Owning The Court: How Yelp Fort Lauderdale Created a Third Space

2 days ago
2 min read

Image courtesy of me.

South Florida is home to many small businesses. When locals support these businesses, they do more than stimulate the local economy because they also help create spaces where communities can connect (Lustberg, 2022).

Indoor pickleball game in a dark gym; players on multiple courts beneath a red screen reading Welcome Yelp Community Are You Ready? — Image courtesy of me.

Sociologist Ray Oldenburg coined the term "third places" to describe "the places outside of the home (the first place) and the workplace (the second place) where people go to converse with others and connect with their community. In this casual and social environment, no one is obligated to be there and cost should not prevent people from attending" (Roberts-Ganim, 2023). With thousands of businesses throughout Broward County, however, discovering these hidden gems often requires a community effort.

Logo courtesy of Yelp.

That's where Yelp comes in. The platform helps spotlight local businesses and connect residents with places they may have otherwise overlooked. I first learned about Pick, Play & Party at Pick A Ball Deerfield while talking with Mia R. Community Leader of Yelp Fort Lauderdale at Alma Matcha. As she shared how Yelp helps businesses reach new customers, I became curious to see that impact firsthand at Yelp's local event.

Yellow perforated pickleball rests on a red-and-black XSPAK paddle on a wooden floor. — Image courtesy of Shutterstock.

When I walked into the indoor pickle ball course, there was a line out the door. People of all ages and pickleball skill sets chatted as we registered. Once we walked into the space, the recently remodeled indoor playing area was home to 6 courts.I had the chance to play 2 games with random people. I had to give my pickleball partner credit, while it was only my second and thrid time playing, we tried out best.

The best part of the event was not the pickle ball games or the other activities. It was when you waited for the court. It was when you got to meet people you would never meet and learn about their lives. It is so easy to get wrapped up in your own world, but Yelp Fort Lauderdale enabled Broward county to disconnect from their technology and created lasting friendships.