Pomegranate Center is a non-profit community design and development organization helping communities utilize their unique gifts to become more vibrant and humane. We do this by integrating social, artistic and environmental perspectives into: the creation of meaningful gathering spaces; constructive and inclusive community-based planning; and educational outreach, research and training.

Description:
Our work proactively responds to the steady decline of community life. Rapid societal change and its byproducts (sprawl, traffic congestion, and staggering environmental degradation) have lead to loss of pride and sense of community and corresponding decreased participation in activities that support local vitality. The inability to perceive individual existence within a broader context is ubiquitous with our age and has lead to fragmented communities and selves. Healthy communities recognize differences and attempt to turn diverse interests into gifts that give rise to mutually beneficial cultural and economic relationships, resulting in a sense of community that fosters belonging and pride. At Pomegranate Center, we recognize that the physical environments of our cities, towns, and neighborhoods mirror the psychological landscapes of mind. Therefore, we are trying to influence the way our society thinks about and designs communities. Our work is both practical and educational, spanning the hands-on construction of gathering places and public artworks with the ongoing education of what makes healthy communities and responsible community conduct.

History:
Pomegranate Center was incorporated in 1986 by artist and community organizer Milenko Matanovic. Pomegranate Center to explore how artists can have a role outside the narrow artistic world and be actively involved in building better communities. Since its inception, Pomegranate Center has used its skills in service to many diverse projects: Eleven gathering places; Three friendship parks in far-east Russia, China, and the United States; Community-based plans for parks, trails, and other amenities; Advising municipalities, developers and communities how to integrate social, environmental and design issues into the urban fabric (including Chattanooga, Tennessee; Pattonsburg, Virginia; Issaquah, WA; Burien, WA; Calgary, Canada; Ottawa, Canada, etc.) Four curriculum programs linking youth with community; A creek day-lighting project; A teaching garden demonstrating environmentally sound practices; Interdisciplinary design workshops focused on sustainable design;
Numerous lectures and workshops instructing others about Pomegranate Center's philosophy and community-building methods; and Publications and articles.

Contact person: Bree Delgadillo, Project Coordinator, (email)
Office fax number: (425) 557-4662

Address:

P.O. Box 486 Issaquah, WA 98027 This location is handicap accessible

Web Site: http://www.pomegranate.org

Directions:

From I-90E, take Exit 15 (Lake Sammamish and SR 900), use right lane. Yield right onto SR900. At Maple Street (2nd light) turn left. Pomegranate Center is on the left past the storage facilities. Look for a white building with a white. . . (more)   Nearest Bus Stop: Issaquah Park & Ride, 2 minute walk

Miscellaneous Information

Liability
	Yes
Does your organization welcome court-ordered community service volunteers?
	Yes
Does your organization have volunteer positions for youth 12-18?
	Yes