EarthPlay Resources

10 Keys to Community-Built Success
by Rusty Keeler

“Community Built” may be defined as an interactive process that involves the local community in the design, organization, and creation of community projects. At its heart is a firm belief in volunteerism, empowerment and the value of community.

Here are some of the key steps to a successful Community-Built project:

1. Form a Playscape Committee
Put together a diverse group of people who will volunteer to plan and organize the Community-built Construction Days. They will divide up the responsibilities into various committees. Some will be in charge of recruiting volunteers, others in charge of locating tools and resources.

2. Inventory the Community
Assess the local flavor of the community your project is in. What is the history, industry, talents and natural features of the area? These can be incorporated into the design and construction.

3. Look for Local Artists
What talented people can be recruited from the community? Look for sculptors, muralists and gardeners to add features such as mosaic benches, wrought-iron gates, sound sculptures, or stepping stones.

4. Use Native Plantings
Use plants that are naturally found in the area. This makes is easier to get local donations and connects people with the native plants of their community.

5. Approach Local Businesses and Service Groups
When looking for volunteers, materials and tools, the committee should look to these people for assistance. Service groups like Kiwanis and Rotary often support community-built projects. Local businesses can donate everything from hardware and landscaping supplies to tents, tables and food.

6. Schedule and Plan for Construction
Plan for plenty of time to organize the Community Build Days. Time frames often range from 4-6 months. Pick build dates when the weather is most likely to be pleasant, people are not away on vacation, and all the members of the committee can be present. A long weekend or a series of consecutive weekends works best.

7. Food and Childcare
Feed the masses! Have meals, snacks and drinks available throughout the build days for the volunteers. One member of the Committee will be in charge of Food. Provide childcare during the build so parents can bring along their children.

8. Safety
Have a plan in case of accidents. Keep a first-aid kit on hand and notify local ambulance groups of your project before hand.

9. Thank-You’s
Keep track of all the businesses and individuals that contributed to your project. Send thank-you’s to all the volunteers and letters to the newspaper mentioning all the businesses that supported the project.

10. Join The Community-Built Association (CBA)
CBA is a not-for-profit association of professionals who are involved in all aspects of the community built field. They hold inspiring conferences and have newsletters all about the Community-Built Process. Visit their website for more information: www.communitybuilt.com.


		10 Keys to Community-Built Success by Rusty Keeler “Community Built” may be defined as an interactive process that involves the local community in the design, organization, and creation of community projects. At its heart is a firm belief in volunteerism, empowerment and the value of community. Here are some of the key steps to a successful Community-Built project: 1. Form a Playscape Committee Put together a diverse group of people who will volunteer to plan and organize the Community-built Construction Days. They will divide up the responsibilities into various committees. Some will be in charge of recruiting volunteers, others in charge of locating tools and resources. 2. Inventory the Community Assess the local flavor of the community your project is in. What is the history, industry, talents and natural features of the area? These can be incorporated into the design and construction. 3. Look for Local Artists What talented people can be recruited from the community? Look for sculptors, muralists and gardeners to add features such as mosaic benches, wrought-iron gates, sound sculptures, or stepping stones. 4. Use Native Plantings Use plants that are naturally found in the area. This makes is easier to get local donations and connects people with the native plants of their community. 5. Approach Local Businesses and Service Groups When looking for volunteers, materials and tools, the committee should look to these people for assistance. Service groups like Kiwanis and Rotary often support community-built projects. Local businesses can donate everything from hardware and landscaping supplies to tents, tables and food. 6. Schedule and Plan for Construction Plan for plenty of time to organize the Community Build Days. Time frames often range from 4-6 months. Pick build dates when the weather is most likely to be pleasant, people are not away on vacation, and all the members of the committee can be present. A long weekend or a series of consecutive weekends works best. 7. Food and Childcare Feed the masses! Have meals, snacks and drinks available throughout the build days for the volunteers. One member of the Committee will be in charge of Food. Provide childcare during the build so parents can bring along their children. 8. Safety Have a plan in case of accidents. Keep a first-aid kit on hand and notify local ambulance groups of your project before hand. 9. Thank-You’s Keep track of all the businesses and individuals that contributed to your project. Send thank-you’s to all the volunteers and letters to the newspaper mentioning all the businesses that supported the project. 10. Join The Community-Built Association (CBA) CBA is a not-for-profit association of professionals who are involved in all aspects of the community built field. They hold inspiring conferences and have newsletters all about the Community-Built Process. Visit their website for more information: www.communitybuilt.com.

First published in Landscape Architect and Specifier News, March 2001 for landscape architects, park and recreation staff, and other environmental professionals.
	Back		Home
	Projects / Process / FAQ's / Profile / News / Resources /Services/ Store / Contact / Home Planet Earth Playscapes 182 Hart Road . Spencer, NY . 14883 607.589.7887 . mail@earthplay.net www.earthplay.net Copyright © 2001 Planet Earth Playscapes. All Rights Reserved.

Back

Home