In fact, proximity to open spaces that provide a glimpse of nature and the tranquility that comes with it is a premium often sought after by prospective real estate buyers. Last April,, the New York Post ran a piece entitled “NYC families are bringing the suburbs to the city,” that spotlights residential properties from Manhattan's Upper East Side to Brooklyn’s Boerum Hill that feature lush outdoor space as an amenity, while lawns and trees are in vogue.

While a young, single professional may not see the value in paying more for an amenity while a park or something equivalent is just steps away from their apartment, it's quite easy to see why this would be a feature that appeals to families, especially those with young children. With kids running around a cramped domicile can really ratchet up the stress, having a safe, familiar place for them to play outside can be a godsend.

But what about communities as a whole? Do boards and unit owners collectively take advantage of their yard space or nearby parks? Are their condo cook-outs? Co-op Fourth of July bashes? HOA Easter egg hunts? The experts weighed in on these pertinent questions.

The Great Outdoors

There are a variety of ways that locals can make use of their outdoor spaces. Some associations go all-in on a big summertime blowout.

“We have a property in the Bronx with 239 units that has a 'Community Day' each year,” says Josh Koppel, president of HSC Management Corp. in Yonkers. The event is held on the association's playground, and is planned a month in advance by the board. They hold a cook-out with a DJ. A clown shows up. They raffle off tickets to the Yankees and – lest gluttons for punishment go ignored – the Mets.

“We even buy special event insurance,” adds Koppel. “It's paid for via dues, donations; people donate things, donate food, but mostly the co-op pays. The board does the majority of the coordinating, but we help out. If they need us to order something or to reach out to a vendor, we'll handle that for them.”

They even extend an invite to local politicians and various dignitaries, making Community Day truly a communal affair.

Other properties go more low-key while still taking advantage of their environs. “Some of our buildings hold tag sales and other such events in their own yards,” says Abdullah Fersen, CEO of Newgent Property Management, also in Yonkers. “We've also proposed field trips to landmark trees in Central Park, which stemmed from a suggestion by an individual with deep awareness of New York City culture. The residents have shown great interest thus far.”

Indoor Kids

It's a cliché that New Yorkers barely have time for their neighbors due to their busy professional and personal lives. But it's also not false, and thus many residential communities spend as little time together as possible. Other, more sociable associations may have neither access to nor desire for enjoying the outdoors, although this does not mean that they don't get together from time to time.

“We had a property that celebrated the 20-year anniversary of its condo conversion with dinner and drinks at a restaurant,” recalls Jay Cohen, vice president and director of operations with A. Michael Tyler Realty Corp., which has locations in Manhattan and Long Island. “They had a private room and everything; it was nice.”

And some embrace yet more ambitious excursions. Fersen has an association that is considering field trips to Atlantic City. While casinos are basically the exact opposite of parks, there's still room to bond.

However residents choose to congregate, the basic act of doing so in such contentious times is a net-positive. Maybe consider shaking the hand of a neighbor today.

Mike Odenthal is a staff writer at The Cooperator.