By Beth Sluys
Northside News

When Andrea Meade and the board members of the Lerdahl Park Neighborhood Association (LPNA) decided to host a fundraiser for The River Food Pantry, the event in the local park took on a new meaning. Light Up Lerdahl Park with Love, a luminary lighted walk through the park, would be an event to foster the coming together of neighbors to spend time in nature as well as addressing a real community need.

Originally planned for Valentine’s Day, the bitter cold delayed the lighting of the luminaries until Feb. 20. Neighbors were offered the opportunity to put messages on the luminary bags, and there were many, including a message for the area’s well known and beloved dogs. The event raised over $450.

“It was great to see people out enjoying the park in winter. Weather permitting, we may decide to host this event again in future years in addition to the annual picnic in the park in September and the neighborhood yard sale,” said Amy Marsman, LPNA board member. (The neighborhood yard sale this year is planned for
May 14‒15.)

For more information about the LPNA, upcoming events or to contact Andrea Meade, LPNA board president, the email address is lerdahlpark@gmail.com.