District 12
Sip & Stroll brings neighbors into “full bloom” at the SAP Community Garden
On Aug. 5, more than 75 neighbors gathered for the annual Sip & Stroll event at the St. Anthony Park Community Garden—a warm evening of music among blooming flowers, vegetables and prairie grasses.
This year, gardeners and their friends in the St. Anthony Park Community Council invited the wider community to take part in this 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 between Raymond Avenue and Highway 280, the SAP Community Garden is 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 garden’s steering committee, chaired by Sue Conner and Kristen Olson, who have helped shape the space alongside a deeply committed team of neighbors.
Today, the garden includes more than 90 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,” Conner said.
Throughout the evening, guests explored the garden paths, talked with gardeners and enjoyed live music by Nick Jordan and Mike Wilson (on clarinet and guitar). District 12 provided refreshments.
“This garden is a space where people connect across generations and root into the land and each other,” said Angela Casselton, executive director of the Creative Enterprise Zone. “I’ve loved watching it grow, year after year.”
Also attending 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 have long supported community-led initiatives like the garden.
“The garden is a great example of what happens when local leadership and long-term partnerships come together,” Netz said.
Behind the current garden plots lies a section of land that the gardeners and District 12 have slowly been preparing to remediate and expand into. The vision: A new native berry orchard, more growing space, expanded habitat for pollinators and more neighbors involved.
The soil alone will cost nearly $20,000, but hope is strong to accomplish this work. Gardeners under the leadership of Sue, Kristen, Sherman Eagles and a dedicated team continue to lead the way.
Learn more at sapcc.org/community-garden. To support the garden, go to givemn.org/organization/SAPCC.
Community garage sale
The District 12 Community garage Sale is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Sept. 5 and 6. Neighbors are invited to register early for what promises to be a great weekend of treasure hunting and fun.
To register your garage sale or to get more information about the event, visit sapcc.org/sale.
Ice cream social Sept. 13 at Hampden Park
Get ready for a delightful afternoon of community, connection and free ice cream!
The St. Anthony Park Community Council invites you to its annual ice cream social at Hampden Park.
The event will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13, right across the street from the Hampden Park Co-op, 928 Raymond Ave. Meet your neighbors, enjoy a variety of ice cream flavors from Ben & Jerry’s and learn about the local organizations that make our community so special.
Upcoming District 12 meetings
District 12 encourages neighbors to attend monthly committee meetings, available in-person and online. Learn more and get involved at sapcc.org.
• Land Use Committee: 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 4
• District 12 Board: 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 11
• Environment Committee: 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 24
• Equity Committee: 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 25
• Transportation Committee: 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 30
Submitted by District 12 executive director Zev Radziwill.