The Ultimate Front Porch Hang
Why Free Movie Night Isn’t Just for Kids
Chattanooga Parks & Outdoors is hosting a FREE Movie Night in our neighborhood this Friday! But don’t let the selected feature (Inside Out 2) deter you from joining if you’re not into animated films. Because while Movie in a Park offers free entertainment for the kids, it offers something even bigger for all of us: community.
In May 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General called loneliness a public health epidemic. For many of us, that proclamation comes as no surprise. On the heels of the pandemic's isolation and amidst the incessant hustle of our culture, loneliness is a logical outcome. The obvious antidote is connectivity. But that can often feel daunting. Especially because connection isn’t something we can add to our to-do list. It isn’t something we can accomplish. And it isn’t something we can do on our own. By its nature, it requires all of us to show up and choose one another. And that takes a level of vulnerability and intentionality.
One of the things that makes our neighborhood so special is the community. We have front porches for hanging out, sidewalks for strolling, and a recreation center for gathering. But those anchors of our neighborhood are only as meaningful as we make them. We still have to choose to sit on the porch, take the walk, and utilize the gathering spaces. But when we do, something magical happens – not all at once, but consistently over time, we become more connected to one another, less alone, and consequently, less lonely.
This Friday, as the sun sets and the weather cools, make your way to Wyatt Park, even if not for yourself, perhaps for your neighbor who may be feeling the ache of disconnection. Bring a drink, a blanket, and an openness to meeting someone new. The time and space we carve out of our days for simply being together is how we foster a sense of community. It’s how we combat loneliness. And ultimately, the connectivity it brings is what gives our lives meaning.
ALL THE DETAILS
When: Friday, July 18th at dusk
Where: Wyatt Park, 406 Colville Street
What: Inside Out 2
Bring: Chairs, blankets, snacks, family, and friends!
MAKING IT EXTRA SPECIAL
Kids – Bring your goodies to sell! We’re talking friendship bracelets, lemonade, cookies, face paint – whatever you’ve got to share! We’ll have a special market-like space set up for you!
Adults – Bring your garden bounty to share! Snip some sprigs of basil, pick some ripe tomatoes, and gather the peaches off the tree in your backyard. Whatever you have in your garden, let’s do what our community does best – come together and share whatever we have to offer.
NCNA hats and t-shirts will also be available for purchase as we continue to raise funds for the revitalization of another community space – Sylvan Park!
