The Third Place

A book was written a while back entitled The Third Place. It explains how each of us have three places we go on a regular basis. The first place is home. Another is work, and the third is a tavern to some, the mall to others, or perhaps Starbucks. This third place could be anywhere we go to relax and unwind besides home.

When the Traders Point Church was being planned, one thing we wanted to do was provide a "third place" for members as well as anyone in the community.

A huge play room was incorporated into the plans. It has a two-story slide for the children to come down if they don't want to use the door. One end of the room is filled with climbing gyms, rope swings, rings to cling to and almost anything a child could imagine! This room is open all week for anyone to use. The parent cannot drop their little ones off, however, they must stay with them.

That brings me to the next phase of this plan. It was decided that there would be a cafe where parents could pick up a latte or coffee and take it with them to the playroom. Others could use the area for meeting, visiting or reading a book. If they need reading material, the library is next door.

Lorrie & Ken Julian, who own two coffee shops (one in Zionsville and the other at Ft. Harrison) manage this one. Lorrie treated me to a cup of Chai Saturday while telling me she was a regular reader of my blog. Thanks Lorrie!