esquimalt.ca neighbourhood block party kit neighbourhood block party kit

Introduction

A neighbourhood block party is an opportunity for neighbours to get together, meet each other, have fun and work together on a common activity. Getting together with neighbours for a warm evening of fun and food is not only enjoyable but also enables a renewed attachment among people of all ages in your area. The Township of Esquimalt identified age freindly communities as a priority in the Strategic Plan and an important part of acheiving a healthy community. As friendships grow so do safe and caring neighbourhoods.

Top 10 reasons to have a block party

HAVE FUN ESTABLISH NEW MAKE ADDITIONAL No excuses or FRIENDSHIPS CONNECTIONS reasons needed WITHIN THE to celebrate LEARN A LITTLE COMMUNITY. ABOUT EACH OTHER When you know MEET YOUR and who might need people, you can NEIGHBOURS. a little extra help exchange skills If you know from time to time or resources and who lives in your perhaps organize a neighbourhood MEET SOME OLD book club, babysitting you are better able to TIME RESIDENTS co-op, share walking identify strangers or in the neighbourhood to school duties, or suspicious people and learn the find new friends for neighbourhood’s your children INCREASE THE SENSE history OF BELONGING TO HAVE A A COMMUNITY STRENGTHEN NEIGHBOURHOOD NEIGHBOURHOOD CLEAN UP DAY SPIRIT and encourage play some good music residents to look after and barbeque once the neighbourhood all the work is done

START A NEIGHBOURHOOD TRADITION of getting together at least once a year! neighbourhood block party kit

Planning your neighbourhood Block Party

GETTING STARTED: » The idea of a neighbourhood Block Party is to bring neighbours together, so the first step is to talk to your neighbours » You may want to send out a flyer to explain what a Block Party is, encourage attendance, and get opinions on how to handle the food, possible dates and times to have an event » Enlist as many neighbours as you can to help out. One person can type the flyer; someone else can deliver and collect them. Perhaps local youth can drop the flyers in the mailboxes or doorsteps » It is important to include as many interested people as possible in planning and organizing your event

WHAT TYPE OF BLOCK PARTIES WORK BEST IN NEIGHBOURHOODS? Barbeques » Organizers purchase all that is needed and neighbours provide the money » Everyone brings their own meal Picnics » Everyone brings their own meal Pot Luck » Everyone brings one dish neighbourhood block party kit

HOW BIG TO MAKE IT? » Start off with a smaller event rather than a lage one. It can always grow, but it is hard to shrink it. » In selecting who to invite, use natural neighbourhood boundaries where possible (i.e. at the end of the block).

LOCATION It is recommended to use a common public space, if at all possible. This will increase the likelihood of shared responsibilities for the event. Options: » Public park or roadway; see below for details. » A neighbour’s backyard

» House TIP » Garage (rain out) You can use a public » Common room in a condo unit park or roadway for your Block Party! See paragraph below for how to apply!

PUBLIC PARK OR ROADWAY ? If you and your neighbours have decided to use a public park or roadway for your Block Party you will need to: » Fill out a Neighbourhood Block Party Application . The application is available on-line at www.esquimalt.ca/bcapp neighbourhood block party kit

TOWNSHIP OF ESQUIMALT EVENT TRAILER » The Township of Esquimalt has an Event Trailer which is available to rent for your block party. The Event Trailer has many of the things you need to make your block party a huge success. » Some of the contents of the event trailer are (but not limited to) : • Tables & Chairs • 10’ * 10’ Shelter • Barricades, & Traffic cones • Signage for your road closure » Please see the Event Trailer Information Form for details. Available on-line at www.esquimalt.ca/eventtrailer neighbourhood block party kit

STRIVE TO PROVIDE A “GREEN” EVENT

What makes an event “GREEN”? A “green event “is an event that minimizes negative impacts on the environment and human health and is guided by the following principles: • Conserve natural resources • Minimize waste • Lower greenhouse gas emissions • Promote alternative transportation • Prioritize healthy, fair-traded and sustainable food alternatives

WHERE TO START? By pooling resources from your neighbours, create a recycling and waste sorting area close to the food prep or eating area with four separate containers: 1. Compost: includes Paper, Food Scraps, Organics 2. Recycling: beverage containers 3. Recycling: Glass, metal, plastic 4. Waste: Coffee cups, candy wrappers, plastic cups. neighbourhood block party kit

ROLE OF THE ORGANIZERS » Make decisions about the set up » Act as the greeter at the event » Introduce new neighbours and help them make connections » Make sure the cleanup is done.

REMINDERS: » Neighbours should observe security precautions by keeping back doors locked and equipment in sight » Be mindful of the municipal noise bylaw which is in effect as of 10:00pm. » Remember when setting up tables and chairs that emergency vehicles may need to access your street. » You may wish to post signs the day before the event to remind everyone to remove cars for street closure neighbourhood block party kit

ACTIVITIES DURING THE EVENT » Visit and eat! Over centuries, food has always had a very social component in societies. » Games for kids (some organized, some they can play themselves) » Sidewalk chalk » Face painting » Hula hoops » Fruit loop necklaces » Encourage the talent in your neighbourhood to come forward – you may be living next to a musician, artist, Disc Jockey, magician, or dancer. » Take time to get to know one another

FINAL CHECKLIST: • Communicate with your neighbours; get them on-board to help • Pick a date/time/location and type of event • Using a public park, or roadway? If so, fill out a Neighbourhood Block Party Application. • Renting the Special Event Trailer? If so, fill out the Event Trailer Application • Send out your invitations • Make it a GREEN Event! • HAVE FUN!

QUESTIONS? • Contact the Community Services Development Programmer at 250-412-8511.