The sun shone on Ballard Corners Park on a recent Saturday, bringing with it ardent volunteers and joyful revelers. Eighteen enthusiastic people helped with weeding and spreading 5 cubic yards of wood chip mulch. This level of community support is all the evidence anyone needs to show that pocket parks create vital urban neighborhoods. Ballard Corners Park has become a neighborhood gem in these past months since opening in October 2009. Passers by come to take photographs of themselves sitting in the "living room," children climb and spin on the play structure, families play ball and picnic on the lawn.

On this particular Saturday, after volunteers had completed the bulk of their work, along came a group, several of whom were dressed in Star Wars outfits, to celebrate a 5 year old's birthday. They festooned the "corner store" with balloons, streamers and a piñata; spread cake and goodies on the countertops; and set up face painting and games on the lawn. For an afternoon the park was their outdoor home away from home. The delightful spectacle brought joy not only to the party-goes, but also to those lucky enough to witness it.

Help keep this park an attraction for all who come at a work party, 9am-2pm Sat. March 5.