Fall Highlights in West of Washington
In the West of Washington neighborhood, community is taking shape through simple, steady moments of connection. Over the past few months, neighbors in Meadow Lanes have been gathering to talk about what they care about, share meals, and imagine what it could look like for their neighborhood to feel even more connected.
A small group of neighbors has been meeting regularly as the Meadow Lanes Dream Team. These gatherings are less about formal planning and more about listening, building trust, and dreaming together about how shared spaces and relationships can grow. One idea that continues to rise to the surface is the neighborhood playground. Neighbors have been talking about how this common space might host barbecues, informal get-togethers, and activities that bring families together, as well as what it could look like to improve the space over time.
In December, those conversations spilled into a wider neighborhood gathering with “Warm Hands, Full Heart,” a winter event hosted at Resurrection Life Church. Neighbors from Meadow Lanes and Harbor Village were invited in for chili, hot chocolate, cookie decorating, and crafts. Around 30 people came through the doors, and the response was simple and consistent: people enjoyed being together and hoped it wouldn’t be the last time.
Connection in West of Washington often happens face to face. For now, neighbors are most likely to hear about events through flyers, text messages, or a quick conversation. There’s also a growing desire to create a monthly neighborhood newsletter, an idea Rolunda hopes to build alongside her kids as another way to keep people in the loop and connected.
Trust-building remains central to this work. On the third Saturday of each month, leaders in the West of Washington neighborhood are setting aside time to share a meal and strengthen relationships, knowing that strong community grows out of consistent presence.
Looking ahead, there’s excitement about what might be possible this year. These moments may seem small on their own, but together they tell a larger story of neighbors showing up, listening well, and slowly shaping a more connected West of Washington.
If you live in West of Washington or care about seeing strong, neighbor-led community in Holland, we’d love to hear from you! Email West of Washington Neighborhood Connector, Rolunda Culbreath, to learn more about getting connected. Whether you’re interested in helping plan gatherings, sharing ideas, or simply getting to know your neighbors, there’s room to be part of what’s growing here.
