Sometimes, it just takes one simple act to spark a wave of change.

"This started because I wanted to clean it up," says Darla Ballinger. 

The Happy Place Sanctuary started by a simple act by one person that would hopefully bring positive change.

"More and more, I come out here and think of things to do, and the next thing I know, it's getting done," adds Ballinger.

The three private lots that sit on the corner of Almyra and Firnley Avenues in Youngstown are known as The Happy Place Sanctuary. A plot of land that Darla Ballinger once associated with overgrowth and criminal activity until the day her plan for change turned into action.

"I was out here with a weed whacker, a sawzall, a trash bag, and a lawnmower in 2019. people thought I was crazy, and they were probably correct because when I think in hindsight, if I was not, I probably would not have done this," adds Ballinger. 

What started as an idea has bloomed to include multiple trees and shrubs to meditation gardens and beautifully crafted benches. Darla's actions have gone unnoticed; neighbors and even those just passing will stop to ask her about the garden and the story behind it.

"The ultimate goal is not only to bring beauty but to inspire others to do something similar where they are, because you can't complain about anything unless you are doing something," says Ballinger. 

As The Happy Place sanctuary continues to grow, so does its impact, not only on houses surrounding this plot of land but on the city as a whole.

"Someone was here that's also in the public eye and associated with the restoration of South High School. He said last week, this is the renaissance; it's happening. This is Youngstown's renewal at the grassroots level, at the seed level and those of us are making it happen. I like to think of it like pollen spreading, once we bloom it will have to germinate somewhere else," adds Ballinger.