Comeback Kitchen Table Lowell Edition

Idea:

Nashua had an art project where 10 kitchen tables were painted and put around the community. These tables created a scene and could be used for picnics, kids’ play, or to provoke discussion. Sponsors would be sought to provide artist stipends and donated materials (old tables) would be used and given new life.

Benefit:

This would create a special theme that people from outside of the community would want to visit and "see them all" in special locations in Lowell that might be overlooked. They might provoke conversations, neighborhood residents could use them for picnics, and each table could represent a tradition in Lowell's [Read more…]

Location:

Citywide, OldIdea.

Community Center

Idea:

A space where young adults and adults alike can meet and mingle to play board games, video games, watch films, and a place for music and dance.

Benefit:

This center would give young people and adults a place to get together for positive activities. My thought for location is Bar 74 – a large space with downstairs area for games etc., and a ballroom upstairs for dance. Lessons could be given by Salsa in Lowell and others, and [Read more…]

Location:

Downtown / JAM, OldIdea.

Community Fridge

Idea:

Local fridge for the community, mainly for those who are the homeless community. Many bakeries, restaurants, and grocery stores throw away perfectly good food when it is at the end of the day or close to expiration. The food can be given to the homeless community instead or to anyone who is interested.

Benefit:

Aiding the homeless community. Not throwing away/wasting food.

Location:

Don't Know, OldIdea.

Community Garden Awareness

Idea:

Work with Mill City Grows or another organization to help promote community gardens and locate spaces for potential future gardens, possibly community food gardens near housing units. Maybe add signs or other literature to areas about the possibility of joining a community garden.

Benefit:

Help those who are struggling to be able to have access to healthy foods.

Location:

Citywide, OldIdea.

Backyard Garden Network

Idea:

We make a network of backyard gardeners working with Mill City Grows and other community gardeners across Lowell. This network will share harvest, seeds, supplies, and skills. This network could include a seed bank and/or a tool bank. People learn to grow different crops in their backyard and that way they will have food that they can [Read more…]

Benefit:

Building community due to crop sharing, less money spent on GMO pesticide infused food

Location:

Citywide, OldIdea.

Community Garden Space

Idea:

More green/growing space available in downtown Lowell

Benefit:

Bringing people together through growing and creating more diversified space.

Location:

Downtown / JAM, OldIdea.

Community Mural

Idea:

A collective mural that provides community members with a defined and approved space to envision and express their story in a public and inclusive setting.

Benefit:

Brings people together and builds community and character while making the city beautiful and inviting.

Location:

Don't Know, OldIdea.

Community Rain Garden

Idea:

Rain gardens capture storm runoff with lush vegetation. People coming together to execute the idea of making a pretty rain garden together as a team.

Benefit:

The rain garden will benefit the rivers and waterways and helps decrease runoff, decrease flooding and reabsorb groundwater. Great for the environment and good for Lowell.

Location:

Don't Know, OldIdea.

Community Skillshare Center

Idea:

We need a place to teach and learn from each other! Where people from all walks are welcome and can find a friendly face to point them in the right direction when they need resources. Maybe the city has a space downtown that is currently unused that they could lease for 1 year for $1 [Read more…]

Benefit:

This would give our citizens a place to exchange ideas and grow together, to share our history and culture while becoming a support system (real neighbor helping neighbor action!). Out of this will come events and collaborations to make our city even more culturally vibrant!

Location:

Downtown / JAM, OldIdea.

Conversation Tables

Idea:

Area restaurants, cafeterias, waiting rooms, hospitals and offices would invite individuals or couples, to share a table and talk to each other. Conversation menus could be provided. This breaks down barriers, fosters inclusion and promotes kindness.

Benefit:

When we invite strangers around us to engage in conversation we may discover we have more in common than we thought and this leads to greater understanding and tolerance for those who appear different. Especially for individuals who are alone ( and perhaps disenfranchised) at a restaurant or in a [Read more…]

Location:

Citywide, OldIdea.