Building Community Through College Park Parkrun

Abstract

This report presents the findings and recommendations of a semester-long community engagement project conducted through the PALS program in partnership with College Park Parkrun. The project explored how participation in community-based initiatives can foster connection, belonging, and meaning. Drawing on course frameworks and insights from The Power of Meaning by Emily Smith, our group examined how Parkrun contributes to four key pillars of meaning: belonging, purpose, storytelling, and transcendence. These pillars provided a lens for understanding how individuals experience community engagement beyond surface-level participation. Through observational visits, participant engagement, and reflection, our group found that Parkrun successfully fosters belonging and shared purpose among regular participants. Overall, this project demonstrates that intentional community engagement can create lasting social impact by fostering deeper human connection and meaning. To expand its impact, we recommend increasing outreach and strengthening community partnerships.