Displaying items by tag: thirdplace

Thursday, 23 March 2023 12:19

Everyone Needs A Third Place

So on a whim, I joined a bowling league thats hosted by our sister station, 97.5 WONE. A family friend had formed a team for the league but needed one more person! Even though I have never really bowled without bumpers or a pitcher of beer, I was surprised and honored to be asked. 

I don’t think I realized it would be every Thursday for twelve weeks, but after the first week I was hooked! It’s a bunch of people of all bowling abilities that come together each week to make new friends, listen to some great music, maybe win some prizes, and of course to bowl. Tonight is week eleven and oh how the time has flown! It’s brought me so much joy and has reminded me of the importance of ‘third places’ something I first heard about reading an article in The Atlantic. 

The term “third place” was coined in the 80s by sociologist Ray Oldenburg, and it basically refers to a “location other than work or home where here’s little to no financial barrier to entry and where conversation is the primary activity.” You see, your home is your first place, work is typically your second, and third places can be anything from a park, to a bar, to a library, to a gym, or even a bowling alley! They used to be much more common, but over the years, as costs have risen and more people spend their extra time in front of screen, third places have been slowly disappearing. It’s a problem because third places are crucial to our social development, general well-being, quality of life, and sense of community. 

So, today I want you to ask yourself, “Do I have a third place?” and if you don’t try to find one! It’s difficult to find free things, but if stretch the “third place” rules a bit, you could test out a yoga class, maybe read a magazine at a new coffee shop, go for a walk in the park, join a book club, or better yet, join a bowling league. Soon I’ll be on the hunt for a new third place, so hopefully I’ll see you around. :)

Published in Brady Marks