On September 14, St. Anthony-New Brighton School District invited community members, representatives from Hennepin County, St. Anthony Sports Boosters, and the City of St. Anthony Village to celebrate the completion of the Hennepin Youth Sports grant projects.

In December 2012, Hennepin County’s Board of Commissioners approved the 2012 Hennepin Youth Sports grants and St. Anthony-New Brighton School District was awarded a $249,000 facilities grant and an additional $8700 grant for gymnastics equipment. The 2012 grant program included twelve awards for facility improvements which totaled almost $2.2 million.

Each year, Hennepin County provides over $2 million dollars in grant funds to support facilities that will encourage and expand youth participation in athletics. Grant funds are made possible by a portion of Hennepin County sales tax revenue as part of the Minnesota Twins stadium legislation, and are awarded by the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners. All grant applications are reviewed by the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission.

The grant awarded to St. Anthony-New Brighton School District provided for improvements to Wilshire Park Elementary and the Dennison Field complex. At Wilshire Park Elementary, improvements included the construction of a new soccer field and perimeter fence. In addition, with support from the Wilshire Park Parents Association (WPPA), a new playground was also installed at the school.

At the Dennison Field complex, improvements included the installation of an energy efficient lighting system and a perimeter fence. Support from the St. Anthony Football Parents group and the Sports Boosters made the grant possible by providing matching funds.