City of Neighborhoods: Joannes Park

GREEN BAY – The Joannes Park Neighborhood Association (NA) made sure to come back with a bang after their reformation post-COVID — one of many reasons they were awarded with the Phoenix Award by Green Bay Neighborhoods (GBN) that same year.

This award represented the NA’s “rise from the ashes” mindset going into their reformation, said Alyssa Proffitt, who rotated in between vice president and president of Joannes Park since they reformed in late 2021.

“We really hit the ground running,” said Proffitt.

GBN president Tarl Knight made sure to shout out Joannes Park for coordinating one of his favorite NA projects, the same project that Proffitt shared as her own personal favorite: their community fridge.

The fridge “fairs as a hub for those who have excess foods that they want to donate or for those who maybe need to take whatever they want and share whatever they’re able,” said Proffitt.

The fridge has been an active project for the past three years; since then, has been consistently accessible at all times and is located at Joannes Park’s community policing center.

Proffitt also had a shout out of her own for Joannes Park resident Ron Morris.

“We wouldn’t be able to do anything without Ron … He diligently shows up to every meeting and is always a quick message away. He regularly stocks our community fridges with water bottles, which is our biggest need, especially in summer time, and he always does it without seeking any recognition,” said Proffitt.

“He’s just a phenomenal neighbor to have. Everyone needs a Ron in their neighborhood.”

For anyone interested in donating, using or simply learning more about the fridge, head to “The Fridge at Joannes Park” on Facebook.

As for the additional work that the NA has done, they have repainted their free community library, as well as hosted a miniature music festival this past year, titled Joannes Jam.

This showcases five local artists across two stages for an afternoon of community fun, with free walking tacos and additional snacks for those attending.

Proffitt shared that their NA plans to host Joannes Jam again in the future, but was unable this summer due to busy schedules.

“Just from a planning perspective, we didn’t have enough hands on deck to make it happen this year, but hopefully in the future we’ll see (Joannes Jam) continue to blossom,” said Proffitt.

Proffitt also shared that the Joannes Park NA is always looking for more friends, neighbors and residents alike to join in the goodwill that is spread by the NA.

For those interested, Joannes Park will host their annual meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 13, at 6 p.m. in the park, where there will be free ice cream and a few guest visits from state and local legislatures.

The Joannes Park NA also hosts quarterly board meetings at the city east center on the corner of Walnut and Roosevelt that are open to everyone.

The meetings are on the second Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. and the next three will be in November, February and May.

“We’re a neighborhood for everyone,” Proffit emphasized.

“That’s what the Neighborhood Association is all about– to come together and support each other. I think that’s why the fridge has been so successful– that’s our way we can show we are rallying around each other, especially in times when people are in need.”

For more information about the Joannes Park NA, find “Joannes Park Neighborhood” on Facebook.

For those interested in becoming involved in the Joannes Park NA, contact Alyssa at aproffitt@joannespark.org.