Spring Brings New Opportunities for Engagement
As the weather warms up, folks tend to have a new burst of energy for engagement. At The Philadelphian, we are fortunate to have so many amazing clubs and committees that host a variety of exciting gatherings to bring neighbors together. If you’re looking for new ideas for resident engagement, check out some of our crowd favorites!
A Winning Tradition: Kentucky Derby Party
One of the most anticipated events of the spring is our annual Kentucky Derby Party, which is thoughtfully organized by our Arts and Entertainment Committee. Residents gather to watch the races on our big screen TV in the decorated social room. Everyone dresses to impress in hopes of winning the fancy hat contest. Of course, mint juleps are served as a nod to Derby tradition. The combination of friendly competition, good company, and the races make this event a true favorite.
Poolside Fun with a Cookout Twist
In addition to the Derby, our community’s pool deck gatherings, hosted by the Fitness Center Committee, are another highlight of the warmer months. These events offer residents a chance to enjoy the sun while socializing with neighbors. With our community’s grill restrictions, the Fitness Center Committee goes above and beyond to cater delicious grilled hot dogs for everyone to enjoy. This simple act of providing grill favorites creates a lot of excitement among residents, turning a regular day at the pool into a festive occasion. A true treat.
A Day in the City
Another beloved event in our community is the biannual Day Trip to New York City, held in May and October to avoid the extremes of heat and cold. This Arts and Entertainment-sponsored outing allows residents to explore the vibrant city together, fostering camaraderie as they chit-chat during the bus rides and take on the city as a group. Many residents typically purchase tickets to see a Broadway show, make reservations at trendy restaurants they’ve been eager to try, or visit museums. The day is filled with laughter, exploration, and the excitement of experiencing new things outside the community, making it a highlight for many and a cherished tradition.
Taking Advantage of Local Community Events
We are lucky to have other community events near our building that our residents can take advantage of and that don’t require any volunteer leaders. In the warmer months, there are frequent community street festivals, often referred to as “sidewalk socials.” These events feature small businesses, typically small craft vendors, a food truck or two, and a musician, creating a casual midweek evening social opportunity for neighbors to enjoy. It’s a wonderful way to connect with the local community while supporting small businesses. If your neighborhood hosts anything like this, be sure to share the details with your residents! Alternatively, consider reaching out to local businesses to see if they would be interested in coming to your community for a small business appreciation day.
Building Community One Event at a Time
These gatherings are more than just events; they are opportunities to strengthen our community ties and create lasting memories together. We encourage all residents to participate and engage with one another, making each occasion not just an event, but a celebration of our community. I hope that other communities find inspiration in these event ideas or come up with their own, allowing them to experience the magic of engagement!
About the Author
Caitlin Lyons serves as the Communications Manager at The Philadelphian. She is passionate about building community through thoughtful communication and resident engagement, helping bring neighbors together through events and shared experiences.
