This year I went to my very first concert with my two closest friends

It was a band I was not very familiar with, and I was afraid everyone would know I was not a die-hard fan. However, when the concert day actually came, I was surrounded by smiling faces and kind people.

Ever since then, I have been looking for more of that feeling of acceptance and understanding in a shared space.

While it is nice to be a homebody at times, finding a place where I can escape and connect with other people has made a huge positive impact in my life.

As a 17 year old girl, it is not uncommon for me to hear the people around me talk about loneliness. Many kids my age feel disconnected from others. 

In fact, teenagers have been found to be disproportionately lonely, some even call it a youth loneliness epidemic. 

One prominent theory for the loneliness teens feel is the lack of third spaces in today’s world.

Third spaces

There’s home, then there’s school (or work—or both) and then there’s the third space. Third spaces are places where communities can go to interact and connect outside. Not a popular vacation spot or a friend’s house.

Some examples of third spaces are parks, book clubs, music festivals, gyms and support groups. Some are free, some can cost money or involve shopping, but all are community based. 

Why community matters

Communities are the basis of human relationships. Being a part of the “bigger picture” not only provides a support system, but also a sense of belonging and mutual understanding.

Being a part of community spaces lessens stress and isolation. Activities such as volunteering reduce depression and improve physical wellbeing.

Aside from all of the proven benefits of community involvement, it can also be fun. Talking to the vendors at the Edmond Arts Festival or the farmers market has always been. A simple conversation fulfills that need for connection.

Why are third spaces disappearing

Third spaces are where connections can come together and grow. But as of late, third spaces are disappearing. 

This is tied to a number of societal changes post the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, people were isolated. Since then, the community and unity have dissipated. Rates of depression, anxiety and isolation grew during the pandemic — these numbers have unfortunately not returned to normal in the years following. 

The pandemic also impacted the success of small businesses which are vital third spaces. Following the quarantine, small businesses such as locally owned coffee shops and crafting stores struggled to stay afloat and, ultimately, closed. 

The loss of many third spaces had a negative impact on the community.  However, it is still worth seeking out shared spaces in Edmond to connect with others. So for the last year, I have made a conscious effort to be as involved as I could in my community.

There are wonderful and genuinely enjoyable things to do in town. And the best part? Most of them cost little to no money. Here are a few of my favorites.

Third spaces in our community

1. The Metropolitan Library

One of my favorite places to go to is the Metropolitan Library off of S. Boulevard. Getting a library card is completely free (although you do need a parent if you are under 17 years old). The library offers books, movies and audiobooks that you can check out without a limit on how many at one time. There are no late fees for anyone who struggles with deadlines like I do. There are also computers to access the internet. The library also hosts frequent, free events available to all.

The library is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

2. Barnes and Noble

Another third space that I enjoy is the Barnes and Noble near Quail Springs Mall. This is a bit outside of Edmond, but I like the Starbucks in the building. It has a homey bookstore vibe, and everyone there is focused. It’s a comforting environment, and I never feel pressured to buy anything. 

It’s great for studying, and if I need to take a break, I can step away and wander the aisles of the bookstore.

Barnes and Noble is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Monday-Saturday, and on Sundays it is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

3. The MAC at the YMCA

Located at 2733 Marilyn Williams Drive, The Mac (Multi-Activity Center) provides a hub of exercise classes for people young and old. In addition, they have activities for the whole family like bingo nights and charity events. The staff is friendly and most of the classes are inexpensive.

4. Parks

Edmond also has a variety of parks that are open to the public 24 hours a day — although I wouldn’t visit late at night. Parks such as Hafer Park and Mitch Park are a great place to spend some time outdoors. They have playgrounds, a variety of walking trails, skate parks, picnic areas and scenery that makes for a great place to take a break. Not to mention they often host events like concerts at the Hafer Park pavilion every Thursday in May-June.

5. Edmond City Link

If you are unlicensed, or without a car, Edmond also provides the incredible Edmond City Link buses that are completely free, accessible, safe and an effective way to get around the city. You can find bus stop locations and the schedule on the City Link app or website. However, be aware that sometimes they run late.

Regardless of where you like to spend your free time, being out and about is good for you, so try to do it as often as possible. And who knows — maybe we’ll run into each other at the park!

What’s your favorite local event or spot? Let us know in the comments.