To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
There’s something special that happens when people simply come together, no agenda, no rush, just food, music, laughter, and shared space. That’s exactly what we witnessed on Saturday, June 29th, when we hosted our Community Picnic with Westport Community Garden behind the Quay Community Centre.
Over seventy people joined us for an afternoon that felt like a big exhale. Under the summer sun, neighbours chatted over tea, kids ran between the garden rows with strawberry-stained fingers, and local musicians played to spontaneous applause. It was one of those days where everything just felt… right.
Events like this remind us of the power of public space. These “third spaces”, neither home nor work, are where community happens. They’re places where people connect, feel seen, and belong. And in times when life can feel fragmented or isolating, these simple moments of togetherness carry real meaning.
Increasingly, research is pointing to the vital role of such spaces in supporting both individual wellbeing and community resilience. A recent report from the OECD highlights that accessible, shared public spaces are crucial for fostering mental health, reducing loneliness, and building the kind of everyday solidarity that makes communities strong (OECD Better Life Index). But beyond the studies, we saw it with our own eyes: strangers turning into neighbours, laughter shared across generations, and a real sense that this is our place.
One guest summed it up beautifully: “Having a space like this, where people can just show up, be together, and feel welcome without having to pay or buy something, that’s huge. It changes how people feel about their place in the community.” For us, the success of the picnic wasn’t just in the numbers, though we were thrilled with the turnout, but in the atmosphere. The buzz of conversation, the dancing, the joy. It felt like something we all need more of.
We’re grateful to everyone who came, helped-out, played music, brought food, or simply showed up. Your presence made the day what it was.
And if you missed it, don’t worry. This isn’t a one-time thing. The garden is here. The doors are open. Whether you’re interested in volunteering, gardening, or just stopping by for a chat, you’re always welcome.
Because sometimes the most powerful thing a community can offer isn’t a service or a solution, it’s just a place to be, together.