The spaces that bind communities
Do you go out of the house and socialize?
If you live in a condominium unit or an exclusive village, you probably spend time in the gym, on a running path, or even in the swimming pool.
But chances are, except for the occasional small talk, you probably don’t feel inclined to talk to anyone. Due to the daily rush, or perhaps just a sense of introversion, only a few actually get out of their way to befriend neighbors.
Many of us, after all, like to keep to ourselves even in public places. While this helps maintain privacy, you have to admit, it can get lonely sometimes.
Real estate developers, however, are slowly introducing elements in our neighborhoods that encourage community ties. From pickleball courts to Zumba dance halls, some spaces are actually designed for us to drop our guard, make new friends, and have fun in the process.
Today, let us discover new areas in our neighborhood that pave the way for socialization. If you’re looking for some community spirit, these are the places where you’ll probably gain that warm sense of belonging.
Clubhouse
The town hall or clubhouse is probably the first place that comes to mind when you think of community gatherings.
After all, holiday parties, council gatherings and sometimes religious masses are conducted here. These social activities offer the best opportunities to get to know your neighbors. It also gives you an excuse to exhibit your skill sets to the world if you plan to share some baked goods or help decorate facilities.
The clubhouse is not only a place for functions; it also represents the community as a whole. While parties held here are often joyous occasions, the number of people that can be accommodated here is often limited. If you’re looking for a bigger crowd, a bigger venue might be the better place to go.
Sports centers
Courts—whether for basketball, volleyball or any sport for that matter—can also provide spaces for human connections. You’ll always find something exciting happening before you. Not only do large-scale places provide us a venue to pursue our passions, but we also get to rub elbows with like-minded individuals.
If you’re looking for friends who share the same interests as you, these are the places to be. Not only do you get to enjoy the sports that you follow, but you also get to be part of the community that celebrates it. These places also help build the local economy, as they pave the way for business opportunities such as booth rentals and merchandise markets.
Open fields
Open fields serve as flexible spaces when it comes to community activities. They can cater to football tournaments, baseball practices, Frisbee games and other outdoor sports.
Such spaces allow surrounding neighborhoods to enjoy benefits similar to indoor venues but often with fewer expenses involved in terms of maintenance, construction and security.
At the same time, open fields also encourage visitors to bask in the beauty of nature. This is particularly beneficial to young kids as they are more inclined to drop the gadgets and enjoy classic outdoor play.
Open air activities further promote health and fitness, life skills, and sports camaraderie. It’s like giving your child the opportunity to have some active fun at an age when most kids just stay at home and play on their devices. If there’s an opportunity for you or your kids to enjoy outdoor sports, grab it and get ready to have the best time of your life.
Community spaces that enrich your life
If you’re looking for some work-life balance, or just hoping to make some new friends, head over to your nearest community venue.
Beyond socialization, town halls, sports centers and open fields encourage us to pursue our health, build our intra- and interpersonal skills, and gain a sense of belongingness. If our homes provide shelter, community spaces, meanwhile, give us avenues to hone our talents and build our confidence.
Whether you’re young or young at heart, it’s never too late to enjoy sports and have a good time with neighbors. Communities enrich our lives for the better, and you can always enjoy some sunshine and play while you’re at it.
Photo sources: Jonathan Petersson, Colon Freld, Trae Collins, and friendly via pexels.com
