Renaissance Park Community Association NFP West Main Street Peoria, Illinois 61606 Grow Springfield Community Gardening and Urban Farming Forum February 7, 2015
Neighborhood Overview N
Moving into The Neighborhood Blue Bar opened on West Main Street in 2009 Occupied a neglected building with a troubled past Almost had to close within the first year Needed to find a way to improve the situation Community engagement became key Gaslight Bar, 2009 Blue Bar, 2014
West Main Street Existing Conditions A neighborhood commercial corridor In decline / struggling since the 1980s History of failed businesses Empty & neglected store fronts Disengaged / Absentee Landlords
West Main Street Existing Conditions Considered unsafe and unfriendly Litter, weeds, and generally blighted Drug activity and loitering No organization or group cooperation
West Main Street Existing Conditions = Vacant Building = Existing Business = Empty Lot
West Main Street The Empty Lot Lot leased to, but unused by, the neighboring gas station A field plagued by litter accumulation, loiterers, and drug users
West Main Street A Turning Point We reached out to our customer base for advice, and their overwhelming response was to get involved with the community. Basically - we couldn t just plant a business here, never interact with the neighborhood we were in, and go home every night. Early Neighborhood Cleanup
West Main Street A Garden is Born Got permission to garden on the lot in 2012 Cleared lot of brush and trash Began building raised garden beds Self-funded by our volunteers A community space is brought to life!
West Main Street A Garden is Born We planted food and flowers, we picked up garbage, and we just tried to have a positive impact on our surroundings. RPCA Community Garden, 2012
West Main Street Garden Maturation In 2014, our garden grew to new heights and became an even better public space! A new, welcoming entrance Bench seating 4 new garden beds Kids garden area Larger plant variety Public art Sculptures Live music events Public gathering space
West Main Street Garden Maturation
West Main Street Garden Maturation
West Main Street Expanded Stewardship As our garden grew, so did our scope and involvement in the community Street trees planter cleaning & maintenance (30 trees total) Street corner design & landscaping work
West Main Street Expanded Stewardship As our garden grew, so did our scope and involvement in the community Building façade repair / Working with landlords / Advertising available real estate
West Main Street Expanded Stewardship As our garden grew, so did our scope and involvement in the community Promoting neighborhood businesses as a group Sidewalk (snow) clearing More landscaping & art!
West Main Street Expanded Stewardship As our garden grew, so did our scope and involvement in the community Sidewalk cleaning & snow clearing More public art!
West Main Street Garden Days Garden Days Our first advertised garden event 43 new neighbors reached, 3 new members to RPCA Distributed fresh produce, gardening information, and RPCA information
West Main Street Garden Days 15 meal kits distributed to neighbors Contained produce and pasta; enough to feed 6-8 people Recipes distributed from Good and Cheap: Eat Well on $4/Day Price: Tell others that the garden is here and is free for everyone!
RPCA The Organization By 2014, we had grown beyond what a casual group could do A need for Incorporation and tax-exempt status RPCA became an Illinois Not-for-Profit Corporation in summer, 2014 RPCA was granted federal 501(c)3 tax-exempt status In fall, 2014
RPCA The Organization Becoming a full-blown organization was challenging and time consuming paperwork and waiting Development of official Bylaws, Articles of Incorporation Secretary of State Filing State A multi-step process that involves Bylaws Corporation Status and a Corporate Charter Secretary of State, Illinois 501(c)3 Exemption Filing Attorney General, and the Internal Revenue Service Federal Registration with the Illinois Federal Employer ID (FEIN) Federal Not-for-Profit Status Attorney General Filing State Soliciting Charity Status
RPCA The Organization But Wait... There's More!!! Liability Insurance Liability Waivers Building a Board of Directors Annual Reports Corporate Finances Website / Blog Social Media
RPCA Now and into The Future Large-scale public mural
RPCA Now and into The Future #LoveYourNeighborhood Winter Gala Fundraiser A community center & office A second community green space
RPCA Our Advice Start Small Every little bit helps It's ok to not know what you're doing You'll learn as you go Utilize tools that are free (Internet, social media, city programs, students) Utilize the many talents of your volunteers Take photos and share them with the world! Be of your community and not just for the community Take care of yourself while taking care of others HAVE FUN!!!
Questions?
Renaissance Park Community Association NFP West Main Street Peoria, Illinois 61606