In May 2023, some Accra residents woke up to some bad news.
The country’s first-ever skatepark, which had received international recognition, including a visit from US Rapper Kendrick Lamar, was in danger of being closed. Indefinitely.
Sandy Alibo, a French entrepreneur living in Accra, had a vision to build Accra’s first skateboard park for the local youth. The construction of a skatepark was to help improve black and African representation in board sports and build community.
With the help of Virgil Abloh and partners, the skateboard park, dubbed the Freedom Park, was constructed and launched in December 2021.
It was a new third “third place” or community spot for the youth.
But in early 2023, there were reports that the skatepark was under threat due to disputes about land ownership. Sandy struggled to retain the park amidst legal challenges.
In the end, the park was cordoned off with a cement wall and permanently closed.
The loss of the skatepark highlights the struggle to construct “third places” for community building in a city that seems to be more focused on luxury housing development.
As Accra grows and urbanizes, the glaring absence of these spaces, especially for young people, is becoming more apparent.
More focus is on residential and commercial apartment developments and eateries, leaving little room for spaces that prioritize social interaction.
This has resulted in an urban city where Accra’s youth are increasingly isolated in their homes or workplaces, with fewer places for organic community building.
Why Are Third Places Important?
Coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg, “third places” are informal spaces like cafés, parks, and community centers where people gather, beyond the confines of home (“first place”) and work (“second place”).
These spaces are typically low-cost or free and easily accessible and come with many advantages, especially for mental health.
According to research, third places like parks and community centers can positively influence self-esteem, mood, and quality of life.
In Accra, locations like churches have historically served as third places in Ghanaian society.
However, as the city has adapted to modern urban lifestyles, residents have sought out more diverse spaces to work, relax, or connect outside traditional contexts.
Unfortunately, these spaces are increasingly becoming accessible and non-existent.
Greenery spaces like the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park are severely underutilized and poorly maintained, while spaces like the Legon Botanical Gardens have been embroiled in recent controversy over ownership.
Accra has also seen a rise in commercial and residential real estate, with high-rise and luxury apartments appearing more frequently across the city at the neglect of parks and community centers.
The Mental Health Toll of a City Without Third Places
The absence of third places can have negative social consequences for Accra’s residents. Social isolation limits opportunities for casual interaction and networking.
For young entrepreneurs and freelancers, the lack of affordable co-working spaces stifles collaboration and creativity.
“We need more diversity and more affordability,” said Ofosua, a 32-year-old female living in the city.
“Co-work spaces can be ridiculously expensive for starting out entrepreneurs unless they are entirely free.”
Officials could also incentivize developers to encourage Mixed-Use Developments. Developers could be offered tax credits or discounts to integrate third places into residential and commercial projects.
The lack of third places can also affect the mental health of city residents. According to the Ghana Health Service, they are seeing more and more cases of mental health, particularly depression, on the rise.
In a city like Accra, where urban living can be stressful due to rising food prices and high rent, spaces that can help with relaxation, recreation, and community are vital for well-being.
Without them, residents are left without an outlet for social and emotional support.
Rethinking Urban Planning: Solutions for Accra
While the challenges are significant, there are applicable solutions for creating more spaces.
Cities around the world have implemented creative solutions to foster third places, and Accra can learn from these examples.
Spaces like the Efua Sutherland Children’s Park should be rehabilitated with proper facilities, security, and programming to attract diverse users.
City officials could leverage public-private partnerships to help fund the park’s rehabilitation.
Officials could also incentivize developers to encourage Mixed-Use Developments. Developers could be offered tax credits or discounts to integrate third places into residential and commercial projects.
These places could include shared courtyards, small parks, or community halls that can create natural gathering points.
Lastly, there should be a push for policies that prioritize third places in city planning. These policies could include zoning laws that require Accra urban developers to allocate space for community use.
A Vision for a More Connected Accra
Even though Sandy Alibo’s Freedom Skatepark was shut down in 2023, her organisation is still working on building a community for local creatives.
Vibrate Space, which is adjacent to the skatepark, provides space including master-class events for local creatives.
Jambo Spaces, a creative hub in Accra, also frequently hosts creative events.
Other creative hubs like Mix Design Hub and Nubuke also host events and spaces for Ghana’s creative community.
As Accra continues to grow, local officials must pay attention to what kind of city its residents, especially its youth, want to live in.
Without spaces for recreation and leisure, Accra risks becoming a bigger mental health spot for the youth who could easily fall prey to depression and social vices.
