Ideas for vacant lot improvements

Hello all!

I was curious if any of you have ideas or experience with improving a vacant lot.

We don't have much community involvement, so shooting out a question like "Who has any ideas?" wouldn't get much attention, but a vote on a few ideas presented probably would.

So right now we're thinking maybe a playground (not sure about the insurance implications of this one, or if it would cause too much noise for the neighbors next to the lot), community garden, sitting area, etc.

Any other neat ideas that you guys have?

Thanks!

I like Pat's idea - some sort of picnic area is what I'd hoped our community would do for the former swimming pool when we shut it down for good. A community garden would also be great - there may be some sort of county extension office in your area that can help you with planning it.

As for the playground, you're correct that there could be some insurance issues, but you also have to consider the size of the area because that will also determine what sort of stuff you can put in it, ages of the kids who would use it, etc. We found that out when we replaced our playground equipment - we thought just going to a hardware store and buying a kit would be enough, but there are standards set by the Consumer Products Safety Commission. Companies who sell specialized equipment for schools and such know what they are and they're the ones you'd have to contact to ensure the area is compliant.

Don't let that discourage you though (just don't put a basketball court on the lot - otherwise I guarantee you will have noise issues and perhaps a few more headaches!) Brainstorm a few ideas and then ask the community what it would like (some people WILL respond)

Good ideas coming your way, Jesse. What size community are you? What size is this lot?

Even if there are a lot of children, I like the ones about sitting areas, community garden and maybe a grassy area for lawn games for old & young.

Our 2 BBQs get tremendous use, but that's because our condo balconies are small and another reason is when the grillers want to entertain several people at the BBQ area tables vs. their own smaller dining rooms or balconies. Consider the cost of running gas or water to the lot.

Take into account you'll need volunteers or extra hours from your landscaper to maintain the area.

Once you get a good list of choices together, this project might be just the spark you need to enliven your HOA mebers.

Jesse,

Keep in mind the long term costs with whatever you do.

BBQ, Picnic areas need to be kept up. Grills need to be cleaned and verified that they were cleaned. Benches/tables replaced every x years.

There are long term costs associated with most plans. All I'm saying is make sure to plan for them and increase assessments and the Reserve Study appropriately so when the cost is realized it's not a shock and funds are available.

I would mow it and set out some benches and a picnic table or two but no grills. There are benches and tables made ffrm plastic looking wood that will stand up to time.