Rejuvenating Neighborhoods and Communities Through Parks—A Guide To Success www.NRPA.org National Recreation and Park Association © 2011 All Rights Reserved 48 As of 2000, more than 40% of the people living in the neighborhood were under the age of 20, with only 14% of the residents over age 60 Census information reported in 2002 indicated that 65% of the residents were black and 33% white The young families then living in the neighborhood recognized the need to build social capital and commit the community to services and approaches that would help them overcome the challenges of violence (due partly to abandoned and vacant houses) while recognizing their social, health, educational, and recreational needs In 1990, the city of Indianapolis and the residents of Windsor Village conducted a neighborhood plan for the area that addressed three major goals: • Elimination of substandard housing • Support for community beautification and preservation • Renewal of areas where revitalization would have the greatest impact Renovation and Revitalization Windsor Village Park had worn-out playground equipment, a basketball court, and a picnic shelter The anchor of this well-used park was a 2,000 square foot concrete community center Even in disrepair, however, it remained a cornerstone of the neighborhood The parks renovation was one of those projects identified as “revitalization with the greatest impact ” The scoping document took shape in 2005, followed by fund-raising and design Construction got under way in 2008, and the new family center was opened the next year A renovation project like this one moves the neighborhood forward in many ways—some small, some large As a result of this project: • The residents of this neighborhood acquired a renewed sense of hope, recognizing that the larger community was willing and committed to investing resources there • The residents managed to attract and retain the attention of the city’s decision-makers • The Marion County Library—a particular resource for youth—is part of the newly renovated community center • A newly organized neighborhood association deals with litter control, crime-watch programs, and neighborhood cleanups Lastly, the success of this model project has resulted in similar undertakings and construction projects in five other parks and neighborhoods in Indianapolis || COMMUNITY CENTER IN WINDSOR PARKBEFORE || COMMUNITY CENTER IN WINDSOR PARKAFTER
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