Block bash
City of Summerside launches pilot get-to-know your neighbour program
After a successful trial run, the City of Summerside is looking to install a block party program promoting community involvement and neighbourly connections.
“So often we live in our own bubbles and some of us don’t even know our next door neighbour,” said Stefanie Turner, event and corporate services administrator for the city. On Thursday, the city organized a block party in Summerside’s Meadow Height subdivision, encouraging people to get out in the community and form new bonds and friendships.
“This was our pilot event, I didn’t really know what to expect. We brought the music and a barbeque and garbage cans, the members of the area took it upon themselves to add the games.”
The program will roll out next year summer, said Turner.
“It’s a free program where members of the community or a neighbourhood will put forward an application for the city to come and set up the program for an evening.”
Carrie Adams, a resident of Meadow Heights, said it’s a great opportunity for people to come together.
“We have our own Facebook page for the neighbourhood so people can stay in the loop, but not all areas are like that. So I think this is a great initiative the city is putting forward. People are so busy in their daily lives that connecting with neighbours is hard. But this allows every subdivision a chance and that’s exciting.”
Garth Coughlin, a fellow resident of the neighbourhood, said about every six years the area goes through phases.
“It’s gone from being an area with lots of families and kids, to more older couples and seniors, and now back to families and kids,” he said.
“Coming out here tonight, I’ve realized there are some neighbours I didn’t know. But this allows things to change and let’s our community back together.”
For now, there are no set details about the program, but Turner says they will be made available next year when planning the program gets underway.