NOTHING SAYS ‘INTERGENERATIONAL COOPERATION’ LIKE FREE BAKED GOODS. Among the initiatives of the Finding Common Ground group in the Historic Randall Park Neighborhood – “Monday Morning Muffins,” during which residents hand out free muffins to student renters on their way to class.

Many college towns struggle to balance the needs of students and permanent residents living in the same neighborhoods, and that’s certainly true for the Historic Randall Park Neighborhood in the heart of Eau Claire.

The neighborhood sometimes has a bad reputation because of the transient nature of student residents and the high concentration of rental properties, not all of them well-maintained. But that’s not the neighborhood’s whole story: It’s rich with local history, beautiful scenery, and landmarks, and is populated by college students and permanent residents alike. A new initiative called Finding Common Ground was recently formed to improve the relationship between students and permanent residents and create a healthier neighborhood.

I got the chance to meet Jennifer Eddy and Katie Griffith, both members of Finding Common Ground and neighborhood residents. “The city’s comprehensive plan identifies the Historic Randall Park Neighborhood, and some of the older neighborhoods in this city, as needing special attention,” Jennifer told me. For the Randall Park neighborhood, this is partially due to a decrease in home ownership and problems homeowners have with college students, such as parties or noise complaints. “From a homeowner’s standpoint,” Jennifer went on, “we want to improve our relationships and increase the stability of the neighborhood and want it to be a friendly, welcoming place for everybody.”

Jen and Katie went on to explain the benefits from a student’s perspective. Student houses are often the targets of burglaries, since it’s well known when students aren’t in school and their houses will be vacant. Permanent residents in the neighborhood could easily keep an eye on their homes during these times. Household needs are another issue: Whether it’s fixing a leaky faucet or assisting renters dealing with landlords, permanent residents can lend helping hands to students who are living on their own for the first time. Katie also pointed out that students can be helpful to older residents as well, such as when they need a hand raking leaves or shoveling driveways.

“From a homeowner’s standpoint, we want to improve our relationships and increase the stability of the neighborhood and want it to be a friendly, welcoming place for everybody.” – Jennifer Eddy, on Finding Common Ground, a new group that aims to foster positive relationships between students and permanent residents

Finding Common Ground was created over the summer and has several dozen members. The group had a kickoff event this August in Randall Park and is holding plenty of other events to help get the word out. For example, “Monday Morning Muffins” takes place from 7:30-9am each Monday on the southeast corner of Randall Park. Students are welcome to pick up a homemade muffin on their way to class.

Katie, a recent university graduate, has been coordinating another event called “Fun Fridays.” Activities such as playing kubb in the park or going bowling will take place, giving students and permanent residents a chance to have fun and get to know each other while providing an alternative to drinking. And at 7pm Sept. 18 at Grace Lutheran Church, 202 W. Grand Ave., Katie has put together a scavenger hunt that is centered on getting to know your neighbors better. Items such as finding a neighbor who owns a snow shovel will be included, making the game enjoyable but also useful in the future.

Ultimately, what Finding Common Ground wants to do is form a stronger sense of community. Katie grew up in a neighborhood that had block parties, and wants to see that same attitude here in Eau Claire. “I’m excited about having a sense of community, so when students move into our neighborhood, they can feel welcome and that it’s their neighborhood; not just someplace they’re going to live for the next four years,” Katie said. “I think that would benefit Eau Claire as a city.”

If you’re interested in getting involved with Finding Common Ground, send them a message on Facebook. Just search for “Finding Common Ground HRPN” and you’ll find their page.