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Enid Economic Development Corner - October 2020
Written By: Lisa Powell
Third Places: What They Are and Why They Are Important
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People spend the majority of their time in two places, either at work or at home. Where they spend the rest of their time, though, is often where community and connections are developed. These community-building places are known as “Third Places,” a term coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg. Idea sharing, relationship building, and an overall good time all happen at these locations.
Enid has a variety of third places, such as; our coffee shops, breweries, golf courses, gyms, and many other locations. Each third-place area provides the opportunity to enhance the quality of life in a community. Quality of Life is the standard of health, comfort, and happiness experienced by an individual or group. Often, third place locations offer a stress relief that can refresh individual to be ready to take on the demands of work and home.
Enid has added many third-place locations in the last few years, but there is always room for more. High quality of life is still a determining factor in the recruitment and retention of companies and workforce to Enid. In 1987, for example, Oklahoma City realized the importance after being a finalist for a new United Airlines maintenance facility but ultimately did not get the bid after the company sent executives and their families to OKC for a weekend. The executives couldn’t imagine living in Oklahoma City even if it was a better location for the facility. Now, through the MAPS program and invested interest among com munity leaders, OKC has drastically improved.
The best way to encourage business is for residents to continue to go out and support our current third-place locations. When you visit these third-place businesses, you are not only developing connections with those you are with but are supporting local entrepreneurs. Enid is a town full of entrepreneurs. If you have a dream of opening a third-place where people will gather, there are resources to help.
We all enjoy a place where we can relax and unwind. As Enid grows, we must foster the development of third-place locations to support a strong quality of life for all of us.
