Background

As part of a 2025 Neighborhood Improvement Grant, the ‘Talking Benches’ were installed in the East Paseo on the 3400 block of Broadway. The bench includes a QR code that links to this page. Here you will find conversation starters designed to help break the ice and inspire meaningful dialogue.

Whether you’re meeting someone new or chatting with a familiar face, these prompts are here to make starting a conversation a little easier.

Conversation Prompts

1. What do you like about the local community?
2. What do you have for breakfast?
3. What is an interesting fact about you?
4. What’s your favorite hobby?
5. Where did you grow up?
6. What three things do you think of when you think about the local area?
7. Do you have any pets?
8. Who would you invite to a dinner party (dead or alive)?
9. What was the last thing that made you laugh?
10. What’s your favorite childhood memory?
11. What was something courageous you’ve seen someone do?
12. What’s your idea of a great day?

Community Benefit

The benches foster community connection by creating opportunities for meaningful conversations between community members. This effort helps reduce social isolation and strengthens a sense of belonging in the neighborhood. 

Next time you’re in the East Paseo, have a seat, scan the code and start a conversation.