Beyond the Court: The power of third places
- Abduldayyan Badamosi
- Aug 4
- 3 min read
Growing up in Toronto, my local community centre was more than a place to play; it was a space to belong, have fun, and connect. Young people from all around the city would gather at the centre to play basketball after school. We'd call it 'runs' - no registration, no formal teams - whoever showed up was ready to hoop.
Finding my third place
As youth, we experience a lot of noise, stress, peer pressure, and other factors that can be overwhelming during and after school hours. From school assignments, to competitive teams, to chores at home, teen life is characterized by an increase in responsibility.
Of course, increased responsibility is an important step in lifespan development. However, it's also important that youth have a place where they can escape life stressors. For me, my local community centre was that place.
The community centre was a place of disconnection from life's stressors and reconnection with myself.
The community centre was a place of disconnection from life's stressors, and reconnection with myself. I later learned that how I felt about the centre meant that I had found a third place.
First coined by Ray Oldenburg (1932-2022), third place is a "generic designation for a great variety of public places that host the regular, voluntary, informational and happily anticipated gatherings of individuals beyond the realms of home and work."
Parks and recreation spaces often qualify as third places because they are public, inviting, comfortable, and multi-purpose by design. The strength of parks and recreation facilities as third places is their ability to create connection and community in a low-pressure environment.
The first time I attended an open basketball session it felt beyond my comfort zone. I hadn't tried an open-rec basketball session before, and didn't know what to expect. Coming from an organized team background I thought all eyes would be on me, and I would have to find a way to fit myself into the basketball social hierarchy. Instead, I found the opposite.
I took a leap of faith, grabbed my gear, and headed onto the court. I was greeted by staff and volunteers and quickly invited to "hop on a run" - a phrase referring to joining a team while a game is in progress. I felt included; I felt seen.
Drop-in vs. Organized Programming
Varying formats of parks and recreation programming have different purposes and end goals. Drop-in programs are low-pressure and flexible by design, thereby encouraging spontaneous and low-risk social interactions. In contrast, organized recreation programs are characterized by structured, pre-planned activities, and goal setting. The social risk of participating in organized programming can be perceived as higher, but the social bonds formed may stronger and more lasting due to consistent, scheduled interactions.
Drop-in programming
Walk-in friendly
Free / low-cost
Casual interactions, weaker ties created
Low consistency (variation in organizers, participants, schedules)
Emphasis on accessibility and playtime
Best for people seeking flexibility and casual connection
Organized programming
Registration required
Fee (usually) required
Consistent interactions, stronger social ties
High consistency (typically consistent program leaders / coaches, participants, schedules)
Emphasis on skill building
Best for people seeking routine, skill building, and stronger social ties
Spaces of Safety, Belonging, and Bravery
I am passionate about third spaces because community is at the core. In my role as a child and youth coordinator, I strive to create spaces where young people feel a sense of belonging, feel brave enough to try new things, and feel safe enough to visit regularly. While facility design and layout play a crucial role in making recreation spaces safe and accessible, the people who consistently return, participate, and lead, shape the atmosphere that creates the true essence of a third place.
About the author
Abduldayyan Badamosi
PRO Ambassador, Conestoga College Student
Abduldayyan is a graduate from the Recreation and Sport Administration program at Conestoga College. Abduldayyan is passionate about staying active, amplifying voices of young people and fostering community connection. In his spare time, you can find Abduldayyan playing basketball, listening to Michael Jackson, and enjoying funnel cake!
