What resources already exist that can be built upon and developed?

If there are recreational softball leagues, building new fields might be a good idea. If the senior citizen's center exists already, refurbishing it to allow for more wheelchair access and more varied activities might be a good idea. If areas of the community are unsafe, full of graffiti, or unusable, putting money into rehabilitating these efforts might be a good idea.

How do we wish to change and shape the community?

For a community with a lack of a common bond, creating a central meeting place like a park might be a good idea. If the community is suffering particular problems, like obesity and lack of activity, creating an area where there are tracks and fitness runs might be a good idea. Having a monthly 5K run, or a 'let's get healthy day' staffed by volunteer nurses and doctors is another option. Some communities have even experimented with allowing residents to grow small gardens in unused plots of land, which would give people access to more fresh and inexpensive fruits and vegetables.

For communities where improved safety is a priority, using some...

Also, if the lot increases the use of cars and decreases the amount of foot traffic near the park, putting in a large parking lot could be counter-productive and potentially unsafe to children playing in the area.
Design must also be considered. If the park does not have enough equipment for older children, it will be under-used. Projects specifically designed for senior citizens and children must be in safe areas. Annual events should be scheduled at convenient times for the whole community, not too near holidays, but at times when people are likely to have time off from work, and children have time off from school. Logistics and city planning is yet another thing that must be kept in mind during the selection process.