Be a Good Neighbor Block Parties connect campus and community

Surrounded by greenery and good company, 151 students and Oakland neighborhood residents attended the first Be a Good Neighbor Block Party of the year in Oakland Square on Aug. 29.

The Be a Good Neighbor Block Parties are an annual series of events that take place throughout Oakland, aimed at bringing together both short- and long-term residents for evenings of family friendly fun, conversation, games, food and more.

The parties are a chance for Pitt students and residents to come together and learn from one another in a safe, relaxing environment. For students, this can mean creating connections with their neighbors and finding their place within Oakland and their community. For residents, the parties provide an environment to get to know students as individuals and to learn about Pitt and community resources available to them.

The events are organized by the Office of Engagement and Community Affairs with support from the University of Pittsburgh Police Department and the Division of Student Affairs. Other partners include Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Kidsburgh, Phipps Conservatory, Pitt Green Team, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Pitt, Student Affairs’ Off-Campus Experience and the Oakland Community Ambassadors.

Each of the parties features free food from a local establishment. On Tuesday in Oakland Square, neighbors munched on sandwiches from Groceria Merante, located on the corner of Bates Street and McKee Place, and sipped Turner’s tea. The remaining parties all feature food from local food trucks. Attendees can also enjoy lawn games and music.