Originally published in the Park Bugle, March 2025.
If you’ve strolled around Westgate Commons Park lately, you might have noticed there’s room to make it an even more welcoming space for neighbors to gather, play, and learn. That’s why the St. Anthony Park Community Council (SAPCC) has applied for a Good Neighbor Fund grant to launch a “Summer Activation Program” in 2025. This initiative would feature two types of event days – “Activity Days” and “Pop-Up Play and Shade Days” – running from May through September.
On Activity Days, the SAPCC Environment Committee plans to lead volunteers in planting native trees, weeding, and beautifying the park in the mornings. In the afternoons, the Transportation Committee would team up with a Bike Safety Instructor to offer safety checks, group rides, and trail etiquette tips. Meanwhile, Pop-Up Play and Shade Days would transform the park into a casual gathering spot – complete with shade structures, lawn games like cornhole and giant Jenga, and free art activities.
The goal? Encourage neighbors to use the park more fully, boost safety along the adjacent bike trail, and provide fun, low-key ways to connect outdoors. The grant request totals $12,500, which would fund a Park Activation Coordinator, a Bike Safety Instructor, native plants, and basic equipment. If you’d like to learn more or lend a helping hand, keep an eye on SAPCC’s website or swing by a monthly meeting. With everyone pitching in, Westgate Commons Park could blossom into a summertime hub of activity and community spirit.