In The Great Good Place, Ray Oldenburg wrote, “If we valued fraternity as much as independence, and democracy as much as free enterprise, our zoning codes would not enforce the social isolation that plagues our modern neighborhoods, but would require some form of public gathering place every block or two.”
The decline of third places is not just a nostalgic loss—it’s a social and cultural concern. Algorithm-driven interactions and siloed routines have replaced Town squares, cafés, local bookstores, and casual gathering spots. Many people report feeling lonelier than ever despite being constantly connected. That’s because being reachable is not the same as being truly seen.
Third places solve this by offering what screens cannot: presence, proximity, and serendipity. You don’t schedule community—you stumble into it. You overhear someone mention a shared interest. You recognize a face from last week’s event. You build trust not in grand gestures, but through casual repetition. This is the slow and beautiful magic of a third place.
At Good NAtured, we see this daily. A person arrives for the first time and quietly joins a craft table. By their second visit, someone waves to them. By their third, they’ve found someone to sit beside. These seemingly small encounters have ripple effects, increasing confidence, softening isolation, and rebuilding a sense of safety in social interaction.
The modern world places value on productivity, but third places prioritize presence. You’re not required to buy anything, perform, or even speak. Your being there is enough. This creates a rare atmosphere where people can exhale. Especially for individuals who feel out of place in social spaces, formal events, or hyper-commercial venues, third places offer an alternative—a social space without social pressure.
The relevance of third places extends beyond individual well-being. They’re crucial for democratic society and local resilience. In his work, Ray Oldenburg warned that without third places, civic trust and social cohesion begin to fray. These neutral grounds are where ideas are exchanged, neighbors interact, and community spirit is born. Without them, people become consumers instead of citizens.
Good NAtured is proud to stand in that gap, creating an intentional space that celebrates shared time over shared transactions. Our events are designed to spark curiosity, but also to permit people to be. Whether you’re joining karaoke, crafting a tote bag, or sipping a sparkling drink, what you’re really doing is participating in community life.
The call to invest in third places is a call to reimagine what healthy neighborhoods and cities look like. It’s a call to design for connection, to prioritize gathering, and to center human experience in public life again. It doesn’t require massive funding or flashy trends; just consistent, welcoming spaces where people can show up and feel like they belong.
If you’ve been searching for a place that values conversation, creativity, comfort, and community, Good Natured is here. Because third places aren’t just nice to have, they’re how we heal, how we grow, and how we reconnect with what truly matters.
Oldenburg, R. (1999). The Great Good Place: Cafés, Coffee Shops, Bookstores, Bars, Hair Salons, and Other Hangouts at the Heart of a Community (3rd ed.). Marlowe & Company, p. xxxiv.
About Good NAtured
Good NAtured is a community-centered, third place in Sioux Falls. Through workshops, events, and casual conversation, we offer a welcoming space where creativity, connection, and belonging come naturally.
It’s like Cheers met Pinterest and decided to host a book club. That’s Good NAtured, Our Third Place where real community hangs out. Stop by and find your place with us.