Shade canopies, solar-power lights coming to Westgate Commons Park

A package of shade and public safety improvements sought for Westgate Commons Park is the only Monitor area project to make the first cut in the city’s 2027-2028 Long-Range Capital Improvement Budget (CIB) recommendations.

Mayor Kaohly Her was to receive the recommendations by July 1, for inclusion in the 2027 city budget.

The committee wrapped up its work in mid-June, following a public hearing June 8 at Arlington Hills Community Center. In even-numbered years community groups and individuals can submit proposals for smaller-scale, neighborhood-focused projects. Typically, $1 million is spent over two years.

Located at 717 Berry St., Westgate Commons Park is a newer 1.5-acre park located three blocks south of the Westgate light rail station on the border of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. It features a picnic area, barbecue grills, small play structure and open lawn area. Its neighborhood includes elderly and affordable family housing.

The Westgate proposal was submitted by St. Anthony Park Community Council. In its submission the district council pointed out the heavily used park lacks shade during the day and adequate lighting at night.

The proposal called for solar-powered, pedestrian-scale lighting to eliminate dark areas at the park. Permanent shade canopies are also sought as the park lacks the mature trees with shade that benefit other parks.

In 2023, SAPCC surveyed 168 park users and nearby residents. The absence of shade was overwhelmingly identified as the park’s primary infrastructure gap. Respondents described the space as too hot to stay and use during summer months.

Westgate ranked fifth of five projects recommended for funding, with $124,000.
Other area requests, for Horton Park lighting ($89,650), two different pedestrian safety improvements near Hamline Avenue and Ayd Mill Road ($172,620 and $222,480) and $1 million for a public toboggan chute, didn’t make the cut. One place eyed for the toboggan chute was McMurray Field.

The Hamline Avenue requests drew speakers in opposition, who pointed out that the route chosen would negatively affect the Eleanor Graham Community Garden and possibly its historic oak tree.

Hamline-Midway resident Kevin Dahlin spoke for Horton Park lighting at the June 8 public hearing. He is a member of the Hamline Midway Coalition Transportation Committee. He asked the CIB Committee to reconsider not funding the park request, saying park lighting would make walkways safer. He described it as a need but also the kind of “low hanging fruit” type of request that doesn’t get the attention it deserves.
The top-ranked project citywide is the Capitol View communal garden and orchard infrastructure project ($250,000) on the city’s West Side. It is followed by Marydale Park lighting and walkway improvements ($350,500), Battle Creek skate park lighting ($40,340) and Dousman Park improvements ($475,000).

The 2027-2028 process was unusual because of the number of ineligible requests. Of 39 proposals submitted by the March deadline, 24 were ineligible. But 22 were first-time submissions, which may have been a factor.

Eligible CIB projects must be capital in nature, be on city-owned property, have a useful life of at least 10 years, and have a public purpose. Money cannot be used for program or operating expenses.