How Legacy Park Transformed Church Property Into a Thriving Community Space

In today’s world, churches are not only spiritual hubs but also community anchors. Long Hollow Church exemplifies this with the creation of Legacy Park, a beautiful outdoor space designed to bring people together. This project is more than a typical church property renovation—it’s a multi-use community space that fosters engagement, connection, and well-being for people of all ages. This visionary project was brought to life through the expertise of Visioneering Studios, who masterfully led the design efforts, and Civil Site Design Group, the architects behind the project’s exceptional planning and execution.

We believe every church or organization has the potential to create spaces like this. In this article, we explore how Legacy Park transformed an ordinary church campus into an extraordinary community-centered environment, and how your organization can benefit from a similar approach to property development.

Community-Centered Design: The Heart of Legacy Park

The vision behind Legacy Park began with a simple yet ambitious goal: to create a space where the community feels welcomed and comfortable. The leadership at Long Hollow Church realized that by stepping outside the traditional church framework, they could invite the broader community to gather and engage in meaningful ways. The park isn’t just for church members—it’s for everyone.

With that in mind, the church sought to create an inviting space where individuals could naturally build relationships without feeling like they were being “sold” on something. Whether it’s a basketball game, enjoying coffee at Legacy Coffee, or simply spending time at one of the many fire pits, the park fosters organic conversations and connections. As a result, many visitors to the park had never set foot in the church before, demonstrating the success of community-focused outreach.

Key aspects that make Legacy Park stand out:

• Multi-Use Functionality: Legacy Park offers spaces for recreation, relaxation, and even remote work. Its large playgrounds for children, basketball and pickleball courts, and multiple fire pits make it a diverse venue for a variety of activities.
• Accessible Design: The park is fully accessible to everyone, making it a true hub for community gathering, regardless of age or background.

By creating this kind of inclusive space, churches and organizations can build stronger ties with their communities and become more than just places for worship. They become places where people feel comfortable living life together, no matter where they are in their spiritual journey.

Image sourced from Legacy Park at Long Hollow.

Why Every Church Needs a Community Space

Legacy Park isn’t just a park—it’s a strategic tool for community engagement. The leadership team at Long Hollow Church understood that having a space where the community can gather without the pressure of attending a service would open the doors to new relationships and opportunities for outreach.

They also recognized that in today’s fast-paced world, people need spaces where they can relax, connect, and build friendships. Whether it’s families gathering by the playgrounds, young adults meeting for coffee, or people working remotely from the WiFi-enabled zones, the park offers something for everyone. This diversity of uses has brought thousands of new faces onto the church campus—many of whom wouldn’t have visited otherwise.

Here’s why every church should consider developing a community space like Legacy Park:

• Increased Engagement: Community spaces give people a reason to visit your property beyond regular church services, fostering a sense of belonging.
• Multi-Generational Appeal: Just like Legacy Park, having spaces that cater to different age groups—from children to seniors—creates an inclusive environment.
• Strengthening Relationships: Creating a space where people can relax, play, and connect strengthens the bonds within the community and can attract new visitors to your church or organization.

Creating Multi-Use Spaces That Inspire and Engage

One of the standout features of Legacy Park is its thoughtful design, which encourages multi-generational use. There’s something for everyone—from the playgrounds for kids and fire pits for families to the expansive lawn for picnics, sports, or outdoor gatherings. The inclusion of Legacy Coffee, a community-focused coffee shop, further enhances the park’s appeal.

The coffee shop was specifically designed to not feel like a traditional church-run facility, but rather a community coffee hub, offering quality products that rival other cafes in town. This intentional design creates a neutral, welcoming space where visitors don’t feel pressured to engage with the church but are instead given the opportunity to connect naturally.

When considering how to best utilize your property, here are some ideas inspired by Legacy Park:

• Incorporate Recreation Areas: Courts for sports like basketball or pickleball encourage physical activity and bring people together.
• Family-Friendly Zones: Dedicated spaces like playgrounds and picnic areas allow families to enjoy time together in a safe environment.
• Work-Friendly Spaces: Providing areas with fast, free WiFi and comfortable seating can attract remote workers or students looking for a place to study or collaborate.

How Legacy Park is Used Year-Round

Legacy Park was designed to be more than just a seasonal venue. The leadership at Long Hollow Church wanted a space that could serve the community throughout the year. The addition of fire pits and heated patios ensures the park remains a gathering point, even in cooler months.

This year-round usability is key for any church or organization considering a similar investment. By creating a space that can be used in all seasons, you’re maximizing the impact of your investment while serving your community in the best possible way.

Practical Steps to Create Your Own Community-Centered Space

At Unite Architecture, we specialize in helping churches and organizations maximize their property’s potential. Drawing inspiration from Legacy Park, here are some practical steps you can take to create your own community-centered space:

• • Evaluate Your Property: Identify areas that could be transformed into communal spaces.

• Consider Multi-Use Functionality: Plan areas for recreation, relaxation, and community gatherings to appeal to diverse audiences.
• Prioritize Excellence: As the leadership at Long Hollow Church emphasized, doing things with excellence—whether it’s the coffee shop or the landscaping—sends a positive message to your community. Investing in quality shows that you care.
• Incorporate Sustainable Design: Use energy-efficient materials and design your space to be low maintenance for long-term success.

Image sourced from Legacy Park at Long Hollow.

Closing Thoughts

Legacy Park is a shining example of how churches can expand their ministry by creating spaces that invite the community in. It’s not just a place for churchgoers; it’s a place for everyone. By reimagining their property, Long Hollow Church created a multi-use community space that has become a natural gathering point for thousands of people.

At Unite Architecture, we believe every church and organization can achieve something similar. If you’re ready to explore how your property can serve your community in new ways, contact us today.

Want to Discuss Your Next Project?

Are you ready to explore these trends in your next church construction project? Whether you have questions, need advice, or are ready to start planning, our team is here to help. Fill out the form below, and let’s start a conversation about bringing your vision to life.

Header image sourced from Civil Site Design Group.

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