Reasoning & Evidence
Evidence shows that mixed-use, walkable neighborhoods – as opposed to single-use, car-dependent neighborhoods – allow residents to interact more with one another and encourage them to use community spaces more frequently (1, 2, 5). Conversely, transportation by car reduces the likelihood of social interaction (7). Residents of walkable neighborhoods are also more likely to know and trust their neighbor as well as participate socially and politically in the community (1, 4). Even brief or fleeting interactions can help establish a familiarity between community members, which can eventually develop into a quality connection and encourage neighborly acts between residents (3, 4, 6)
Examples of Community Implementation
In Hamilton County, Tennessee, residents could not easily access outdoor spaces nor were they allowed on public school grounds. To overcome this barrier, the local health department, school board, and other community organizations agreed to open school grounds up to the public on weekends and holidays. Together, they also created more welcoming signage to replace trespassing signs that were previously posted around schools. The success of this initiative has led these partners to now focus on building more amenities on the school grounds, which will benefit both students and residents.
In Atlanta, Georgia, the Department of City Planning, MARTA transit authority, and the Atlanta United Foundation worked together to transform underused public transit land into a network of mini soccer fields. Each StationSoccer site was envisioned as a gathering place to build community and support youth education and development, as well as transit-oriented development that attracts new commercial and residential development, enhances the public realm, and serves as the foundation for healthy and more equitable neighborhoods. This coalition of public, private, and civic interests enabled the creation of a unique urban development ecosystem that knits communities together through mass transit and the world’s most popular game – soccer.
Reference: Action Guide for Building Socially Connected Communities