10 tips for creating a gathering place
A Message from Milenko
Judging from the frequency of inquiries Pomegranate Center receives, there are a lot of people in a lot of communities that would like to build a gathering place. Here are a few of my tips to help turn ideas into reality:
- First and foremost, trust in the integrity of the process. Many are skeptical that a community group can produce something of value. Our experience is the opposite: under the right conditions, people are capable of great things and the best ideas will rise to the top.
- Create the right conditions. Community decision-making is a vulnerable process where the group’s work can be derailed by just a few naysayers. Ask all involved to agree to a code of conduct that reminds everyone to be positive and creative. Abide by these rules throughout the process and your chances of success will increase.
- Form a steering group. Invite future users to help you guide the process. These stakeholders should come from public, private and non-profit arenas, so they can unite the community. Look for individuals willing to collaborate and negotiate. Include representatives from the Parks departments who can provide early guidance on what is or is not possible.
- Act like it’s already built. It’s hard to see the value of a hypothetical space, but if you create an event whose perfect venue just happens to be your fledging gathering place, people will start to see possibilities. In planning the event, they’ll co-imagine the space, and therefore, co-own it.
- Make it personal. Turn every step into an opportunity to increase ownership. When people are meaningfully involved—contributing ideas, working with their hands, planning events—they will be more proud of the work and will become natural protectors and stewards of the place.
- Define roles and responsibilities. Clarify how the community and designers work together. Community members shape the vision; designers lead the design, both partners offering what they know and do best. Make sure designers respect the community’s vision, but also make sure that designers have freedom to exercise their creativity and excellence. Bad things happen when designers start telling the community what it needs to do, and community members insist on designing.
- Keep moving. Invite everyone (not only those who already support the idea), but make sure that those who show up do not waste time. Each step should lead to the next: people are usually only willing to participate as long as the process is productive. The goal should be to develop a shared, community-owned concept within 3-4 meetings, receive permits ASAP, and build during an intensive participatory event.
- Be practical. Realize that many factors influence the design and explain this to all participants. While all ideas are important and must be considered, other forces (budget, permits, materials, building abilities) will influence the final design. Explain at the beginning that not all ideas can survive, but commit yourself to explaining why.
- Make it hands-on. Encourage designs that involve lots of hands and benefit from many viewpoints. Gathering places are about community, and there is an artist lurking in everyone. With encouragement, each person can create something that expresses their love and care for the community.
- Have high standards. Volunteer or DIY work should be no excuse for poor quality. Just because you’re doing it yourself doesn’t mean you should cut corners. The work may seem hard at first, but in the end, everyone will say with pride: we did this.