GATHERING SPACE
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1CHOOSE YOUR LOCATION
A gathering space is a great opportunity to encourage neighbors to interact and enjoy a common space. Pick somewhere with a balance of sun and shade, relatively flat ground and well-draining soil. |
2
DESIGN
YOUR SPACE Do you want a formal space for the next block party? Do you want an outdoor stage? Figure out where people will sit, and where various site amenities like fireplaces and grills might be located. |
3INSTALL & MAINTAIN YOUR SPACE
Plant grasses, lay out gravel paths, construct raised beds for plants, or use bricks to separate grass from a mulched area where native plants are planted. |
Materials Checklist
- SEATING
- Benches
- Cafe seats
- Risers
- Wooden bleachers
- Benches
- SHADE
- Umbrellas
- Pergolas
- Trellis
- Trees
- Umbrellas
- TABLES
- FIRE PITS & BARBECUES
- NATIVE PLANTS
Local Resources
- BRIGHTSIDE ST. LOUIS
- Neighbors Naturescaping Grants
- Neighbors Naturescaping Grants
- NATIVE GARDENING INFO
- Grow Native!
- Missouri Botanical Garden
- Shaw Nature Reserve
- Grow Native!
Design & Maintenance Tips
POSITIONING AMENITIES
Position furniture such as seating and tables under trees to maximize your use of shade. If you’ve decided to create an amphitheater or stage, consider how the audience will be positioned in relation to the performers.
PUT ON A SHOW
Select plants that are well suited to the sun exposure and soil conditions. Choose plants for colorful, vibrant blooms that make a statement.
Position furniture such as seating and tables under trees to maximize your use of shade. If you’ve decided to create an amphitheater or stage, consider how the audience will be positioned in relation to the performers.
PUT ON A SHOW
Select plants that are well suited to the sun exposure and soil conditions. Choose plants for colorful, vibrant blooms that make a statement.
CREATING A GATHERING SPACE
MAP OF LOCAL PROJECTS
You can view the map legend by clicking the icon in the top left corner.
If you would like to add your community greening project to this map, please submit a contact form.
MEET THE TEAM
The Vacancy Collaborative is a coalition of community representatives, private and nonprofit stakeholders, and City agencies, committed to reducing vacant property in the City of St. Louis. Reducing the negative impact of vacancy is a complex puzzle that requires coordination to achieve a shared vision. The Vacancy Collaborative is not a stand-alone entity—it was created to coordinate existing vacancy efforts under one umbrella, and to support the public and private sectors in working together toward comprehensive solutions.
The Reinvestment & Reuse Working Group, one of six collaborative working groups, focuses on identifying and promoting financial and sustainable solutions to equitably reinvest in vacant property. Topics include small contractor and rehabber development, financial reinvestment tools and historic preservation, and alternative land uses like those presented in this guide.
The Reinvestment & Reuse Working Group, one of six collaborative working groups, focuses on identifying and promoting financial and sustainable solutions to equitably reinvest in vacant property. Topics include small contractor and rehabber development, financial reinvestment tools and historic preservation, and alternative land uses like those presented in this guide.
Green City Coalition (GCC) is a collective initiative of state, city, community organizations, and neighbors working collaboratively to develop and conserve green spaces that promote healthy, vibrant and engaged St. Louis neighborhoods.
GCC has cooperative agreements with the Missouri Department of Conservation, City of St. Louis, St. Louis Development Corporation, Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District, and Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation, with additional members varying by neighborhood, program, or project.
GCC has cooperative agreements with the Missouri Department of Conservation, City of St. Louis, St. Louis Development Corporation, Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District, and Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation, with additional members varying by neighborhood, program, or project.
Arbolope Studio is an award-winning Landscape Architecture, Urban Design and Public Art practice based in St. Louis, Missouri, focused on creating innovative and impactful landscapes that balance high-quality design, social equity, and environmental resilience.
Arbolope works with a variety of local, national and international clients including universities, institutions, corporations, and communities – at scales ranging from intimate landscapes to large urban plans.
Arbolope works with a variety of local, national and international clients including universities, institutions, corporations, and communities – at scales ranging from intimate landscapes to large urban plans.
If you have questions, comments, or additions for this toolkit, please submit a contact form.
