The other day my neighbour was walking his puppy. My toddler and I were out for a walk and we stopped to chat with him, as neigbours do.
Catching up and comparing our busy autumn schedules, I learned that he, his wife and their three year-old attended the recent clean up of one of our local playgrounds. My partner and I would have liked to have taken part, but couldn't attend because of long-standing work commitments.
Enthusiastic as always about our little community, I thanked my neighbour and asked him to commended the group for their effort: "It's be great to have a clean, functional playground that's close to home."
Although the recently spiffed up playground is only a block away, my toddler and my neigbour's three-year old are still too small for this particular playground.
"I was mostly excited about getting to know other neighbourhoods and to build a sense of community," my neighbour said said. Having moved into their home this summer, he's new to the neighbourhood and craves getting to know the folks around him.
When he returned home, he forwarded the group's information so that my household could be included in any further discussions as I'd requested.
This group will be terrific for growing our community.
The playground is a wonderful rallying point for folks. Not only is it a small plot of public space we can use and nurture, it's also a symbol for galvanizing a community.
We all want to ensure all kids have a clean and safe place to play.
This sense of community would indeed benefit all -- from long-time residents and new immigrants to the elderly and children.
