humanity today. There are no easy solutions. And yet a key part of the puzzle liesBuilding inclusive, healthy, functional, and productive cities is perhaps the greatest challenge facing
right in the heart of the world’s urban areas: the public spaces.
(Placemaking and the Future of Cities, 2012, p. 1)
my world as it is
The drawing above is my community of Roxborough, as it is, through my eyes. I aimed to highlight some of the pervasive issues that children and the the community at large face through obvious pictorial symbols and representations of important cultural landmarks. The decision to leave this picture black and white was intentional. The bold, black lines that make up the landscape lack softness and warmth and represent a community in need of revitalization. Roxborough High School, Gorgas Park, the main business strip on Ridge Avenue ("The Ridge"), and Kendrick Recreation Center lack literal and figurative color and vibrancy. I see immense potential for transformation to occur so that the needs of the community can be met through these public spaces and local institutions.
Our community's high school is not currently seen as an educational institution that serves the needs of Roxborough's children. Though the high school is classified by the Philadelphia School District as a "neighborhood" school (enrollment is offered first to local residents and non-residents must meet specific admission criteria), most of the student body that attends the high school does not live in the immediate community, they live elsewhere in the city of Philadelphia. Through conversations with Roxborough parents, I have learned of the school's negative reputation of poor classroom management and students who are violent and who disrespect the school's administration, teachers and residents who live in the bordering neighborhoods. Community members have also witnessed students publicly engaging in illegal activities just outside the school property, such as drug use.
Roxborough High School directly borders Gorgas Park, our public park established in 1895. Some of the issues that plague the high school leech out of the school property disrupting the peace and safety of the park. Thanks to efforts of volunteer-initiated Friends of Gorgas Park, beautification, landscaping, clean-up and cultural programming enhance the life of this outdoor space. The park is shaded by old trees, but is open and is a generally safe setting for residents, young children and pets. I have, however, on many occasions, found drug paraphernalia, litter and broken glass on the park grounds. Neighborhood drunks can be found sleeping on park benches, or in flower beds. Weeds have taken over the small, abandoned community garden plot.
A few blocks down Ridge Avenue from Gorgas Park, a large percentage of the storefronts are empty save for signs in the window displaying the phrases "FOR RENT" or "FOR LEASE." This main shopping strip, what is considered Roxborough's "business district," is an eyesore. It is not an appealing environment for casual family strolls. It feels unwelcoming and does not offer many unique attractions to locals or visitors. There is a deficit of new businesses that could potentially infuse cash into the local economy. Chronic and increasing storefront vacancies detract from the personality of the once vibrant town-life and suck life from the businesses that fight to remain open. Few trees line "The Ridge" and untended city flower pots that suggest there is a lack of initiative to beautify the community. Little effort to attract new businesses and innovative community leaders lead to a stagnant community life and does not encourage a local sense of pride. Fortunately, gun violence is not prevalent in our community, however, there have been a string of robberies of local businesses and restaurants involving guns within the last few weeks.
Finally, past the main business strip, on the far southeastern border of Roxborough, one encounters the sprawling property of the Kendrick Recreational Center. The facility is owned and maintained by the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation department. The entire property is enclosed by a tall metal fence and before I looked into the history of the building, I thought it was abandoned. According to their website they offer classes in gymnastics, dance, zumba and karate. These activities are not free, however, the public may use center's ball fields, pool, tennis and basketball courts without charge.
Our community's high school is not currently seen as an educational institution that serves the needs of Roxborough's children. Though the high school is classified by the Philadelphia School District as a "neighborhood" school (enrollment is offered first to local residents and non-residents must meet specific admission criteria), most of the student body that attends the high school does not live in the immediate community, they live elsewhere in the city of Philadelphia. Through conversations with Roxborough parents, I have learned of the school's negative reputation of poor classroom management and students who are violent and who disrespect the school's administration, teachers and residents who live in the bordering neighborhoods. Community members have also witnessed students publicly engaging in illegal activities just outside the school property, such as drug use.
Roxborough High School directly borders Gorgas Park, our public park established in 1895. Some of the issues that plague the high school leech out of the school property disrupting the peace and safety of the park. Thanks to efforts of volunteer-initiated Friends of Gorgas Park, beautification, landscaping, clean-up and cultural programming enhance the life of this outdoor space. The park is shaded by old trees, but is open and is a generally safe setting for residents, young children and pets. I have, however, on many occasions, found drug paraphernalia, litter and broken glass on the park grounds. Neighborhood drunks can be found sleeping on park benches, or in flower beds. Weeds have taken over the small, abandoned community garden plot.
A few blocks down Ridge Avenue from Gorgas Park, a large percentage of the storefronts are empty save for signs in the window displaying the phrases "FOR RENT" or "FOR LEASE." This main shopping strip, what is considered Roxborough's "business district," is an eyesore. It is not an appealing environment for casual family strolls. It feels unwelcoming and does not offer many unique attractions to locals or visitors. There is a deficit of new businesses that could potentially infuse cash into the local economy. Chronic and increasing storefront vacancies detract from the personality of the once vibrant town-life and suck life from the businesses that fight to remain open. Few trees line "The Ridge" and untended city flower pots that suggest there is a lack of initiative to beautify the community. Little effort to attract new businesses and innovative community leaders lead to a stagnant community life and does not encourage a local sense of pride. Fortunately, gun violence is not prevalent in our community, however, there have been a string of robberies of local businesses and restaurants involving guns within the last few weeks.
Finally, past the main business strip, on the far southeastern border of Roxborough, one encounters the sprawling property of the Kendrick Recreational Center. The facility is owned and maintained by the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation department. The entire property is enclosed by a tall metal fence and before I looked into the history of the building, I thought it was abandoned. According to their website they offer classes in gymnastics, dance, zumba and karate. These activities are not free, however, the public may use center's ball fields, pool, tennis and basketball courts without charge.
A growing body of research supports the efficacy of community arts
programs and investment. Documented outcomes include improved economies,
academics, and self-esteem; the reduction of violence and recidivism; and an increase in
employment and community cohesiveness.
(Cleveland, 2011, p. 8)
my world as it could be
I envision many opportunities for transformation in my community. This drawing reflects my world as it could be. I imagine that Roxborough High School transforms into a safe place for students and teachers. The school will encourage creative self-expression, instill a love for learning and self-betterment, provide hope, and offer tools needed for a successful future for all of its disadvantaged students. I envision a park that offers more cultural programming to attract groups of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds to bond as a community and boost civic pride. I dream that the community garden will be revived and children will learn how to become good stewards of the earth and learn leadership roles in the community. I envision bike lanes being created to encourage spending time outdoors and relying less on car travel. I picture all of the empty storefronts on The Ridge to be filled with small ethnic eateries, local craftspeople and entrepreneurs, galleries, natural food co-ops, and other interesting shops that attract visitors and young families. I imagine a community rec center that is inviting, engaging, and offers free sports and arts programming to Roxborough residents and their children.
reflection
I decided on this particular community because it is my home. The physical, social and cultural dimensions of Roxborough affect the "health status, emotional well-being, and social cohesion" my neighbors and I experience here (Community Engagement, 2012, p. 5). The boundaries of the community were formed after considering the natural and built environment and where residents coalesce around common interests and activities (Borrup, 2011, p. 4), in short, where we gather. I chose to focus on these particular problems, and drew images of specific places, because they define Roxborough and are an important part of my life as a community member. I desire that my community serves my needs and the needs of my neighbors.
One problem I encountered was initially thinking that there were not significant problems facing my community. In general, Roxborough is a great place to live. Residents have access to food, hospitals, police protection, schools, clean water and sanitation programs, employment opportunities, outdoor recreation spaces and various accessible social safety-nets. Only after walking the streets, taking time and care to observe my community and engaging with fellow residents, were my eyes opened to areas and issues that need transformation. Through these conversations, I heard other people's visions for the community. This changed the way that I perceived the significance of some community issues. This information influenced my envisioning process and what institutions I decided to focus on. Through this process I reaffirmed my desire to be a placemaker and to "encourage everyone to think about what is special" in our community (Placemaking and the Future of Cities, 2012, p. 13). Next time I would like to engage community members in a dialogue about what they most love about Roxborough, not what they see as a problem, to envision an ever brighter future for our town.
One problem I encountered was initially thinking that there were not significant problems facing my community. In general, Roxborough is a great place to live. Residents have access to food, hospitals, police protection, schools, clean water and sanitation programs, employment opportunities, outdoor recreation spaces and various accessible social safety-nets. Only after walking the streets, taking time and care to observe my community and engaging with fellow residents, were my eyes opened to areas and issues that need transformation. Through these conversations, I heard other people's visions for the community. This changed the way that I perceived the significance of some community issues. This information influenced my envisioning process and what institutions I decided to focus on. Through this process I reaffirmed my desire to be a placemaker and to "encourage everyone to think about what is special" in our community (Placemaking and the Future of Cities, 2012, p. 13). Next time I would like to engage community members in a dialogue about what they most love about Roxborough, not what they see as a problem, to envision an ever brighter future for our town.
REFERENCES
Borrup, T. (2011). The creative community builder's handbook: how to transform communities using local assets, art, and culture. Saint Paul, Minn.: Fieldstone Alliance.
Cleveland, W. (n.d.). Arts-based Community Development: Mapping the Terrain . A Working Guide to the Landscape of Arts for Change. Retrieved May 30, 2014, from http://www.lacountyarts.org/UserFiles/File/CivicArt/Civic%20Engagment%20Arts%20Based%20Community%20Develop%20BCleveland%20Paper1%20Key.pdf
Community Engagement: Definitions and Organizing Concepts from the Literature. (2014, June 3). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved July 5, 2014, from http://www.cdc.gov/phppo/pce/part1.htm
Placemaking and the Future of Cities. (2012). Project for Public Spaces, Inc. Retrieved June 1, 2014 from http://www.pps.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/PPS-Placemaking-and-the-Future-of-Cities.pdf
Borrup, T. (2011). The creative community builder's handbook: how to transform communities using local assets, art, and culture. Saint Paul, Minn.: Fieldstone Alliance.
Cleveland, W. (n.d.). Arts-based Community Development: Mapping the Terrain . A Working Guide to the Landscape of Arts for Change. Retrieved May 30, 2014, from http://www.lacountyarts.org/UserFiles/File/CivicArt/Civic%20Engagment%20Arts%20Based%20Community%20Develop%20BCleveland%20Paper1%20Key.pdf
Community Engagement: Definitions and Organizing Concepts from the Literature. (2014, June 3). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved July 5, 2014, from http://www.cdc.gov/phppo/pce/part1.htm
Placemaking and the Future of Cities. (2012). Project for Public Spaces, Inc. Retrieved June 1, 2014 from http://www.pps.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/PPS-Placemaking-and-the-Future-of-Cities.pdf