Say "hello" to North Highlands/Estes Park
The North Highlands/Estes Park Neighborhood in NW Oklahoma City historically has been plagued by crime, often achieving the highest crime rate in Oklahoma City. Gan violence, drugs and poverty are prevalent. Possibilities Community Innovators are not strangers to these issues; in fact, program graduates have tackled similar issues on the NE side of Oklahoma City. Through relationships built at Possibilities, Community Innovators worked together to replicate a successful 1st Annual Picnic in June with the motto, "Come meet a neighbor and make a friend" to kick off a neighborhood association membership drive.
The event was held in the neighborhood park, and organized worked all day to set up the event. The day was very successful, attracting more than 300 people of all ages. Attendees enjoyed hotdogs and other snacks. Kids played in a moon walk, got their faces painted, played in the water park and signed up for a local football league. Adults enjoyed music, met their neighbors, played dominos and were introduced to and invited to participate in the neighborhood association.
To some, an event like the picnic may seem nice, but rather insignificant. However, for this community, this event held quite a bit of significance. This community picnic took place among several homemade memorials in the park, silent reminders of lives lost from violence. Police officers, Firefighters and residents interacted in a peaceful environment, without the trauma that usually accompanies such visits. A gang task force made up of ex-gang members attended the event, sending a strong message to all that this gathering was nonviolent, helping to identify any potential trouble and helping keep the event safe. Feeling safe in the neighborhood park is something that many take for granted, but is not commonplace for all neighborhoods.
The impact of that June day could be felt by all in attendance. Neighbor's meeting neighbors, residents and children feeling safe while playing in the park - seemingly simple occurrences such as these help people to begin to discover what is possible for their community. This event marked a beginning for these residents. They are creating the community changes they desire, and they are doing it themselves.
