During this, our 50th anniversary year, we’ll be sharing 50 reason to celebrate Center for Neighborhoods — one reason each week. The posts will come from different stakeholders in the organization, representing our past, present, and future.

This week’s post is written by Lou Lepping, Planning & Programs Associate.

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We reached a landmark this week in our construction of the soon-to-be Parkland Plaza: the shipping container stage arrived by crane and was lowered into place as delicately as one threads a needle. It was a humble and triumphant moment that made the whole project seem a little realer and more possible than ever before.

After years of working with Parkland residents—of listening to stories of pride, joys, and concerns—this project is finally coming to fruition. And after months of digging out the old, tired space that existed before we broke ground, we are beginning to build; to add and reconstruct something beautiful that is the product of so many Parkland voices and brains. Something reflective of the beauty that already exists in Parkland.

In turn, we hope the Plaza will continue to strengthen the neighborhood, from the inside out. Indeed, it is exciting to dream of the possibility that arises from depaving a parking lot and putting up a paradise. This work is never done, of course, and Center for Neighborhoods will continue to work alongside Parkland residents for years to come. Our relationships in the neighborhood will age and evolve as the trees in the new Plaza grow taller and offer more shade with the years, bringing people together to rest and gather and celebrate.

There is much on the horizon for this neighborhood steeped in history and prospect, but for now, let us relish in the simple pleasure of witnessing a transformation in slow motion.