The Jacksonville Community Center: Your Local Third Space
by Sarah Greco, Youth & Family Programs Coordinator of Jacksonville Community Center
The term “third place” was coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg in his 1989 book The Great Good Place. Oldenburg used the term to describe social spaces that exist outside the two primary environments of daily life: the home (“first place”) and work or school (“second place”).
A third place is a welcoming, informal gathering space where people regularly connect with others in their community. These spaces encourage conversation, relationship-building, and a sense of belonging. Common examples include cafés, libraries, parks, community centers, barber shops, pubs, and hobby groups.
Oldenburg believed third places were essential to healthy communities because they help reduce social isolation and create opportunities for people from different backgrounds to interact. Unlike home or work, third places are generally low-pressure environments where participation is voluntary and relationships develop naturally over time.
In recent years, discussions about loneliness, mental health, and declining community engagement have renewed interest in the importance of third places. Many communities now recognize that strong third places help foster resilience, connection, and overall well-being.
The Jacksonville Community Center serves as a third place for our community. More than just a building, the JCC is a welcoming space where people come together through classes, events, volunteer opportunities, and shared interests. Children attend enrichment programs and camps where they build confidence and friendships. Teens find opportunities for creativity, leadership, and connection. Adults and seniors participate in fitness classes, arts programs, educational talks, and social gatherings that strengthen community connection and reduce isolation.
A true third place is accessible, welcoming, and relationship-centered, and the JCC embodies these qualities every day. Whether someone is attending a lecture, volunteering at an event, participating in a class, or simply stopping in for conversation, the JCC creates opportunities for meaningful human connection. In many ways, the strength of a community can be measured by the strength of its third places. The Jacksonville Community Center continues to play a vital role in fostering belonging, connection, and community resilience for people of all ages.
We hope the JCC can serve as a third place for you this summer. Children ages 6-12 will enjoy fun and friendships in our summer camps through June and July. Parents can connect and learn together with local parenting coach, Satya Beneventi during her talk “Creating Loving Boundaries” on June 13. Weekly wellness classes for adults include yoga, tai chi, and strength training.
JCC offers recurring weekly classes as well as special “one-time” programs and events. Get on our mailing list or check our website for all the exciting opportunities. We welcome new ideas and new visitors and hope to see you at a program soon. See our ad for June classes by clicking Our Programs below the Programs tab on the JCC website.
