SUMMERSIDE — The City of Summerside is now accepting applications for community block parties, the soonest of which could be held on July 12.
Last year, the Community Services Department launched a pilot project at Meadow Heights Park, an effort to bring neighbours together for an evening of socializing for all ages.
“Although most of us wave or maybe even greet our neighbours with a quick hello, we never really meet the people that live a few doors down,” said city Coun. Tyler Desroches, chairman of the community services committee. “The goal of these parties is to put an end to that and create relationships with those that live around us.”
Once the party was announced, community members in Meadow Heights stepped forward and expanded the event. Ball hockey games were organized and bouncy castles were ordered.
“That really was the end goal of this project,” said JP Desrosiers, the city’s director of community services. “We wanted to bring a barbecue and some music and then let the community take control and make it their own.”
Summerside Block Party dates for this summer include:
– July 12
– July 26
– Aug. 9
– Aug. 23
Due to the success of the pilot, city staff are planning dates for 2018 parties and are hoping to hold four this year.
Members of the communities can submit an application to host a block party at their local park by completing the online application by 4 p.m. on June 1. The community member submitting the application will be responsible for promoting and organizing the event. Party locations will be announced on June 2.
The parties will be held 5 to 7 p.m. Generation XX will bring the barbecue and the Community Services Block Party Team will bring the music and any approved city assets requested to ensure a safe and enjoyable event. Members of the community will do the rest.
For more information or to complete an application, visit cupevents.ca/SsideBlockParties or email Krista Shields at [email protected].
