Community Character
What is “Community Character”?
Community character can be difficult to define. Often, it is made up of a combination of:
Community
Facilities
People
Natural
Environment
Development
Patterns and
Neighborhood
Densities
Housing
Public
Services such
as Police and
Fire
Parks
Libraries
Schools
What does “Community Character” mean to you?
Community character can mean different things to different people. When you think about what community character means
to you, you might consider factors like:
-
“Because community character encompasses physical, social,
and economic elements, the approach can help to structure plan
elements in a way that land use cannot.”
How would I describe Spokane Valley to an outsider?
What is my community’s identity?
Do I live in a community that offers the amenities that I want?
Are there sufficient community activities to participate in?
Do I have easy access to parks?
Are there distinct neighborhoods within the City?
Do I have a strong connection to my neighborhood and members of my community?
Are there places that I regularly gather with friends?
Do I enjoy going for a walk in my community?
Source: A Guide to Planning for Community Character
Comprehensive Plan Themes
Continue thinking about the community character of Spokane Valley and what makes it distinct. Then, read each of the three
questions below. Place a sticky dot in the column that you most agree with.
I feel that Spokane Valley has great places to
gather and meet with friends.
Yes
No
Spokane Valley has a clear community identity.
Yes
No
I have the ability to easily access community
facilities and/or participate in community
activities.
Yes
No
Exercise Instructions
Now that you have had a chance to generate some ideas and formulate some thoughts related to community character, you will be able to put that discussion into action.
At this station there is a map on the table that highlights the various community facilities in the City (library, parks, community facilities, etc.). The map is meant to help
you visualize elements of “Community Character” in a spatial context. Analyze the map and then follow these steps:
1) Think about the areas of Spokane Valley that have a strong sense of community character. Place the green dots in the areas where you feel this exists.
2) Think about where the City should focus future effort to enhance community character. Place the yellow dots in areas where you want this to happen.
3) Fill out the comment card with additional thoughts on this topic and give it to the exercise facilitator. Consider explaining your answers to the questions above. If
you answered “No” to any of the three questions, what would you suggest the City do to improve upon that?
Public Visioning Meetings | January 28 & 29, 2015