Forum explores role of community centers in urban revival efforts

The key role played by schools, recreational centers, job training centers and other public facilities in providing cohesiveness and connectivity to communities is examined in a recent policy forum report from the Urban Land Institute.

The report, "Sustaining Urban Mixed-Income Communities: The Role of Community Facilities" is based on the first annual ULI/Charles H. Shaw Forum on Community Issues, held in Chicago.

According to ULI, the forum was created to raise the visibility of issues pertaining to the viability of urban neighborhoods.

"This annual forum is part of ULI's ongoing commitment to improving the quality of life our nation's communities," said ULI President Richard M. Rosan.

Included in the discussion were:

an examination types of community facilities developed in mixed-income neighborhoods

the role of the private developer, non-profit group and public sector; how community facilities have served as a catalyst for networking; and

interaction among community residents; and successful examples of developing and managing community facilities.

The forum featured a tour of Homan Square, a Shaw residential development in Chicago.

Homan Square, which opened in December 2001, is a mixed-income development including a community facility with a health and family learning center, public meeting and banquet space, recreation area with indoor pool and gym, and a day-care center.

Other case studies included Murphy Park in St. Louis; NewHolly community in Seattle; and the Villages of East Lake in Atlanta.

The right mix of people, place, programs, and partners, community facilities offer an important foundation for community building, forum participants said.

These types of facilities serve as a catalyst for enrichment opportunities for individuals, families, neighborhoods and the larger community, they concluded.

The Urban Land Institute is a nonprofit education and research institute supported by its members. Its mission is to provide responsible leadership in the use of land in order to enhance the total environment.

Established in 1936, the institute has nearly 17,000 members representing all aspects of land use and development disciplines.