Stumbled upon this idea in some reading:
They include churches, cafes, bars, clubs, community centers, public libraries, gyms, bookstores, makerspaces, stoops, parks, theaters, and opera houses, among others.
Do you think there are a lack of them, or lack of utilization of them, or are there ways we could improve or participate in a “third place” in our lives more?
You might consider it a lack of utilization, but I think it’s more about suitability. Finding “your” third place is difficult. Libraries have limited hours, parks depend on good weather, cinema/theater are expensive and short term. Shops, bars, hookah lounges, pool halls and cafes depend on you spending or they ask you to leave. Gyms and makerspaces are specific activity based.
I think back to my late high school and early college days where a pack of geeks were just trying to find a place to play D&D. We all had school and part time jobs so needed places open late, relatively quiet, we didn’t drink. Despite being generous tippers to compensate for the time, Dennys eventually determined rolling dice was gambling and asked us to leave or they would call the cops. Parks, libraries and most retail are closed. There was no 3rd place for us on our schedule. Not until gaming stores started to crop up with table space open late.
I don’t think it’s a lack of utilization, I think it’s a cross section problem of affordability, schedule, and purpose. All of those need to be improved or expanded to really make “third places” a thing for everyone.