Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/171519
The City of Vancouver runs programs that allow residents to take care of street gardens in traffic calming spaces, such as traffic circles and corner bulges. It was the idea of turning his street into a park that got Thomas excited. For him, it was a way of "re-prioritizing our streets for people over cars." Though it didn't happen overnight. While finishing a degree at SFU, he spent time researching the subject, and around Christmas 2011 he found the right location. There were lots of discussions with streets engineering, water engineering and the local community. "Not only do we have this amazing policy that allows people to take part in transforming their urban space," says Thomas, "but this intersection at 10th and St. George is at the epicentre of urban change – 10th Avenue is one of the most thriving bike lanes in Vancouver. And, you can't see it now, but St. George is the passageway of an ancient creek." A neighbour told him about Vancouver Foundation's Neighbourhood Small Grants program. Thomas applied for a project grant and for money from the artist enhancement fund. He got a total of $800. He met the neighbours, and invited them to join the project. They'd never met each other before, but since March 2012, "the little traffic circle that could" has been drawing the community together. "Most neighbours immediately get it," says Thomas. "It's a community collaborative effort." Thomas has convinced Matchstick, a local coffee shop, to supply free coffee on Sundays. One neighbour stores the table and chairs, another supplies water and kettle. Every few weeks, Thomas puts a notice in local neighbours' mailboxes, encouraging them to come by for some coffee or to check out the website (www.gatherround.ca), asking for donations of plants if they have any extra, and notifying them of what's going on. Gather Round has become a focal point in the community, and Thomas couldn't be more pleased. There are 280 traffic circles in Vancouver. Julien Thomas smiles broadly at the prospect – he's already planning ways to link them up, bridging communities by creating more interesting places to meet, and make friends. John Donne's dictum that "No man is an island" may be true. But a park in a traffic circle? That's something to aspire to. VF Neighbourhood Small Grants (NSG) is a program that can have a big impact on people's lives, for a small amount of money. If you want info on how you can contribute to this amazing program, or if you have a great idea that brings people together in your neighbourhood, visit the website at www.vancouverfoundation.ca/nsg or see page 31. Fall 2012 I Vancouver Foundation l page 15 p14-15_Microparks.indd 15 12-10-16 11:18 AM