By: Jennifer Kelly Geddes

Better weather gives everyone a chance to finally enjoy the sunshine and have some fun. And if you can foster a sense of community while you do it — it’s a win-win.

Gather neighbors to work toward a common goal so they can get acquainted and take pride in where they live. And to sweeten the pot, offer a fun incentive during or at the end of these projects so renters have an additional reason to join in.

With great activities like these on the schedule, your residents will look forward to seeing each other and welcoming the new, warmer season.

1. Plant annuals

Flowers can refresh the entire property. And planting pretty blooms in beds or planters is a great way for residents of all ages to bond. The kids can dig holes in the dirt, while adults trade gardening tips as they plant marigolds, geraniums and impatiens. To reward your team, purchase extra mini annuals to give each gardener to plant in their own pots.

2. Vote on a makeover project

Looking to repaint or repurpose a lobby or common room? Involve residents by putting up swatches of a few different colors and asking them to vote. When the job is done, host an ice cream social in the refreshed space.

3. Sweep the barbecue area

Leftover ashes and matchsticks are likely littering the community cook space, so take a couple of hours on a sunny day to sweep away the mess. Check communal grills to see whether the grates and covers need a good scrub. Once these spots are touched up, agree on a date for a buildingwide potluck.

4. Sow some seeds

A community herb or vegetable garden is an excellent way to green up the property and get people involved — think weeding and picking the produce. To keep everyone motivated and inspired, choose fast-growing seeds such as mint, radishes, lettuce and carrots.

If rabbits or other critters stalk the premises, have your group install fencing or netting above the garden. When the plants flourish, let residents pick all the herbs and veggies they’d like for cooking and post recipes nearby.

5. Paint dumpsters and trash cans

Just because these containers hold garbage and recycling doesn’t mean they can’t be beautiful. Kids can pitch in with designs (rainbows, flowers, palm trees, a sunset or the building’s address) to transform these mundane metal cans.

After, have the kids snap photos of them for the building’s Facebook page, and award a prize for the winning shot.

6. Pump up the outside

A building’s yard is ripe for improvement in the summertime. Ask residents to vote on a new feature — tree swing, lawn game area or fire pit — and then get a team together to install the addition.

When it’s completed, throw a s’mores party at the pit or serve lemonade, wine and snacks for a game night happy hour.

7. Clean up the neighborhood

Your building and grounds may be in tip-top shape, but what about surrounding streets and parks? If the nearby underpass is plastered with graffiti or the local playground has overflowing trash cans, suggest a community cleanup day.

Make a game of collecting gum wrappers, store flyers and other pieces of paper that collect around fences. Arm your team with gloves and bags, both for garbage and recycling. To keep residents energized, bring coffee and donuts from a local shop.

8. Mount a bulletin board

Sure, there may be an app for that, but a spot for notices and announcements near the front door or parking area of the building is a fast, targeted way for neighbors to learn about upcoming events and opportunities.

Place the board in a sheltered spot, if possible, or enclose it in a plastic case. Encourage residents to post notices about local concerts, farmers markets, babysitters and dog walkers.

To get folks to pitch in, let residents hang personal flyers, such as furniture they’re selling or services they can provide.

9. Install a doggie bag box

Hang a container of dog waste bags on a nearby post or tree. When residents or other locals walk their animals around the building, they can easily pick up their pooch’s mess. For extra incentive, hand out dog treats once you install the container.

10. Host a buildingwide yard sale

Whose closets and storage areas couldn’t use a little cleaning out? Secure the necessary permits and provide folding tables if possible. Residents can unload their unwanted junk, freeing up space in their own homes and any shared storage areas.

Working together accomplishes two goals: Residents will get to know each other better, and they’ll be improving their living space. Enjoy the weather and make a difference in your building!

Related links:

• 10 Resident Event Ideas
• Upgrade Your Outdoor Spaces