South of Penn Community Lot

A vacant lot in Reading, Pennsylvania, that was once full of abandoned cars and trash now serves as a focal point for neighbor-led programs, art, and activities for youth in the community.

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Prophets, Poets, and Parks

City resident Lourdes Monzon organizes these gatherings, called Prophets, Poets, and Parks. She intentionally rotates the events around the city, picking abandoned and underutilized areas of parks. Her purpose is to create safe spaces that highlight the importance of words, narratives, and poetry. The first event in the series focused on reading poems by Audrey…

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Pegasus Garden

After the city demolished a home, the resulting vacant lot attracted illegal drug activity to the area. Jennifer Grau, a Prospect PLACE neighborhood resident, said “Neighbors wanted to create a colorful space for gathering and gardening that would signal to those who live here and those passing by that we live in a connected, vibrant,…

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