Westside Neighbors Reconnect at Bristol Park Neighborhood Café
Article Written By: Maria Cordova
Saturday, September 26, brought Westside neighbors together for a lively Westside Coffee and Hangout at Bristol Park. Over coffee, lemonade, and donuts, 23 neighbors reconnected with familiar faces, welcomed new neighbors, and enjoyed a beautiful morning in their local park.
The event was organized by Maria Cordova, Neighborhood Leader and Community Coordinator for District 3. Maria signed up her Westside Coffee and Hangout as a Hey Neighbor Neighborhood Café and a 150 Tables Across COS event. Through the program, just six neighbors need to attend for the group to receive a free travel box of coffee from Hey Neighbor sponsor Kangaroo Coffee.
With 23 neighbors attending, the event far exceeded that goal. Maria ordered an additional travel box of coffee on her own and provided donuts and lemonade to help make the gathering even more welcoming.
The morning offered plenty of opportunities for fun and conversation. Neighbors competed in a couple of friendly games of cornhole, while others passed around a soccer ball and football. The relaxed atmosphere made it easy for people to meet, share stories, and build new connections.
Maria promoted the gathering in several creative ways. She designed a flyer in Canva and invited neighbors through text messages, emails, door-to-door conversations, and flyers left at neighbors’ doors. Her efforts helped bring together a diverse group of Westside residents who might not otherwise have had the chance to connect.
The gathering also sparked an enthusiastic exchange of ideas about future ways to keep Westside neighbors engaged. Justin Trudeau, president of the Organization of Westside Neighbors, joined in the fun and shared opportunities for neighbors to get involved. These included attending future community gatherings such as WestFest 2027 and volunteering for the November 15th Westside Community Center Playground Cleanup.
Bristol-area neighbors also shared information about the annual historic walking tours given by Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum Curator and neighbor Leah Davis Witherow, offering a glimpse into the area’s rich history. Members of the Historic Mesa Road Action Committee discussed their efforts to preserve Historic Mesa Road and encouraged neighbors to learn more about this important local landmark.
By the end of the morning, it was clear that the Neighborhood Café was about more than coffee and donuts. Spending a few hours together at Bristol Park sparked fresh ideas, strengthened community connections, and built excitement for future Westside gatherings.
For neighbors looking for an easy and enjoyable way to connect with their community, hosting a neighborhood café can be a great place to start. With a simple invitation, a few refreshments, and a welcoming local space, neighbors can turn an ordinary morning into a meaningful community gathering.
