The May column of Aging in Place asked the question: Is Tualatin an age-friendly city? We laid out the criteria and asked for your comments and concerns. You answered. Thank you very much.
We put the comments, concerns and suggestions into three groups: Juanita Pohl Center, Parks and Recreation, and City. The good news is we received an amazing response, and it is so appreciated. The bad news is that there isn’t enough space in an Aging In Place column to list each one. I will provide you with a snapshot of what we heard. If you would like to see all the suggestions, please email agingtaskforce80@gmail.com, and I will be happy to send the reports to you. If you ask and I send it to you, then your job is to respond back with your thoughts and let us know if we missed something.
Juanita Pohl Center:
- Why isn’t ‘senior’ included in the name?
- Can the center offer more free classes
- Provide a list of volunteer opportunities for seniors in the community; provide a list of resources – a printed guide to local resources, services and contacts – matters pertinent to seniors, like health, nutrition, eldercare and legal issues.
- More social gatherings and/or senior social hour, maybe with a theme, for conversation and social interaction
If you are not familiar with JPC, here are some of the things they do already: a new lunch program on Tuesdays and Fridays, lunch and learn classes on a variety of senior health care topics, coffee and conversation group every Thursday morning, Bingo the first Thursday of each month, book club, friendship club, variety of day trips, a survey every year, pool, cards, variety of exercise classes. Check it out.
Parks and Recreation:
- The biggest suggestion was criteria for ‘Senior Certified Trailway Criteria,’ where suggestions and examples were laid out on how to make trails and walking paths an accessible outdoor activity for older adults. It’s a lengthy list of options to accomplish this idea, so I can send it to you if you’d like. Distance of paths, lighting, signage, benches along the way, and surfaces suitable for walking aids are a few of the suggestions.
- Designated extra close-in parking for seniors at events and an easily accessible designated senior seating area at outdoor concerts and events.
- A senior playground at one of the parks with outdoor senior fitness equipment where seniors can gather to work out on appropriate equipment and socialize.
- More benches around town in public places, in the parks and especially at bus stops and on the walking paths and trails.
FYI – the Aging Task Force is working with the Parks Department on how to install more benches throughout Tualatin. Will keep you posted.
City:
- A big concern is the state of sidewalks around town, as well as overhanging trees and other obstructions
- Continued concern over public transportation, especially on weekends
- Continued concern for housing for seniors
- Working with local businesses to be ‘senior friendly’
FYI – the Aging Task Force has met with the City’s Public Works Director to learn about codes for sidewalks and obstructions and what can be done to alleviate the problems/issues. We will keep you informed as we become better informed.
As I said earlier, this is a snapshot of what we have learned from the survey. The Aging Task Force will continue to work on ensuring Tualatin is an age-friendly city. Your input, ideas, concerns, and suggestions are welcome and needed. Again, our email is agingtaskforce80@gmail.com. We meet on the second Monday of each month, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m., at the Juanita Pohl Center.
