Nationwide, there are rising concerns about the lack of ‘third spaces’ for communities, especially for youth and teens. These third spaces act as social havens outside the workplace and home, and typically are gathering places like libraries, cafes, or community centers.
Anchorage’s own struggles with missing third spaces may have found a solution - the Kincaid parking lot after the gates are locked at 9pm.
This past weekend in the Jodhpur Parking Lot, the gate closed at 9pm sharp and ten cars were locked in, providing a unique opportunity for park visitors to gather and activate a space that is typically only used as a brief stopover. Groups of local teens and out of state visitors were able to bond over their shared sense of outrage at being trapped by the locked gate and bitten by mosquitoes. “I can’t believe we didn’t read the sign, and now we’re stuck here all night.” says South Addition resident Craig Brown. “I guess I’ll take the time to finally interact with my fellow neighbors. Either that, or keep calling the Anchorage Police to let us out.”
If you want to visit, the Jodhpur gates close at 9pm, and if you’re looking to meet some fellow night owls, return to your car in the Raspberry Road parking lot just after 11pm.
This article was submitted to All The Anchorage by an outside contributor!