Story

The South Whidbey Commons addresses a simple and basic need that is tied to the essence of our individual and collective humanity. Humans are social beings, and we are biologically and culturally configured to live in complex, multi-generational groups or communities. Since the beginning of the industrial revolution in the 18th century, isolation and estrangement from others have become incresingly common. Individual isolation is now so prevalent that we are at risk of not knowing how to form and maintain supportive, multi-generational communities. Once these skills are gone, they will be difficult to restore. We cannot easily create what we have never experienced.

By definition, “community” is a group of people who share both a locality an da common cultural and historical heritage. The South Whidbey Commons is based on a shared desire to strengthen and broaden our community. In colonial times, the “Commons” was a large area generally located in the center of a small agricultural community that was held in trust by all and used for the common good. The commons served as the social, cultural, and economic center of the colonial town. The South Whidbey Commons, as it exists today, was born of the collaboration of hundreds of people who wanted to crete a place to gather, connect, and belong.