Originally published in the Park Bugle, November 2025.
It was all smiles and plenty of sprinkles at the 4th Annual Ice Cream Social at Hampden Park on September 13. More than 300 neighbors came out to enjoy sunshine, live music, and free Ben & Jerry’s ice cream served up by the St. Anthony Park Community Council (SAPCC).
Hosted by SAPCC’s Equity Committee, the event has become one of the neighborhood’s favorite end-of-summer traditions. Families spread out under the trees, kids darted between activities, and committee members chatted with neighbors about upcoming projects and how to get more involved in shaping the community.
This year’s Ice Cream Social featured a wide range of partners, including the Hampden Park Co-op, Bright Side Produce, Minnesota Department of Transportation, St. Paul Parks and Recreation Department, St. Anthony Park Area Seniors, Como Community Seed Library, St. Paul Public Works Department, St. Paul Public Library, and Moms Demand Action – alongside SAPCC’s four committees: Equity, Environment, Transportation, and Land Use.
“This started as a simple way to connect with neighbors,” said John Maurer, former Equity Committee Chair and current SAPCC Treasurer. “Now it’s something people really look forward to every year. It’s also a chance for new neighbors to learn how they can serve on a committee or even join the Council. Their voice and participation matter.”
Board member and Equity Committee member Rafael Roman added, “You see renters, families, and longtime residents all talking together. That’s how we build relationships that last – and it’s also how serving on the Council helps create the connections you see here between city departments, nonprofits, and neighbors working toward shared goals.”
See photos and more from the day at sapcc.org/ics. And if you’d like to get involved, just send a note to info@sapcc.org and share that you’d like to join the work – there’s always a seat at the table for new ideas and voices.