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.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Photos from Midsommar 2012

It was a perfect evening for a festival in the park as Northfielders gathered for the seventh annual Midsommar celebration! Thanks to the Northfield Swedish Club, the Sons of Norway, Judy Swanson, Eleanor Croone, and all the volunteers who made it happen. Thanks to the musicians and dancers, wreath-makers and paraders for making it a festive event, and to Laura & Mark Heiman and Doug Bratland for sharing these photos.



Here's another batch of photos from Angela Lauterbach at Northfield Patch (who also earn thanks for helping publicize the event):
And there are two more excellent photo galleries from Audrey Kletscher Helbling on her blog, Minnesota Prairie Roots:

Friday, June 15, 2012

Midsommar in Way Park: Sunday, June 24

Celebrate Northfield's annual Scandinavian Midsommar in Way Park on Sunday, June 24! Informal picnicking, wreath making, and other family-friendly activities begin at 5:30 p.m. Bring your family & friends, a picnic supper, and a blanket or chairs. (Tables and a few chairs, lemonade, and ice water will be provided.)

Enjoy live music, games, dancing, a midsommar processional and raising of the maypole in the NEW south half of the park.

The event is hosted by the Friends of Way Park, Northfield Swedish Club, and Sons of Norway. The rain site is St. John's Lutheran at 3rd & Plum Street.

Tuesday, June 05, 2012

Annual Meeting: Tuesday, June 12

The Friends of Way Park 2012 Annual Meeting will be next Tuesday, June 12 at 7pm in the Fireside Room of St. John's Lutheran Church, 500 Third Street West.

You've watched grading and seeding and path construction in the past few  years—join us to hear our immediate plans and our distant dreams! We'll also thank our outgoing board members—Cahrene and Dan Dimick and Chris Kauffeld—and vote in the new 2012-13 board members.

Monday, June 04, 2012

Photo Gallery: Rain Garden Planting

Two new rain gardens were planted in Way Park the weekend of May 20th, thanks to the efforts of volunteers who showed up to help. The gardens are the result of a partnership among Friends of Way Park, the Cannon River Watershed Partnership, and the City of Northfield, plus grant support from the Northfield Area Foundation.

Rain gardens do a remarkable job of filtering water and keeping it in the ground, and thus limiting run-off and the silting of rivers all the way to the Mississippi. These are demonstration gardens intended to inspire homeowners. For more about rain gardens and building your own, visit the Maplewood Rain Gardens web page.