If you ask where to find a great Fourth of July parade in Topeka, Collins Park is likely to be the answer. The neighborhood of winding roads and big trees has an old fashioned community feel that makes it a perfect place to start our neighborhood of the month series.
The area, which consists of many picturesque English Tudor, Colonial and Cape Cod style homes, is bounded by Oakley on the west, Randolph on the East, Huntoon on the north and 15th on south. It was developed in the 1920s with about 200 homes. The schoolyard of Randolph elementary school lies just to the east, and on its western corner is the arts and business district of Westboro Shopping Center. The centrally located neighborhood is filled with young families, but also has residents who have made it their home for decades.
Collins Park itself is a large green-space extending from 15th street four blocks through the middle of the neighborhood to Huntoon. It is the center of life for neighbors and what helps make Collins Park a Heartland Healthy Neighborhood.
The park is the location of many celebrations and events including an annual neighborhood Easter egg hunt, 4th of July Parade, fall pot-luck dinner, a new Halloween celebration and Luminaries at Christmas time.
Many neighbors take great pride in their landscaping, perhaps as a way to pay homage to the large oaks that line their park. Collins Park has hosted several garden tours, and neighbors plan to invite public to tour their yards again this spring.
By far, the most popular event for neighbors and friends is their Fourth of July Parade. It brings former neighbors back and current neighbors together every year to continue a tradition that has lasted nearly 40 years.
Watch the Parade:
Heartland Healthy Neighborhoods 
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