Reasoning & Evidence
Community centers are a promising strategy for fostering social connection and reducing loneliness. While more research needs to be conducted, evidence currently suggests that the spaces allow community members to interact and therefore build social networks, which can in turn provide individuals with increased resources and support (3, 8). Having a communal space might also encourage greater community and civic engagement because these spaces often have partnerships with local groups (9, 8). Public libraries can have the same effects. For example, many communities use public libraries as voting locations and spaces for community activities or meetings (1). Additionally, they can provide information regarding community resources and services (1).
Community greenspaces are another example of public gathering spaces. When residents have access to greenspaces like gardens, parks, and walking paths they are able to interact more frequently with others, develop relationships, and feel a sense of social cohesion (1, 4, 6). Additionally, studies have found that individuals who lack access to green spaces are more likely to report feeling lonely and less likely to feel supported (2). Greenspaces can especially help connect residents in urban areas, but use of these spaces is dependent on how well they are maintained and how safe they are perceived (1, 3, 5).
Examples of Community Implementation
Community leaders in Fayetteville, Arkansas transformed a small parking lot near their Mount Sequoyah Retreat Center to a lively community center that offers youth camp programs, art exhibits, musical performances, swimming lessons, and outdoor seating for residents to connect with one another. They’ve also received a 2023 Community Placemaking Grant from funder Project for Public Spaces, which will help them increase navigation around the Mount Sequoyah campus and residents’ experience. These annual grants award non-profits or local government agencies with $80,000 in financial support as well as support with design, implementation, research, and community engagement efforts. Additionally, Project for Public Spaces prioritizes awarding grants to historically marginalized communities where public spaces often go unused by residents.
Across the country, local stakeholders from all backgrounds have formed a national coalition called Groundwork USA to revitalize dilapidated or unused spaces into community green spaces. In Richmond, California, leaders came together to co-create a reimagined Unity Park, which now features play areas, public seating, gardens, art, biking and walking paths, and public restrooms to encourage community use of the space and interaction with one another. Watch this video to learn more.
Since 2009, Cities of Service has been partnering with local community leaders by providing Love Your Block grants to repair and revive neighborhood spaces. The grant allocates $100,000 to local governments over two years and offers the city support from two AmeriCorps VISTA members and the Cities of Service staff. Since its founding, “[m]ore than 26,000 community members have revitalized over 3,500 community spaces, creating nearly 750 art displays, cleaning 98,000 square feet of graffiti, removing 6 million pounds of trash, and much more.”
Reference: Action Guide for Building Socially Connected Communities