Embedded Files
Research Project
Image credit: http://urbanspringtime.blogspot.com
In my paper, I discuss how public spaces like parks and community centers are crucial for community interactions and promoting health. However, access to these spaces isn't equal for everyone. Jeffrey Hou talks about transforming private spaces into social hubs, while Abigail Karas explores how young people in St. Petersburg use rooftops for gatherings. The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened health inequalities, making it harder for marginalized communities to access public spaces. Kimberlyn McGrail and colleagues highlight how the pandemic amplified these issues. To address these disparities, community initiatives and supportive policies are essential. These efforts should focus on making public spaces inclusive for all ages, especially older adults. Evelina Ozola's TEDx talk emphasizes involving the community in designing better public spaces. By working together, we can create more inclusive and equitable public spaces that improve everyone's quality of life.
Relational Walking Reflection
On May 19th, I took a walk through Bolivar Park, near my home in Surrey. The weather was less than ideal, with a steady rain falling from a grey sky and a brisk wind that made the 14°C temperature feel even colder. The ground was wet, with water pooling on the paths. I remember, as I walked, I noticed the irregular movement of my footsteps on the rain-soaked soil, each step producing a soft splash. My body felt slightly tense from the cold, but I moved steadily, enjoying the fresh, clean smell of the earth. The park's flower beds seemed vibrant and alive, dancing with the wind. The environment engaged me with the showers of water on the leaves, the rustling of branches in the wind, and the chirping of birds, forming a soothing atmosphere reminiscent of my hometown and making me feel at home. Passing a Tim Hortons, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mixed with the smell of wet soil and grass, creating a comfortable and cozy mood.
Image credit: Author
Walking along the path, I noticed my shadow as the sun appeared through the clouds, casting patterns on the ground. Moving through these light and dark patches, I felt a noticeable shift in temperature with each step, and the cold wind brought moments of shivering. Eventually, I arrived at the park's central space, surrounded by two baseball fields and a playground. A group of children playing soccer sparked nostalgia, recalling my childhood memories. Before returning home, I felt a deep connection to the park and the surrounding environment, away from the daily hustle and bustle. Reflecting on this experience, I am reminded of Jeffrey Hou's insight that "public spaces are arenas of social interaction and cultural expression" (Hou 16). My walk through Bolivia Park was not just an activity but a way to connect with the community and nature around me, understanding the importance of accessible public spaces.
Work Cited:
Hou, Jeffrey. “(Not) Your Everyday Public Space.” Insurgent Public Space: Guerrilla Urbanism and the Remaking of Contemporary Cities, edited by Jeffrey Hou, Routledge, 2010, pp. 1-17.
Google Sites
Report abuse