This spring has me thinking a lot about renewal, resilience, and community. In the last year I have connected directly with at least 8 Neighborhood or Condo associations in the district by attending meetings, cookouts, and other social gatherings. I have had conversations with folks who are looking to restart their neighborhood association and was able to attend a packed re-launch meeting of a different neighborhood. I love every opportunity to see neighbors coming together to build community and look forward to expanding this work and doing what I can to support neighborhoods across the district.
The Public Market, Imagination Center Library, and Bartillon Shelter all embody decades of planning, investment, community input, and hope. Having toured the Shelter and Public Market multiple times, I know both spaces hold so much potential for our community. The Imagination Center fills a huge gap in services and meeting space for the Northeast side. We get to see the positive community impacts of these projects this year, and these are just the highest profile. 2026 will also see the start of the North Area Planning process, at least 3 different park plans in the district, and preparation for the Castle Creek (Trailsway) flood mitigation project to come next year.
The Warner Park Community Recreation Center expansion is still putting the finishing touches on the old gym as well as the fitness center with a grand opening planned for July. There is also work planned to revamp the amphitheater on the grounds behind the building and pickleball courts are coming to the southeast area of the park. Parks Alive and NewBridge Summer Concerts are free event series’ held at Warner Park throughout summer to bring together community members of all ages and I am grateful we have this space on the Northside.
