Month: September 2024

I have seen efforts over the last few years for improving communication with our citizens but we certainly have a long way to go. Canby is growing and not all citizens know where to get the latest information and the local watering hole. These are ways the city can improve its communication efforts in the 21st century.

Effective communication is crucial for a city to maintain trust, transparency, and a strong relationship with its citizens. Here are some strategies to achieve this:

Digital Platforms

• City Website: A well-designed and informative website can serve as a central hub for city news, services, and events. This works only if the information is up to date.
• Social Media: Utilizing platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram allows for real-time updates and two-way communication. Unlike retail or other social media strategies, city information on social media should be posted often as people tend to go directly to this resource for information, not just wait for it to show up in feeds.
• Mobile App: A city-specific app can provide personalized information, alerts, and access to services. I don’t think Canby is ready for this.
• Email Newsletters: Regular newsletters can keep residents informed about current projects, events, and important announcements. Curating the content and formatting newsletters does take a training and time but is worth it if the right format is found.

Public Meetings and Events

• Town Halls: These meetings offer a direct platform for citizens to ask questions, voice concerns, and provide feedback.
• Community Forums: More focused forums can address specific topics or neighborhoods. Canby has improved in creating these event but still needs improvement in advertising the events to all citizens.
• Public Hearings: These are required for certain decisions or projects and provide an opportunity for public input. These tend to happen when something goes wrong instead of a part of planning. A recent case would be the Dog Park issue.

Printed Materials

• City Newsletters: Physical newsletters can reach a wider audience, especially those who may not have regular internet access. This would be an improvement, event if quarterly or Bi Annual.
• Flyers and Brochures: These can be distributed at public events, libraries, and community centers. While this is done occasionally, they are not kept up to date. They seem to be one off efforts instead of part of an ongoing plan.

Community Outreach

• Neighborhood Meetings: Regular meetings can foster a sense of community and provide a platform for local concerns.
• Door-to-Door Outreach: Staff can visit homes to distribute information and gather feedback.
• Partnerships with Community Organizations: Collaborating with local groups can help reach specific demographics.

Accessibility and Inclusivity

• Translation Services: Ensure that information is available in multiple languages to serve diverse populations. 
• Accessibility Features: Consider the needs of individuals with disabilities by providing accessible formats (e.g., large print, audio) and accommodations.

Feedback Mechanisms: Make it easy for citizens to provide feedback, including anonymous options. This is certainly a pain point for our citizens and for me is a critical issue. Too often the city gets second hand information and interpretations instead of direct feedback from the community.

https://www.canbyoregon.gov/publicworks/page/canby-parks

The link to our 2022 Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update.

In 2022 the City of Canby finalized its COMPREHENSIVE PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN that the citizens of Canby paid for.

There is a lot of information and great suggestions. The number one priority in the plan states that the best way to implement these suggestions is to have an official Parks and Recreation Department with a professional Parks Administrator. Did you know the City of Canby does not have an Official Parks and Recreation Department? This is how we can efficiently manage and grow our parks and recreation facilities and programs.

The listing of goals starts on page 111 of the plan.

Goal #1: Create a financially resilient organizational structure to deliver parks and recreation programs and services that positions the city for growth.

1.1.a Hire a professional parks and recreation administrator.

Since 2022 the city is still ‘winging it’ as it goes. Where is the effort, discussion, planning to implement Goal #1 in the Master Plan we paid for and adopted?

On the city website you will also find studies and recommendations about a community recreation center from 2009. The current sports complex/community center discussion is not a new idea. If we were doing analysis and recommendations 15 years ago, do we think this subject is still relevant today?

Once again, someone saw a Peddle Park in Sandy Oregon and now the city is discussing whether to push off the Wait Park Renovation for a park not included in our current plans. Another example of shiny objects distracting us from our goals.

We need to stick to our plans. If not, why waste the money creating them?

Imagine if we had a Professional Parks and Recreation Administrator to help with that? Hmm, see Goal #1.

I wish there were more things for kids to do! How many times have we heard this? All kinds of ideas are presented when this question comes up. We should have an arcade! Bring back the bowling alley! Community Recreation Building!

Did you know we are working on a solution right now?

I support the Sports Complex project for the city of Canby. For as long as I can remember, we have lamented about the lack of things for our youth to do in Canby. Also, my children have played baseball and soccer in Canby. I remember the condition of the fields, and how there was even a little bit of embarrassment when trying to hold tournaments. Canby would be passed over by regional tournaments due to the condition of our fields and lack of facilities. 

I do firmly believe there is a need for indoor recreation facilities as well as outdoor. Considering the NW climate, it would not make sense to exclude this. The rain season is much longer than the dry season.

Recreational facilities play a crucial role in the development and well-being of young people in small towns. Here are some reasons why they’re essential:

• Physical Health: These facilities provide safe and accessible spaces for youth to engage in physical activities. Regular exercise helps prevent obesity, improves cardiovascular health, and promotes overall physical fitness.
• Mental Health: Engaging in recreational activities can have a positive impact on mental health. It reduces stress, anxiety, and depression, and can boost self-esteem.
• Social Development: Recreational facilities offer opportunities for youth to interact with peers, develop friendships, and learn important social skills like teamwork, cooperation, and leadership.
• Community Engagement: These facilities can serve as hubs for community gatherings and events, fostering a sense of belonging and connection among residents.
• Crime Prevention: Recreational facilities can help to deter crime by providing positive alternatives for youth to spend their time.
• Educational Opportunities: Many recreational facilities offer educational programs, such as art classes, music lessons, and science experiments, which can supplement formal education and foster a love of learning.
• Economic Benefits: Recreational facilities can attract visitors to small towns, boosting local economies through tourism and spending.

Many of these reasons apply to adults too! Adult baseball, soccer and basketball leagues would be so much fun as well! We can continue to improve the livability of Canby.

Let’s make sure we find a solution that is fiscally responsible not only initially but in the total cost of ownership over the years, take into account traffic impact now and in the future, accessibility and flexibility. We can do this if we hold to our values but also keep an open mind and think outside the box.