From my TravelOKCity Column
Living in the city, I have always been drawn to creative
dynamic districts. Instead of going to the hippest nightspot, I prefer places
alive not with blaring Lady GaGa but with folksy local tunes. I love places of
diversity where owners of pop-up businesses can share artisan coffee with conglomerates
and talk about homegrown art. A thriving place that offers a wide variety of
options for the craving palate and the hungry soul seeking self-expression and stimulation.
A green society that creatively benefits from the environment without taking
advantage of it.
Better Block OKC is in the process of building these
communities, street by street, block by block.
A city movement, Better Block OKC is a community revitalization project initiated
by Urban Land Oklahoma Institute (ULI), an organization that advocates the
responsible use of land and supports in creating and sustaining thriving
communities. In alignment with ULI’s commitment, Better Block OKC aims to
change the way we live in an urban landscape by temporarily demonstrating how
to improve an area with pedestrian and public infrastructure combined with art,
culture, pop-up businesses, and street life. I’ve heard a few call it the dream
of the Millennials, a place similar to the plazas and markets in Europe where
people can lounge, commune, and be inspired.
Last month, I stepped into this aspired world at NW7th
and Hudson where Better Block OKC launched its first project, transforming an
area that would have been otherwise just another region in the city into a hub
of activity.
Trucks lined the streets selling all sorts of food fare
from waffles to eggrolls. Establishments
took their café tables and chairs out to join the party. Makeshift stalls sold
fresh fruits and vegetables. Shops like OUI showcased handmade and one of a
kind jewelry, paper garlands, weavings, and ceramics from independent artists
and designers from LA, NY, and OKC.
A pop-up flower shop bloomed with rainforest-certified,
free-trade roses from Ecuador. Farm-direct flowers like ranunculus, jumbo
hydrangeas, Starfighters, and white Oriental lilies filled the air with the
smell of spring and the promise of a blossoming summer.Art installations also
decorated the sidewalk, adding to the festivities. Recycled bottles were used as planters and
hung in strings forming a “green” curtain against a brick wall.
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While lining up for Belgian waffles, I witnessed street
art in the works. Two young men busied themselves with spray paint, one balancing
on a small ladder, the other on a bicycle. Their masterpiece expressed the
sentiment of the entire state: a bright yellow thunder rumbling over the
opposing team.
The whole process was art itself, including the
spectators taking it all in with their eyes and their camera phones. They gathered
around in an almost perfect half circle as the artists moved, in sync to the
music, sometimes in unison, sometimes in response to each other’s movement as
if they were in a standoff. Their agile bodies swayed this way and that,
stretching their arms as far as they could reach to bring forth color.
Better Block OKC was also Better Bark OKC. The 2 day
event encouraged furry friends to come by as long as they were on leashes.
Everything
inspired creativity and community to urge the people to get more involved. An interactive chalk wall encouraged revelers
to share their thoughts about community building or simply have fun by making
up their own once-upon-a-time –stories by filling in the blanks.
Little notebooks were handed out for visionaries to
write their ideas and suggestions for the city. “Think big and broad. Now and later.
Detailed and big picture. But most of all, remember that your ideas matter,”
encourages the first page. “Be a player
in your neighborhood; champion its needs, and help us build a better OKC.”
Pages are like worksheets or activity sheets where people can draw, doodle, or
simply dream.
I don’t know when the next Better Block party is, but
soon as I hear about it, I’ll let you know and we’ll have a party.
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