Public life in the city has changed radically in the space of just a couple of months. COVID-19 has re-written people’s connection with public places, whether their local streets, neighbourhood parks, or civic buildings like libraries and community centres. Outdoor spaces are now shaped by physical distancing protocols and warnings about public health, while many indoor spaces have been shuttered to prevent the spread of the disease. Opportunities for public gatherings of any sort – from outdoor markets to family picnics to larger cultural events — have been entirely transformed.

At the same time, people are also making use of public spaces in different ways: more walking & biking, new public space art, a re-shaping of streets to support the local economy, a 7:00pm symphony of pots and pans to thank hard-working healthcare professionals… and lots more.

How do all of these changes affect our individual and collective well-being? Check out our new PS I Love You initiative – and share your story of public space and well-being in the time of COVID-19.

We want to hear from you!

Share your ‘love letter’ to a public space that is helping you get through the pandemic, or let us know about a public space (or activity) that you are longing for. What are the places that lift your mind, body or heart. Are there ways in which the experience of COVID-19 has changed your view of public space in general? Your stories could include such ideas as:

• Which activities or outdoor public spaces in Vancouver give you a sense of well-being? How has this changed with COVID-19?
• Which activities or outdoor public spaces are you missing and why are those important to your health/wellbeing?
• What do your experiences tell us about the critical equity lessons which we need to learn from this experience? How can the City of Vancouver and its public spaces adapt to better serve the community in the future?

Post your stories and pictures to Twitter or Instagram and hashtag with #PSILoveYou. You can also email us – selina@vancouverpublicspace.ca. We’ll repost your ‘letters’ on this blog, and via our @vpsn (Twitter) and @vancouverpublicspace (Insta) accounts.

:: More information via the PS I Love You (Well-Being Edition) Project Page

If you decide to return to the bus, turn to page 32.

The thrill of the choice, and the cringe when you choose the wrong door and your adventure…ends! The “Choose Your Own Adventure” book series are a favourite, where the author leads the reader down a winding path as they choose options of what to do, or what not to do, next. The Active Fiction Project brings this experience to life in the streets around Riley Park. Readers are invited to discover hidden stories as they wander about following the different possible storylines.

The Active Fiction Project is a collaboration between the Vancouver Public Space Network, local writers and some residents of Riley Park. The project brings literature into public space so you can explore a neighbourhood while stepping into a fictional story.

This is just a sneak peak of what’s in store. Over the next couple weeks we’ll be revealing more about the Active Fiction Project and when it’s time to ‘choose your own adventure’ in a Vancouver neighbourhood. Connect with us on the Project’s website www.activefictionproject.com, follow us @activfic and on Facebook, and spread the word #activefic

If you like walking in neighbourhoods, go on an Active Fiction walk.

If you like treasure hunts, go on an Active Fiction walk.

If you like adventure, go on an Active Fiction walk.

If you like reading, go on an Active Fiction walk.

If you don’t have much spare time, go on an Active Fiction walk.

If you don’t want to spend any money, go on an Active Fiction walk.

If none of the above describe you, tell a friend to go on an Active Fiction walk.

Questions? Get in touch info@activefictionproject.com