2026 Neighborhood Revitalization

Detailed Description and statement of need

Turnout for the neighborhood association is low, and, subjectively, it doesn't seem like many neighbors are friends with each other. The goal of the 2026 revitalization is to make two small nudges to keep the association going and get people spending time with each other in the neighborhood.

The two parts are:

  1. ($200 or less) Buy a plastic "axe throwing" kit for National Night Out. These kits have plastic toy axes that stick into plastic bristles on a special target. There is no exposed metal and they are kid-friendly. We can use it for other outdoor nights in spring, summer, and fall.
  2. ($60 or less) Print a 2-foot-by-3-foot laminated paper map of the neighborhood from Office Depot. With the lamination, it should last for years, and we can bring this to meetings and put sticky notes on it so people can find their neighbors, and so we can have a visual aid to discuss other geographical things. (like potholes or sidewalk construction)

Total budget is under $300.

Anticipated measurable outcomes

Increased turnout at public neighborhood meetings, increase of informal "hangouts" among small groups of neighbors independent of association leadership. (We don't want to be a bottleneck for neighbors befriending each other.)

How was the project selected and what is the level of support?

This came together last-minute because I forgot that the grant was due this week.

Regarding the map, I printed a similar map of the city of Peoria at Office Depot, and the process is very smooth. I got the map PDF from OpenStreetMap. This can be done in a day, I just wanted to make it property of the association that will outlive my presidency.

Regarding the axe throwing kit, I played with one at an event last summer and found it enjoyable even as an adult. It is simpler than "bags" and requires very little setup between games.

The secretary and treasurer have both expressed their support. Because we only hold public meetings once per quarter and there is fairly low engagement between meetings, we haven't checked with any other neighbors about this plan yet.

Who will undertake each step?

If the project is approved, I will:

  1. Download the map PDF using the same service I used before, and put a "Property of Creighton Woods" label on it
  2. Upload the PDF to Office Depot and commission a laminated print using the same print service I used before
  3. Pick up the printed map and store it safely
  4. Choose and buy a plastic axe throwing kit, test it, and store it safely
  5. Make sure the axe throwing kit is set up for National Night Out

Start and end dates

The project can start as early as Monday (April 6th) and finish on National Night Out (August 4th) when the axe throwing kit is set up