This week I had the privilege of attending a group field trip to Walton Beach with CityBuilding Partnership Founder Nathan Norris. We explored Seaside, Rosemary Beach, and Alys Beach to analyze their strengths and weaknesses. Just like humans, communities have personalities and are at their best when they understand what makes them special and focus on developing those assets into their best possible version.

I could write a whole book about all I learned, but what strikes me most in the moment is how it was the little things that impacted me the most. The architecture was fascinating, Nature was intentionally celebrated and incorporated into the spaces, and, despite their closeness to highway 30A, they were safely walkable and peaceful. Those are all really important things, but what has stayed in my mind are things that didn’t need to exist at all – yet their existence created an uplifting, one-of-a-kind experience.

BIG AND/OR PRICEY AMENITIES

All three communities used their retention pond as a gathering space for concerts and passive recreation.

All three incorporated artistic elements in both public and private spaces, such as the Stairway to Heaven in the photo below. They serve no function other than to create a sense of wonder and cultivate curiosity.

All three created unusual gathering spaces in unexpected places.

SMALL AND/OR INEXPENSIVE AMENITIES

Need to mark parking spaces? Why not use different colored bricks?

Need a walkway? How about colorful slate or boards instead of concrete?

Need a bike rack? Why not make it feel like sculpture?

Building a wall? How about throwing in some tile at your house or metal stamps at the post office?

No matter where you live, you can do something to elevate its character and showcase its personality. Let me know your inspiring ideas in the comment section!