A great way to establish a sense of community is to build a firepit. Common areas or other large community greenspaces are perfect places to begin. New neighbors can sometimes be timid about meeting others. Nothing brings a community together like a cool fall evening and a warm fire pit.
Most new developments have areas where large rocks have been cleared from lots to make way for homes and yards. For years landscapers have used these large rocks to create decorative accents around the home for adding aesthetic value. If you have a neighbor with a strong back and a wheel barrow you can use those same rocks to form the outside perimeter of a fire pit.
Before you get started you will first need to find a large open area that is clear from anything that might catch flame from sparks. Typically, a large grassy area is a good place to start. Next, the specific area for the fire pit will need to be cleared. Typically you put down weed killer first. Next is the gravel that covers the area you just sprayed. You use weed killer to prevent grass or weeds from sprouting up in the fire pit itself. It’s possible the fire pit could go for some time without use and will lock really tacky with grass growing through it.
Once you’ve laid your foundation of weed killer and gravel the fun part can begin with the placement of large stones. These stones that can often be found in the neighborhood will form the perimeter of the pit. Don’t worry about getting it perfect when you place the stones you can always move and adjust later.
If you have sandstone in your area it can make an excellent choice. It might break easier than other rocks, but the color change from heat is interesting. This can be a fun conversation starter to break the ice for all of the new neighbors.
Setting up a fire pit in a common area of your new development can be a fun task for building community and creating impromptu gatherings and lasting memories for years.
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