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Third Place Commons describes programs, farmers market and fundraising goals
Summary
Third Place Commons executive director (Silja) updated the Lake Forest Park Parks Advisory Board on the organization’s 25th‑anniversary activities, its farmers market, food‑access programs (SNAP match and Market Bucks), volunteer and partnership work, and plans to expand youth and senior engagement.
Silja (last name not specified), executive director of Third Place Commons and a long‑time Lake Forest Park resident, briefed the parks advisory board on the organization’s programs, partnerships and priorities at the Feb. 25 meeting.
Silja said Third Place Commons hosts more than 90 stand‑alone and recurring events and recorded more than 20,000 participants in 2024. She highlighted the organization’s farmers market — entering its 20th anniversary — which attracts roughly 2,000–4,000 visitors each Sunday from May through October, and noted that vendors and organizers accept SNAP, WIC and senior FMNP benefits and participate in the statewide SNAP market‑match program and a local Market Bucks program (in partnership with the LFP Rotary) that distributes vouchers via community partners such as Center for Human Services and Hopelink.
"When people are provided opportunities to connect and engage in their community, they become invested and participate in ways that further build and support the community," Silja said, describing the commons’ mission to "enrich and foster real community in real space." She also said Third Place Commons provides stage sound/tech for partner performances, hosts recurring groups (writers, game nights, language conversation groups) and has recently refreshed infrastructure in the commons, including new signage, a painted north wall and a games cabinet.
Silja said fundraising and operating costs are rising and that Third Place Commons relies on city culture funding, grants and donations to cover programming and artist compensation. She outlined plans to mark the commons’ 25th anniversary with an annual fundraising breakfast and other community events, and said staff are working on outreach to young families and seniors and on partnerships to expand programming including dance classes, teen activities and indoor options during off‑season months.
Board members discussed ways the city and parks board can support Third Place Commons through promotion, event partnerships (Pack the Park, Picnic in the Park), venue improvements and volunteer recruitment. Silja invited collaboration on strategies to bring more young families to the commons — including looking at potential indoor play areas, expanded signage, QR codes for donations and creative fundraising events.
Silja also noted recent investments in technical equipment (a new projector purchased in partnership with Third Place Books) and described ongoing conversations with property owners (named in presentation as Merlone Geier) about lighting and facility improvements. The board and Silja exchanged dates for upcoming events and partnership activities, including the farmers market kickoff on Mother’s Day and a Pack the Park event on May 10.
