Dog Parks

Dog parks are a growing amenity in many communities across the country. It is a place that dog owners can go to allow their dogs to run freely and interact with other dogs in a safe environment (away from cars or other potentially dangerous situations.) Having places like this allows for the people in a community to have a place to come together to enjoy their household pets, without being in anyone else's property. This space also allows for some protection for people who may have small children or a fear of dogs.
These designated dog parks also require maintenance, which volunteers in the community can come together to keep up to appropriate standards. Keeping the dog parks clean and well kept allows for the people who use the park to feel a sense of accomplishment and get more enjoyment out of the park, and allows for people passing by the enjoy the view!
Also, dog parks can help the community by using efficient water systems for the dogs so as to not be wasteful with water resources for example using rain water systems. Also, the dog parks can help the community sustain friendly relationships with one another. The dog parks can utilize all "green" materials such as recyclable waste bags for scooping up dog waste.

Community Gardens

Community gardens have the potential to be a big stepping stone for bringing communities together. During the process everyone can contribute, no matter their age, race, sex, or class. Each person can contribute positively in some way. Each step of the process is something the community can come together to appreciate, from beginning to end.
During the first part of the process where everyone is getting the land/area ready for the garden everyone's input will be appreciated, and as the garden grows and grows over the years the people can feel proud of their accomplishment. It allows the people who created it to leave a legacy for future generations. Also, because a garden can always be cared for, it will be around for future generations to tend to as well.
If the community were to grow food in their garden a type of market place could be made, to help sustain them. For example, a community in Lancaster, South Carolina came together and grew a garden did this and had great results. In an article written about the garden a Lancaster resident says "It’s really been a wonderful way to bring people together,” she said. “Everyone helps everyone else, and we have people from all walks of life that tend plots here. One thing we do is ask everyone to plant an extra row of vegetables that we harvest and give back to the community. Last year, we gave away 30,000 pounds of squash, tomatoes, cucumbers and zucchini to churches and other places in the community like Jackie’s Place, HOPE in Lancaster and Christian Services. And that is just what we gave away, so there’s quite a harvest that comes out of this garden.”
If the community were to grow their own food, it could have tremendous results, including helping the community become more self-sufficient rather than relying on food being transported from different places in the country.

SOURCE:
http://www.thelancasternews.com/content/community-garden-brings-people-together