Neighborhoods
The City of Garland is keeping an updated COVID-19 webpage for all to view and stay informed. Visit the COVID-19 page. Learn more on how we can overcome the Coronavirus together and view Garland specific resources and data showing maps of higher risk populations. View report here.
Also, check out the different ways you can continue to build community in your neighborhood below our upcoming events and programs.
Highlighted Programs & Upcoming Events
The City of Garland actively engages residents in community partnerships promoting the vitality of our neighborhoods. Our comprehensive approach to neighborhood vitality begins with you. Contact the Office of Neighborhood Vitality to be equipped and empowered to make a difference where you live.
COVID-19 Friendly Community Building Ideas
There are several ways to connect virtually with your neighbors. Below are a few suggestions on how to do so. The Office of Neighborhood Vitality has purchased a licensed video conferencing account to assist registered neighborhood groups in meeting virtually. To learn more, email Neighborhoods@GarlandTX.gov.
- Host a virtual or front porch bingo. Cards will need to be distributed to participating homes in advance, but these can be delivered while still adhering to social distancing guidelines.
- Host a virtual trivia night. Questions can be found using existing board games or online trivia question sites.
- Virtual morning coffees! You can determine a topic of discussion, i.e. favorite books, movies,
- Online yoga/exercise groups, there’s always a fitness trainer somewhere in the neighborhood.
- Have a virtual Happy Hour. These can be with any type of food or beverage!
Be sure to take pictures and post them on social media using #GarlandGoodness #GoodNeighbors!
Art and music is a great way to lift spirits. Look for ways around your neighborhood to introduce art, even if it is temporary. You can:
- Use sidewalk chalk draw scenes of hope or leave positive messages.
- Place painted rocks throughout the neighborhood to boost spirits or morale.
- Ever hear of “Yarn Bombing”? It could be interesting!
- Schedule a front porch “jam session” with other musical neighbors or even by yourself!
- Arrange a front porch/yard dance party! Who doesn’t need to bust a move every now and then?
- Try organizing a window art competition. You can be as specific or vague as you wish. Select a judging panel and determine an award for the winners!
Take pictures and post them on social media using #GarlandGoodness #GoodNeighbors.
Now is the time for neighbors to help neighbors. Below are a few ideas of how neighbors can lend a helping hand.
- Ever heard of “Free Little Library”? What if neighbors made a “Free Little Pantry”? When certain essential resources are scarce, you can try adopting a model of sharing what you can and taking what you need.
- Make and donate cloth masks to neighbors as they run essential errands.
- Try to ensure the elderly and at risk neighbors are taken care of. You can ask them to:
- Put Green, Yellow, Red paper in their window to signal how they’re doing.
- Create a phone chain to periodically check in on at risk neighbors.
- Inform at risk neighbors if you’re going to the store and if you can pick up something for them.
- Volunteer to mow their lawn, or take their trash can to the curb.
There are so many ways to lend a hand. If your neighborhood does not have an organized group, Nextdoor recently introduced a “Help Map” to allow neighbors to post how they are willing to help.
Do you have an all-star neighbor who is lending a helping hand? Take a picture of them in action and post it on social media using #GarlandGoodness #GoodNeighbors!
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
- National Good Neighbor Day is Sept. 28! Check out these additional resources below:
- To stay connected with what is going on in Garland neighborhoods, sign up for our monthly e-newsletter, The Neighborhood Chatter.
- Interested in knowing what’s going on in your neighborhood? Sign up for Nextdoor! Nextdoor is a free and private social network for neighborhoods. Neighbors can get to know each other, ask questions, seek recommendations and pass on safety tips.
- Interested in a roasting marshmallows with your neighbors? Check out the guidelines for fire pits and chimeneas (PDF).
NEIGHBORHOOD VITALITY MATCHING GRANT
On December 15, 2015, Garland City Council approved Resolution Number 10229 adopting updated guidelines to the Neighborhood Vitality Matching Grant. Neighborhood groups, voluntary or mandatory, may apply for matching funds to complete enhancement or beautification projects on public property. View new guidelines and application process.