Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Wow, time is flying by! It is already March, a very special time in our neighborhood when we celebrate the Irish heritage of so many who have lived in this area for generations – but you don’t have to be Irish to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in this neighborhood! The South Side Irish Parade Committee has put together another great parade for every neighbor to enjoy on Sunday March 12 along Western Ave.
For 70 years the Beverly Area Planning Association has been organizing community around economic development, housing, safety and schools and today is no different. Community organizing is all about building grassroots support. It’s about identifying the people around you with whom you can create a common, passionate cause. That is why we spend so much time and energy supporting our civic associations and recently park advisory councils.
In recent weeks neighbors who frequent Kennedy Park and Ridge Park have formed advisory councils. The members of these councils are advocates for the community and work with park staff to ensure quality programming for our community as well as apply for grants to support facilities. These groups are volunteer their time to make all of our experience at these public spaces even better. Kennedy Park recently launched a Go Fund Me page to purchase new chairs for the pool deck and Ridge Park is hosting a painting party to continue to highlight it as not only a gymnasium but also a cultural center – home to the Vanderpoel Art Collection.
We are so lucky to have an engaged community willing to put it he time and effort it takes to make sure our community is beautiful for another 70 years.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day,
Margot
