Lowell to Host Fall Block Party at St. Louis Park on Oct. 30

Lowell will host a community Block Party on Thursday, Oct. 30, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Saint Louis Park, 424 W. Sixth St. The event aims to engage residents in sharing their ideas about the park's future.

According to a City of Lowell announcement, this free event will feature live music, food, swag, and kid-friendly activities. A display will showcase resident-informed designs for park improvements, including riverfront enhancements, natural spaces, an outdoor classroom, and upgraded entrances and pathways.

Lowell's Department of Planning and Development is leading the project, supported by Agency Landscape + Planning. This effort is being funded through grants, including a $979,120 MVP Action Grant, more than $575,000 in CDBG funds, and a $5 million EPA grant for site cleanup. All contribute to long-term waterfront development efforts.

While phase-one improvements, such as updates to the playground and basketball courts, are already underway, the Oct. 30 event will focus on the second phase of the project. This phase involves expanding the park across VFW Highway to the Merrimack River.

According to the City of Lowell, Saint Louis Park is in Lowell's Centralville neighborhood. The park and Centralville face intensifying climate hazards, including extreme heat, poor air quality, and flooding. A new "Sponge Park" design has been proposed that combines strategies to mitigate climate hazards, bolster riverfront experiences, and create inviting community gathering spaces. More details about the "Sponge Park" are available online.