5 Ways The Outdoors Helps Connect A Neighborhood
On a Saturday afternoon my daughter makes a casual suggestion to ride our bikes around the neighborhood. We bike around familiar streets, look up at the sky and admire the beautiful flowers on our path. Midway through our excursion, we stop at our neighborhood park. My daughter jumps off her bike and heads to the monkey bars. I watch as she converses with a girl who appears to be about the same age. As I walk to the playground, I notice a woman heading in the same direction. We start to talk and I learn she is the mother of the little girl who is playing with my daughter. Within a few minutes we discover we live in the same area and make a promise to meet again so our daughters can play at the park.
I love how the outdoors facilitates unexpected good surprises and provides a chance to form relationships in my community. Here are five ways the outdoors creates a way to connect with your neighbors:
1. Organize a meet-up at a local park
Although my meet-up with a neighbor happened by chance, you also have the option to organize a planned play date at the park. It is a convenient way for children to play together and for parents to exchange thoughts about schools, interests and forge relationships. Many communities have a Facebook page—use this as a way to announce a meet-up or, alternatively, send an email to neighbors you know.
2. Create a neighborhood walking group
An easy way to start the day or unwind after dinner is to walk around the neighborhood with a few friends who live in your area. Even if you only have thirty minutes, take advantage of it. It’s a fantastic way to squeeze in some exercise, converse with friends and relieve stress. Try to schedule the walk at the same time every week so it is easier for everyone to participate.
3. Consider planning a block party
Who doesn’t love a good party? When I first moved to my neighborhood, I had the opportunity to get to know some of my neighbors by attending a block party. With delicious food and fun games, children and adults mingle without feeling intrusive or awkward. It might be the beginning of lifelong connections.
4. Facilitate a t-ball game in a cul-de-sac in your neighborhood
As a child, I remember getting together with a few kids in my neighborhood to play catch and softball. If your street has a nearby cul-de-sac, try to organize a t-ball game so kids will come play. It’s an activity that helps children learn sportsmanship, reduces their reliance on digital devices and offers a chance to make new friends.
5. Establish relationships via clubs centered around sports
Relationships thrive on common interests. Depending on your sport of choice, organize a basketball game, a tennis match or a friendly flag football game. In my neighborhood, a few ladies play tennis every Thursday morning, while there is always a recreational game of basketball on Wednesday night. Many of the kids in the neighborhood participate in a community swim team as well.
By actively enjoying the outdoors, you ditch your digital dependence and get to know your community and have the possibility of making lifelong friendships. With so many ways to have fun, what are you waiting for? Make those plans and forge fantastic connections within your neighborhood!
This article was originally posted on the Progessive blog and can be seen here.