Block Parties In Apartment Complexes
Many people often think that neighborhood block parties are strictly for suburban neighborhoods. These can be done in many different neighborhoods. These can actually be even more effective in places like apartment complexes. This is a great way to get people to know their neighbors and create a sense of community.
You can get things started by getting together at a central location. Your best bet is the community clubhouse in the complex. Serve some refreshments and let people mingle and get to know each other. After a little while you can divide people into teams, provide them with their lists, and let them loose. To make it a little more interesting you can provide a special door prize, like free internet for a month, to the team that finishes first.
It should go without saying that the game should be modified to meet your crowd. They are not all little kids anymore and there will be no need to bring red buttons or ribbon. The items people hunt for can be bigger and more intriguing, like a Wusthof knife set. Just be certain to choose items that will be easy enough to locate.
The teams can go from one apartment to another, introducing themselves and asking for items on the list. When an item is found the resident that owns it can initial the paper. A brand name kitchen knife set here, a designer ottoman there, and before you know it everyone will know everyone else.
Of course some of the items will likely be found in nearly every apartment. A 4 cup coffee maker is something that is almost a kitchen must have, even for people that do not cook or eat at home. It can serve to remind people of just how much we all have in common.
Organize this well in advance. Take note of neighbors that for certain do not want to participate. Then you can be sure to stick a note to each of those doors so that the teams do not disturb those residents. There can be any number of reasons for this, such as a conflicting work schedule or a new baby in the home.
While full participation is not possible, you can still create a very fun atmosphere that is inviting and welcoming. It will also make your complex more marketable and appealing to outsiders. The added sense of community could also boost your resident retention rate quite a bit.
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Tags: apartment complexes, block parties, neighborhood block parties
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