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Oxford Square Community Lot receives $600,000 for improvements

The Oxford Square Community Lot, located at the corner of Oxford Avenue and Lafayette Avenue (on land adjacent to People Inc.’s Linwood Lafayette Senior Apartments), is now reimagined as “a multi-use, multi-generational community gathering space “.

This makeshift plot of land was originally a parking lot before local residents took it over and created a community gathering space and play area. That was in 2011. Over the years, a number of Basic amenities have been added to the grounds, including a Little Free Library with a green roof.

Ultimately, the land – now owned by People, Inc. – was thrust into the spotlight as neighbors of the Oxford Square Block Club called for it to become a legitimate park and play space in the same vein as Elmwood’s new KOMPAN playground.

It was around the time the playground opened on Elmwood that Senator Sean Ryan was approached by a few members of the Oxford Square Block Club, who requested that the Oxford Square community field receive similar treatment. Instead of walking to Elmwood with their children, they felt they should be able to enjoy their own neighborhood playground as well.

Mathews Nielsen
Landscape architects, PC

Two years later, Ryan and People Inc. representatives announced that the Oxford Square Block Club would receive $600,000 in improvements to create a multi-purpose, multi-generational community gathering space. This newly reimagined gathering area and play space will include an accessible play area, landscaping, garden, storage shed, additional seating and new shade structures. The design reflects the needs and desires of the surrounding community.

The financing of the project is twofold:

  • The project will be funded primarily by a state grant secured by Sen. Ryan, which will cover site preparation costs as well as the cost of the playground and other equipment.
  • The People Foundation Inc. has generously committed an additional $75,000 to cover expenses not covered by the state grant.

“Neighborhood gathering spaces are an integral part of maintaining vibrant communities,” said Senator Sean Ryan. “Having a dedicated space for neighbors of all ages to interact and pass time provides a safe recreational option in an urban setting and helps build lasting relationships.” The residents of Oxford Square have done an outstanding job maintaining the community grounds for over a decade. The addition of an accessible playground and new spaces for visitors to sit and relax will make an important community amenity even more welcoming to all residents.

“People Inc. is committed to doing everything we can to uplift and improve the communities in which we provide housing and other services,” said Anne McCaffrey, president and CEO of People Inc. “Create safe and accessible areas for people of all ages to enjoy is part of this commitment and is at the heart of our mission to improve lives. We are grateful for the seamless collaboration with Senator Ryan and the Oxford Square Block Club and are very excited to move forward with these important improvements to the Oxford Square Community Field.

“For nearly two decades, the Community Lot has been a project of meaning and pride for the Oxford Square Block Club,” commented Jenifer Kaminsky, President of the Oxford Square Block Club. “Our neighbors dedicated countless hours, personal resources and creativity to build this valuable space for all of our families. We are honored and extremely grateful to State Senator Ryan, our “forever partners” People Inc., and our community of advocates for this transformational investment in the families of Oxford Square and our surrounding neighborhoods.