Community-Led Gathering Place and Child-Directed Play Space - Central Corridor
Summary:
We envision a free community gathering space, easily accessible via public transit, where people of all ages can meet for a variety of social and creative opportunities. We will work closely with St. Paul residents to determine what the community would like to see offered in the space.
Initial ideas include:
• Child-directed adventure play room: A room full of scrap items (cardboard, fabric, paper rolls, tape, wood, etc) that kids could use to construct forts, mazes, tunnels-- anything they can imagine.
• Weekly dances with a rotation of local and cultural music. Held at kid-friendly hours.
• Lounge area for socializing, playing games, knitting circles, working on puzzles, etc.
• Studio areas for working on arts and crafts projects and sharing ideas
• Music room where youth and families can experiment with provided instruments, get basic instruction, play along with other musicians or record a song.
• Community performance area – residents/kids can sign up to put on a performance.
• Community groups can sign up to sponsor activities and events.
Every neighborhood should have a community-led gathering space, but first we need to figure out what works and how to create self-sustaining centers. We would start by setting up a pilot program to test the concept and refine the model. To support the Central Corridor development strategy and bring more customers to the area, our pilot location would be on University Avenue, near one of the light rail stations.
We would spend a portion of the money to purchase and set up a space. The remainder would be invested in order to generate funds for ongoing operating costs. Once the model for a community-led gathering space is refined, we would like to work with St. Paul Parks and Recreation to bring the concept to community centers throughout the city.
About You
About You
First Name
Jennifer
Last Name
Strahan
City
St. Paul
County
Ramsey
Country
United States, MN
Website (if you have one)
Names of others who helped contribute to my idea
Union Park District Council, Traecy McJilton
How did you hear about the Forever Saint Paul Challenge?
Pioneer Press
About Your Organization (if applicable)
Organization Name (if applicable)
Union Park District Council
Organization Website
Organization Phone
(651) 645-6887
Organization Address
Suite LL100 1570 Concordia Ave St. Paul, MN 55104
City
St. Paul
Organization Country
United States, MN, Ramsey County
Your idea
Title of your idea
Community-Led Gathering Place and Child-Directed Play Space - Central Corridor
Give us the highlights of your idea for making Saint Paul great (2,000 characters maximum or approx. 250 words)
We envision a free community gathering space, easily accessible via public transit, where people of all ages can meet for a variety of social and creative opportunities. We will work closely with St. Paul residents to determine what the community would like to see offered in the space.
Initial ideas include:
• Child-directed adventure play room: A room full of scrap items (cardboard, fabric, paper rolls, tape, wood, etc) that kids could use to construct forts, mazes, tunnels-- anything they can imagine.
• Weekly dances with a rotation of local and cultural music. Held at kid-friendly hours.
• Lounge area for socializing, playing games, knitting circles, working on puzzles, etc.
• Studio areas for working on arts and crafts projects and sharing ideas
• Music room where youth and families can experiment with provided instruments, get basic instruction, play along with other musicians or record a song.
• Community performance area – residents/kids can sign up to put on a performance.
• Community groups can sign up to sponsor activities and events.
Every neighborhood should have a community-led gathering space, but first we need to figure out what works and how to create self-sustaining centers. We would start by setting up a pilot program to test the concept and refine the model. To support the Central Corridor development strategy and bring more customers to the area, our pilot location would be on University Avenue, near one of the light rail stations.
We would spend a portion of the money to purchase and set up a space. The remainder would be invested in order to generate funds for ongoing operating costs. Once the model for a community-led gathering space is refined, we would like to work with St. Paul Parks and Recreation to bring the concept to community centers throughout the city.
Website address (if applicable)
Innovation
What makes your idea different or unexpected? (4000 characters maximum or approx. 500 words)
The planning and vision process for the community center will be entirely led by St. Paul residents. Residents will be able to contribute and vote on ideas and participate in creating a gathering space that fits the needs of the community.
Impact
This Entry is about (Issues)
How will your idea make a difference in Saint Paul? (4000 characters maximum or approx. 500 words)
While classes, programs, and events are plentiful in St. Paul, there are few indoor public places where people can gather spontaneously – for free. A community-led gathering space, open 7 days per week, will provide a much needed destination for impromptu fun. Benefits of the center:
1. Builds community
2. Provides children and youth with vital unstructured play opportunities for creative exploration.
3. Offers low-income families an alternative to fee-based destinations
4. Drop in destination works well for families with inconsistent work schedules
5. Kid-friendly destination for escaping cold/bad weather
6. Revitalize Central Corridor
Sustainability
Why do you think people will recognize or remember your idea after it comes to life? How might it inspire others to do something similar in their community? (4000 characters maximum or approx. 500 words)
In playing an integral role in the creation of a gathering place, people will take ownership of the center and work together to sustain and build upon the idea over time. The model we develop will inspire citizens everywhere to become involved in building and strengthening communities.
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