Night to Unite Recap – Tennisioux Park

On a warm and clear evening, over 215 neighbors gathered at Tennisioux Park for this year’s Night to Unite, doubling the attendance of our first event. The park was alive with conversation, laughter, and a sense of shared purpose.

A few large tents served as the hub of activity, where neighbors could check in, share ideas on a visioning board, and enjoy root beer floats made with New York vanilla ice cream and 1919 Root Beer. Nearby, a game of Family Ultimate Frisbee brought out the “spirit of the game” and plenty of smiles. The rules were designed to keep younger players at the center of the action, with passes to a younger teammate required for a score and mulligans for the smallest participants. Several kids played enthusiastically from start to finish.  The best part is that a few had never played before.

Representatives from the Burnsville Police Department, the City of Burnsville, and the school district joined the gathering, including the assistant superintendent. Their presence added an important connection between local institutions and the neighborhood’s ongoing efforts.

Hosting the event at Tennisioux Park was intentional. Both the park and the adjacent school property play a vital role in community life, yet face uncertainty due to potential sale and development. Holding Night to Unite here was both a celebration of the space and a reminder of what is at stake.

The evening was a success in every sense, strengthening relationships, showcasing the value of our shared spaces, and building momentum for the work ahead. This is the kind of gathering that reminds us what is possible when neighbors come together with intention and care for the place they call home.