The Our Town - Clarenville Blog by Paul Tilley

When you think of public spaces in Clarenville, what do you think of? Elizabeth Swan Park? Perhaps. Kids and their parents might gather because of the playground. But usually the gathering is because there's something happening--Winter Carnival event, Clarenville Day, Arts Under the Stars. Where do people in the town go to hang out, meet up with people, feel good about their community? Some of you are thinking Tim Horton's! The Shoal Harbour Trail is the beginning of what could be a nice public space. Many people enjoy the walk around the harbour but there's not really a gathering place per se. White Hills plays a bit of that role. Many people hang out at the lift line! Or meet in many of the cross-country chalets or the downhill chalet. There's a sense of community there. The creation of public places is an important topic to consider in community planning. Communities thrive because neighbourhoods thrive. Because people know and care about each other. Doe...