”
Unfortunately, our other proposal — “Visioning Manufacturing Park 2050” — didn’t receive GNF support this time. But we’re not giving up on sparking new ideas for South St. Anthony Park’s industrial corridor. In the meantime, keep an eye on our website and social media for event updates at Westgate Commons Park. Together, we’ll keep making St. Anthony Park a more vibrant, neighborly place to call home!