A Park for All Seasons

Way Park is the heart of a vibrant neighborhood on the west side of Northfield. It features: a musical playground; playground equipment and swings; pre-school equipment; a basketball court; picnic and grilling areas; a walking path; a warming hut and ice rink (seasonal); a small baseball/kickball diamond (seasonal); a large open field perfect for pick up soccer games and kite flying; and lovely rain gardens. Our organization, The Friends of Way Park hosts several events every year including Yoga in the Park, Pumpkin Fest, and a spring picnic event.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Fall Festival Wrap-up

An estimated 300 people turned out for the first-ever Way Park Fall Festival on Saturday evening, and all signs are pointing toward it becoming an annual event.

The weather was perfect; the face-painter was busy right up until 8 p.m.; the St. Olaf drummers kept up the sort of background rhythm that made it feel as though there was something happening; some tiny girls learned new dance steps; families enthusiastically brought witty, traditional, and artistic jack-o-lanterns; the jack-o-lanterns, luminaria and bonfires created a wonderful atmosphere for Joseph's storytelling; treats were appreciatively devoured; and neighbors and new friends chatted while the kids ran and played. 

Thanks to FWP Board members Cahrene Dimick and Chris Kauffeld for planning the event, to Roz Eaton-Neeb for the inspiration, to Judy and Steve Swanson for leading the efforts to decorate the park, and to Joseph Mbele, Ting Ting Yang and Sharon Henry for their talents!

Thanks also to the Northfield News for the great article by David Henke, which certainly helped inform the community about the festival.

Saturday, October 09, 2010

Way Park Fall Festival

Join your neighbors and friends for a festive fall gathering in Northfield's Way Park this Saturday, October 16. Bring a carved pumpkin to adorn the park's historic stone wall, enjoy hot apple cider, caramel apples, and pumpkin treats, and gather from 6-8pm for music and dancing with Ting Ting Yang, face painting by Sharon Henry, and storytelling from Joseph Mbele.

Don't miss the lighting of the luminarias and jack-o-lanterns at dusk, around 7:15pm!

(The event will be cancelled if it rains.)

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Summer 2010 in the Park

Summer 2010 is off to a smashing start in Way Park, with a glorious Midsommar celebration and a surprisingly rain-free Books & Stars with the Mu Daiko Drums. And we've still got a full slate of family-friendly festivities happening here on Northfield's beautiful West Side in July and August.

The Library's Books & Stars program returns to Way Park on July 21 with the Splatter Sisters. And you'll want to make plans right now to spend the weekend of August 6-8 in the park, when we're hosting ELEVEN separate concerts as part of the Vintage Band Festival!

We hope you'll join your friends and neighbors at Way Park for all these great events!

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Annual Meeting: June 26


The Friends of Way Park board will hold our IRS-required annual meeting this Saturday, June 26 from 9:30-11 a.m. at the Northfield Public Library. Please join us in the lower level meeting room, near the Division Street entrance. Coffee and donuts will be provided.

Monday, June 21, 2010

Midsommar Photos

It was another gorgeous Midsommar in Way Park! Thanks to photographers Mark Heiman and Joannie Johnson for sharing their photos from last night's celebration. If you have your own images to share, you can email them to pictures@northfield.org and we'll make sure they're added to the gallery.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

It's Midsommar Time Again!

Midsommar in Way ParkCelebrate Scandinavian midsommar in Way Park on the evening of Sunday, June 20. Informal picnicking, wreath making and other family-friendly activities begin at 5 p.m. Festivities will include a midsommar processional, followed by raising of the maistang (maypole), songs and dances, games, and more. Live Nordic music will be provided by Hütenänny and friends. In case of rain, the celebration will be held at St. John's Lutheran Church.

This event is sponsored by the Friends of Way Park, Northfield Swedish Club and Sons of Norway. Bring your lawn chair, grab your family and friends, and please join us!

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

The History--and Future--of Way Park (via Northfield.org)

Photo by Rob HardyNorthfield.org has run a three-part story on Way Park, based on conversations with park neighbor David Sudermann, who has done extensive research on the park's history. The piece was written by Maia Rodriguez, a Carleton College senior working as a student journalist for the local blog.