Archive: Small Moments in the Community

Barnes Park
Re-opening

For the past five years as part of the Delta Focus project that began in March 2013, Hands of Hope, a division of Family Service Society, Inc. has been working to think broadly about how they can work to ensure safe, stable and nurturing relationships and environments at various segments of the community. 

Prior to the neighborhood’s effort to rehabilitate the park, it had fallen into such a state of neglect and infrequent use that the city stopped mowing and maintaining the area. With a small infusion of DELTA FOCUS dollars and hundreds of volunteer hours from neighbors, the team worked to create an inviting space where families and neighbors could gather. Rehabilitation efforts have included the installation of new playground equipment, landscaping, signage, grills, trash cans, a bike rack and a little library. Hands of Hope is evaluating increases in park utilization, neighbors’ feelings of neighborhood pride, and willingness to take positive action to increase neighborhood safety.​

The Barnes Park development has been at true venture between many people from the community and a blending of city officials, students, and neighborhood folks. 

Learn more about the project from Prevent Connect!

For more information, contact: Linda Wilk, Director, Hands of Hope/Family Service Society Inc.