Vincent Van Gogh once said, “Great things are done by a series of small things coming together.” This mentality applies to different scenarios. One of those scenarios is neighborhood development, where small projects can create massive impacts.
As Forward Wayne County begins to focus on neighborhood development, we will discuss some of those small projects or initiatives and how they can help bring neighbors together.
Neighborhood Cleanup
Littering is a persistent problem that neighborhoods face regularly. One of the best ways to combat this issue is through a neighborhood cleanup. Not only do they eliminate trash, but they also bring people together and are easy to organize.
Coordinate with your neighbors, grab some trash bags, and scour your neighborhood for discarded litter. If you find the amount of trash overwhelming, check with your local trash removal company to see if your group could rent a portable dumpster.
Towns across Wayne County host community-wide clean-ups throughout the year. In most cases, Main Street organizations organize them. Keep an eye out on social media for community clean-up opportunities. It is a simple way to volunteer and give back.
The next cleanup opportunity is from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Nettle Creek Hardware in Hagerstown. The community is hosting a latex paint disposal event.
Community Garden
A community garden is a space where people can plant their own fruits and vegetables. It is usually present within city limits, where green space can sometimes be sparse. Community gardens are a project that anyone can participate in, although it requires some mobilization.
An excellent first step is to start a gardening group with like-minded neighbors. Another way to get started is to find an open space to begin the garden. It may be on someone’s property, a vacant lot, or a local park.
People in Wayne County can find a community garden at Mary Scott Park in Richmond. Officially called the Mary Scott Orchard and Living Classroom, the space features fruit-bearing plants, a pollinator garden, and resources for learning about gardening.
Check out our blog about community gardening for more information.
Block Party
If you like a good party, consider throwing a block party. One thing people cannot say no to is a good party. You can make your neighborhood’s block party whatever you see fit. It could be a cookout, craft fair, games, or theme party.
Your block party can be as extravagant as you want it to be. It does not even need to be a block party. A simple gathering in someone’s backyard or the neighborhood park will always suffice.
Little Free Library
Every neighborhood has its share of bookworms and library lovers. Did you know you can bring the library to your neighborhood? This is where the Little Free Library comes in.
Little Free Libraries are wooden boxes placed in public places where people can leave and take books. This international program has over 175,000 libraries in 121 countries.
You can find these libraries across Wayne County. A couple are in Richmond, Centerville, Williamsburg, and one recently established in Fountain City.
Art Projects
Art is an effective way to build community and create connections. This is another area where you are only limited to the confines of your imagination. There could be some highly creative people in your neighborhood. Here are some ideas:
- Collaborative neighborhood mural
- Sidewalk chalk competition
- Neighborhood art exhibit
- Developing a neighborhood brand
Those are some general projects to help you get started. Speaking of community murals, Wayne County residents will have the opportunity to contribute to one on July 20th and 21st from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Dublin Skating Park.
Those interested in contributing to the mural can RSVP by emailing big_urk@yahoo.com or calling 317-696-7349.
This project is part of the Wayne County Murals Program Competition, in which eleven artists will design and install murals in different communities.
Neighborhood Group
The recurring theme with these projects is that they require collaboration from neighbors. A person can accomplish a lot on their own, but a group can help fill in gaps. If any of these projects interest you, you should consider beginning a neighborhood group.
The neighborhood group could help coordinate efforts and ensure one person is not stuck with all the work. Neighborhood groups do not have to be comprehensive. There could be multiple. For example, one could be filled with artists, while another organizes an annual block party.
The goal of neighborhood groups is to align resources and develop new opportunities.
Neighborhoods are collections of people and relationships. Finding ways to help bridge the gap between neighbors can spark change. Small projects can help navigate and ignite that spark. Remember, it only takes one person to initiate change.
