A Path to Unity Through Neighborhoods

By Jeff Benson

Imagine a place where people communicate and interact regularly with the people around them. Imagine those people feeling attached emotionally and psychologically to that place. People there feel safe, secure, comfortable, and satisfied. Because of these feelings many people stay in that place for a long time or return there again and again and people who arrive for the first time feel welcome. People here help one another. Sounds like a place of peace doesn’t it? It also sounds like a great neighborhood.

Different people have different definitions of neighborhood. Some describe it as a geographic area bounded by certain streets or other physical features. Some base it on the area from which children attend a certain school. Others say it is a network of people who know each other.

However defined, most people in Ames care very much about their neighborhoods. Sometimes they demonstrate their care when physical changes are proposed. They demonstrate care and pride through activities that improve or clean up their neighborhoods. They celebrate social interaction in annual picnics, parades and potlucks. In these and other ways neighbors make their neighborhoods stronger.

City government in Ames supports these neighborhood strengthening activities. Neighborhood Associations are encouraged to create and sustain communications and relationships among neighbors and with the city. With support from neighborhood improvement grants, together neighbors improve their neighborhoods with gardens and gathering spaces, playground equipment, street tree plantings and many other projects. Through the Ames Repair and Care program, volunteers help homeowners in their neighborhood and beyond maintain their property. Neighbors gather to eat and socialize at block parties, many times with resources from the Street n Greet Block Party Trailer. Neighborhoods build positive relationships with the Police Department by working with Safe Neighborhood’s Team to focus on problem solving and quality of life issues. The supports these and many other neighborhood programs because through them neighbors get together, work together and get to know each other.

Neighborhoods are also fundamental elements of planning in Ames. Neighborhoods have grown around different centers of activity, such as the downtown, Iowa State University, Campustown, the commercial areas in and near Somerset, and the North Grand Mall area.

Within and around these neighborhoods are parks and schools and greenbelts that make neighborhoods distinctive and attractive. Through planning the City strives to guide new neighborhoods that follow these patterns. Neighborhoods and neighbors are invited and involved in these planning processes. Through planning, neighbors get together, work together, get to know each other and also strengthen their neighborhoods.

Many new residents come to Ames from many places: small Midwestern towns, large cities across the country, nations from around the world. Neighborhoods are often the places where newcomers first experience the community. Neighbors can be and are often the first to welcome them, to show them how great our neighborhoods are and include them in making the neighborhoods stronger.

Living in a place where people work together, get together, are together, are connected helps people communicate and cooperate. From this comes stronger neighborhoods and a better community. From this comes unity and ultimately, peace.

Jeff Benson grew up in Ames and has raised a family in Ames. He has lived and worked in 11 different neighborhoods. As a landscape architect and planner for more than 30 years, Jeff has helped improve projects, neighborhoods and communities all over Iowa. Jeff is currently a Planner and Neighborhood Liaison with the City of Ames.