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.

Monday, November 10, 2014

Support Way Park on Give to the Max Day 2014

Hello Friends!

Ten years ago, Way Park bore the scars of demolition, and a street divided the space. Today, thanks to the City and Friends of Way Park, we enjoy a single lovely expanse with young trees, newly planted rain gardens, an amphitheater, and more recently, three kiosks and colorful murals on the warming house. The park is a hub of activity and a place for neighbors of all ages to connect -- on the playground, while ice skating, and at events such as Pumpkin Fest, Explore the Outdoors Day, and Yoga in the Park.

Friends of Way Park is able to move projects forward and promote community-building activities because of your support. As we look toward the future and turn our attention to upcoming initiatives, like adding creative play elements to the playground and designing a healing garden for the south end, we are asking you to help by joining the many generous donors who are carrying on the legacy of the Way sisters.

November 13 is Give to the Max Day. Every donation made on that day is especially powerful because it offers a chance for Friends of Way Park to win a $1,000 golden ticket (given hourly), medium-sized nonprofit prizes up to $10,000, and one of several super-sized golden tickets of $10,000.

It's easy to give. Just go to the Friends of Way Park page on the GiveMN site on November 13, or go now and pre-schedule your donation. You are also invited to Northfield Gives at the Grand, where you can learn about local non-profits and help one of them win a local Golden Ticket Grant, sponsored by Northfield SHARES.

Thank you for your involvement and support!

The Friends of Way Park Board

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Sunday, October 12, 2014

Pumpkin Fest 2014

Pumpkin Fest 2014

Saturday, October 25th5:00 to 7:00 PM

Costume Parade and Pumpkin Lighting at 6:00 PM

Help create a wall of pumpkins!
Wear your costume!
Facepainting!
Bonfire!
Music!
Pumpkin Carving!

Bring a pre-scooped pumpkin to carve for the wall, or bring your already carved pumpkin!


Thursday, September 25, 2014

The Way Park warming house is getting painted!




Through a FWP Board initiative to improve the appearance of the warming hut, a partnership was formed with the City and a St. Olaf College advanced studio art class on public art.

The twelve students in the class each submitted a proposal, and a jury selected the one it found to be artistically strongest and most appropriate.

The jury was composed of one member of the FWP Board, one FWP non-Board member, one City staff member, one member of the Park and Recreation Advisory Board, and one member of the Arts and Culture Commission.

Students in the class are painting this week!





Monday, July 07, 2014

Yoga in Way Park - Saturday, July 26th at 9:00 AM



Join us for another session of Yoga in Way Park on Saturday, July 26th at 9:00 AM at the Amphitheater.

This is a make-up session for the June 14th event that was cancelled due to weather.

As before, the sessions are free and open to all ages and abilities. Supervision at the playground will be provided and some yoga mats will be available.

Yoga in Way Park is possible due to a generous grant from Northfield Hospital and Clinics.



Thursday, June 05, 2014

Spruce up the Park: this Saturday!

Friends and neighbors: please join us for a "Spruce Up the Park" event this Saturday, June 7 at 10:30 am (weather permitting). We'll meet at the First Street rain garden for weeding and light gardening. Bring your gardening tools if it's convenient. THANK YOU!

Thursday, May 29, 2014

Annual Meeting: Tuesday, June 3

There's a lot going on in the park this spring! Please join us to learn more about what's been happening and what's coming up at our Annual Meeting, which will take place on Tuesday, June 3rd, at 7:00 pm, in the Fireside Room at St. John's church. One important item on the agenda is to elect four new members to the Board.

Yoga Returns to the Park!

A generous grant from Northfield Hospital and Clinics allows us to offer three sessions of yoga in Way Park. Sessions begin THIS Saturday morning, May 31 at at 10:30 am, and repeating on June 14 and June 28.

These yoga sessions are free and open to all ages and abilities, and will be led by instructor Katie Felland. Supervision at the playground will be provided. Bring a water bottle and yoga mat, if you have one (we have a small set of yoga mats available as needed), and bring your friends and spread the word!

Monday, April 28, 2014

Explore the Outdoors: May 10 in Way Park

explore the outdoors logoThe Friends of Way Park, together with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and PBS stations across the country, announce the second annual Explore the Outdoors gathering on Saturday, May 10 in Northfield’s Way Park.

The Explore the Outdoors event was inspired by a PBS and NRPA initiative to get kids outdoors. PBS has a month of children's programming related to "earth themes," and this year they've created a new website called Plum Landing, which they launched right before Earth Day. In cooperation with NRPA, they have put together some resources for parents and activity sheets.

Once again, FWP is partnering with several local organizations to present a full afternoon of outdoor fun. The event will take place in Way Park from 1:00–4:00 pm on Saturday, May 10, and will include:
See you in the park!


Friday, February 14, 2014

March 8: Benefit Concert for Way Park


The Friends of Way Park invite you to a benefit concert for Way Park on Saturday, March 8 at Northfield's First UCC Church. The music of Mozart, Rebecca Clarke and others, featuring violist/violinist Andrea Een with Minneapolis Orchestra violinist Taichi Chen and keyboardist Theo Wee.

Free deserts and a special jazz surprise after the concert in the Assembly Room. Suggested Donation: $10 general admission; $5 for youth 15 and under.

First UCC is located at 300 Union Street in Northfield.

(Thanks to Judy Swanson for another gorgeous poster!)