Vitalize Your Community With a Safe Shared Space

A sense of belonging is vital to the emotional and financial well-being of your community. Providing a space where residents feel safe and protected encourages personal interaction, benefiting citizens and businesses. A safe, shared space is one way to promote good neighborhood relations.

Designing With Safety in Mind

Aside from installing secure fences and locks, placing the community space in a location that people feel comfortable visiting is one way for a community space to promote a sense of security. Easy access to public transportation, such as having buses drive up into the parking lot, opens up the community space to those who don't drive or who have disabilities that make it difficult to walk a great distance. Wheelchair-accessible ramps and elevators promote a sense of safety for seniors and the disabled. 

Lighting Up the Night for Safety

For usage of the community space during nighttime hours, ample lighting must be provided in the parking area, outdoor spaces, and walkways. Careful choice of attractive and durable light poles and bases is an important consideration. You can find lighting on a tall pole made of aluminum or steel, which can be utilitarian or decorative, depending on your budget and the image you want to portray.

Providing Mixed-Use Spaces to Serve More People

A community has people with interests ranging from business networking and education to health and exercise. Spaces inside and outside the center could include:

• Meeting rooms. Rooms with tables and seating areas can be used for networking events with local businesses and organizations, which are a great way to meet those with like interests. Job fairs are popular events for people from all walks of life. During events, roaming moderators ensure attendees are relaxed and comfortable, enabling them to move about freely and meet people without being cornered.
• Computer facilities. Classes in computer and other job skills benefit those returning to the job market and those wishing to change or advance their careers. Internet connections that people may not have at home are useful for teaching and general communication with friends and family.
• Open areas. Large, open areas can host group activities, such as fitness and meditation classes or cultural and networking events.
• A kitchen and dining area. These facilities allow you to provide meals to seniors and the less fortunate, as well as cooking classes or demonstrations.
• Outdoor spaces. Some seniors and disabled persons are shut-ins, and a safe outdoor space for socializing is beneficial. It also provides room for sports activities for children and those more athletically inclined. You may even provide a community garden space.

People don't always want to be doing something constructive, so a nice area with tables for playing cards or games and some comfy seating where people can chat or read a good book are welcome for those who lack privacy or quiet spaces at home.

Creating a Safe, Enjoyable Environment

Safe, secure, well-lit shared places to meet, learn, and socialize are essential. Designing a space that appeals to all parts of the demographic provides for a relaxing and enjoyable experience for all involved. 

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