In addition to outreach to the general public and local student communities, Park Township has been intentional to engage two specific focus groups in the visioning process:
1 | 55+ Year-old Residents
Over several decades, Park Township has become a community of choice for not only new families but also as an ideal location for many retirees. In fact, over 20% of Park Township residents are over the age of 65 years. Given this unique demographic makeup, it was important to engage older adults specifically in forming a vision for the community center.
On March 12, over 40 community members gathered for this focus group and expressed a wide range of ideas. In addition, the group called attention to many other considerations including:
- The importance of ADA accessibility, inclusive design, and functionality for the indoor and outdoor spaces
- Developing a destination for multi-generational connection
- A place for civic engagement, learning, and growth
- The potential to feature Park Township’s history and agricultural activities
- The longevity and maintenance of the building
- Hospitality and clear communications about the community center and its offerings once it is operational
- Avoiding duplication of amenities available elsewhere while supporting some revenue generation
- Public transportation access, parking, and the impacts of traffic flow on Ottawa Beach Road.”
2 | Local Business & Nonprofit Leaders
Park Township is home to a number of influential businesses (largely agribusiness and hospitality), faith communities and nonprofit organizations. It was important to engage leadership of these groups to uncover a deeper understanding of the needs of residents. Considerations for the community center which emerged from these discussions included:
- The need for an accessible space to foster belonging and connection for families and individuals
- Developing a place for year-round active lifestyles and wellbeing
- The opportunity to create a unique “Downtown Park Township” blending history, farming, food, art, and community
- Being business-friendly while providing a resource center for nonprofits/ public agencies to extend their support services
- Not duplicating amenities available elsewhere while supporting some revenue generation
- Striking a balance between public, programmatic, organizational users
- Finding the right leadership and staffing to cultivate a sense of community.”
In our March 12 focus group, ten local business and nonprofit leaders joined members of Park Township staff and the visioning committee to generate uses/ideas from the unique perspective of solving for the community’s most pressing needs.
