Originally published in the Park Bugle, September 2025.
On August 5th, over 75 neighbors gathered for the annual Sip & Stroll at the SAP Community Garden – a warm, music-filled evening among blooming flowers, vegetables, and prairie grasses.
This year, the gardeners and their friends in the St. Anthony Park Community Council (SAPCC) invited the wider community to take part in this annual tradition – welcoming nearby neighbors, new residents, and community partners to walk the paths, enjoy refreshments, and hear what’s next for one of the neighborhood’s most cherished green spaces.
Nestled along Robbins Street, the SAP Community Garden is truly a rare neighborhood gem – owned by SAPCC but entirely cared for by dedicated volunteers since 1982. It’s one of the oldest neighborhood-run gardens in St. Paul and this year was designated an official USDA People’s Garden – recognizing its commitment to sustainability, food access, and community leadership.
The Sip & Stroll was inspired by the gardeners and brought to fruition by the SAPCG steering committee chaired by Sue Conner and Kristen Olson – who have helped shape and guide the space alongside a deeply committed team of neighbors. Today, the garden includes over 90 individual plots, food shelf beds that grow produce for residents of the nearby Seal Hi-Rise, a unique heritage prairie plot, and even a native plum grove, all thriving on this formerly desolate railroad property.
“This event is really about sharing the joy of what’s happening here,” said Sue Conner. “It’s not just about gardening. It’s about being part of something that brings people together.”
Throughout the evening, guests explored the garden paths, talked with gardeners, and enjoyed live music by Nick Jordan and Mike Wilson (on clarinet & guitar). The evenings refreshments were provided by SAPCC. Among the visitors were longtime supporters and new neighbors alike – including Beatrice, who recently moved to Priscilla Street by way of Tallahassee, Florida along with her son Nathanial, a student at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine!
“This garden is more than just plants,” said Angela Casselton, Executive Director of the Creative Enterprise Zone. “It’s a space where people connect across generations and root into the land and each other. I’ve loved watching it grow, year after year.”
John Maurer, SAPCC’s Treasurer and longtime Equity Committee member, added: “Events like this remind us how essential shared spaces are. The garden brings people together in a way that feels both meaningful and lasting.”
Also in attendance were Julie Drechsler, Executive Director of the St. Anthony Park Community Foundation, and Vince Netz, Chair of the University of Minnesota Good Neighbor Fund – both of which have long supported community-led initiatives like the garden.
“This is exactly the kind of project the Foundation is proud to support – one that’s led by neighbors, serves the whole community, and grows deeper over time,” said Drechsler.
Netz added, “The garden is a great example of what happens when local leadership and long-term partnerships come together. We’re glad to be part of its ongoing story.”
Behind the current garden plots lies a section of land that the gardeners and SAPCC have slowly been preparing to remediate and expand into. The vision? A new native berry orchard, more growing space, more habitat for pollinators, and more neighbors involved.
“There’s still a lot to do – and a lot of dirt to move,” said Zev Radziwill, Executive Director of SAPCC. “But we have the volunteers, the experience, and the passion. We just need one or two partners to help us take that next step.”
The soil alone will cost nearly $20,000, but the hope is strong. Gardeners – under the leadership of Sue, Kristen, Sherman Eagles, and a dedicated team – are continuing to lead the way, and SAPCC is proud to support their efforts.
Sherman Eagles put it simply: “What we’re doing here isn’t just about gardening. It’s about giving people a place to slow down, to connect, and to belong. This garden is one of those rare places that will always be welcoming to everyone – and we hope to grow this spirit for generations to come.”
Whether you’re a gardener, a neighbor, or someone who just enjoys a quiet walk along the garden – this is YOUR garden, too. Please visit anytime!
Want to get involved?
Learn more at sapcc.org/community-garden
Donate to support the garden and SAPCC at givemn.org/organization/SAPCC