SAPCC turns neighbors’ ideas into action, from cleanups and tree planting to shared community meals.
Community Initiatives
Neighbor ideas, turned into action – all year long.
Here’s what SAPCC volunteers, staff, and partners are working on in 2026.
What We’re Working On in 2026
Neighborhood Cleanups
Environment Committee
About 80 bags came out of the Kasota Ponds wetlands this spring, and about 20 more at the South St. Anthony Park Earth Day cleanup, not counting loose items.
Buckthorn Removal
Environment Committee
A $5,000 MWMO grant funds buckthorn removal at Greater Kasota Ponds and on SAPCC land on Robbins Street. We use repeated cutting instead of herbicides, so it’s a multi-season effort with volunteer workdays.
Trees & Westgate Commons
Westgate • CIB 2026
Neighbors planted 12 new trees at Westgate Commons Park in July, and we’re part of the 100 Trees Initiative with the Creative Enterprise Zone.
Our shade and solar lighting proposal for Westgate ($214,000) is in the Mayor’s proposed budget as a tentative 2028 allocation. It’s proposed funding, not final yet.
Community Garden
Volunteer-run garden
Our volunteer-run garden on Robbins Street has three plots growing produce for Seal Hi-Rise residents. This year brought new accessible raised beds, orchard expansion, and a prairie prescribed burn.
Community Meals & Gatherings
Equity Committee
The Winter Community Meal at Seal Hi-Rise (49 registered, plus walk-ins), National Night Out, Yoga and Movies in the Park, and nearly 300 neighbors at the Hampden Park Ice Cream Social.
Home Energy Course
Free online course
Our free, eight-module online course covers insulation, air sealing, heating, electrification, rebates, financing, and planning. Supported by a Minnesota Pollution Control Agency grant.
Tenant Rights Resource
In pilot
A free online resource for renters in St. Anthony Park, now in pilot.
We’re also building SAP-CAN, a neighborhood resource network with the SAP Community Foundation, local churches, and partners. It’s still in development.
A Voice on Transit & Development
Transportation & Land Use
Neighbor input on METRO H Line stations, the Luther Seminary campuses, the HealthPartners Como Clinic, and walk audits for safer sidewalks and crossings.
From SAPCC’s 2026 Community Engagement & Progress Report (January 1–October 15, 2026). Attendance is approximate and per event.
Have an Idea?
Bring it to a committee
Most of our initiatives started as one neighbor’s idea. Bring yours to a committee meeting, or email us and we’ll help you find the right place to start.
Past initiatives (tap to open)
- Transition Town – ASAP: grew out of a 2008 SAPCC committee effort, the Energy Resilience Group, to take on climate change. Neighbors hosted events, wrote articles, and did outreach, then won a $15,000 SAP Community Foundation grant to launch. SAPCC served as their fiscal sponsor.
- Community Garden: in an earlier season, the garden donated 550 pounds of food to a food shelf.
- Creative Enterprise Zone (CEZ): grew out of a community effort to protect artist communities and support creative businesses in South St. Anthony Park, and launched as its own organization in early 2015.
Get Involved
Your neighborhood, your voice.
Give, lend a hand, or come to a committee meeting. Every bit keeps St. Anthony Park neighbor-powered.
Questions? Email info@sapcc.org • 651-649-5992