When someone says the words block party, many people immediately envision a suburban neighborhood, with kids running freely, and hot dogs on the grill. It can be very different though, and it can be in different settings. Block parties can actually do wonders in an apartment complex. You can even add in a scavenger hunt game to help people get to know each other.
Get people together at a central location, such as a community clubhouse for some refreshments and mingling. You can also take the opportunity to divide people into different teams, of maybe three or four people each. Then supply each team with a different list. The first team to return with their lists completed will win a special door prize, such as 10% off their next month of rent.
It should go without saying that the game should be modified to meet your crowd. They are not all little kids anymore and there will be no need to bring red buttons or ribbon. The items people hunt for can be bigger and more intriguing, like a Wusthof knife set. Just be certain to choose items that will be easy enough to locate.
As teams find the various items, they just need to have the resident that is the owner to initial next to it on the list. Do not forget that as they go they will meet more and more of their neighbors, which is the really fun part. After a kitchen knife set and a leather ottoman or two they will feel like they have really gotten to know those live around them.
Some items are so common that they could be found in virtually any apartment. A 4 cup coffee maker is something that is so common it should come standard, just like a sink or a stove. They could probably even find one in the clubhouse before leaving. It really is a great reminder that we all have something in common.
Be sure to keep this event respectful. Not everyone will want to participate, or be able to. Before the day of the event take a running list of anyone who does not wish to be disturbed by the scavenger teams. Then that day hang a tag on their doors to indicate that they are not to be bothered.
While full participation is not possible, you can still create a very fun atmosphere that is inviting and welcoming. It will also make your complex more marketable and appealing to outsiders. The added sense of community could also boost your resident retention rate quite a bit.