Comprehensive Quality of Life Planning
On Tuesday, October 20, 2009, the City Council will consider a request to fund the initial planning of a comprehensive Quality of Life initiative. The initiative will be focused on planning projects that will enhance and add amenities that, when constructed, will offer residents a broader choice of individual and family activities. Additionally, a quality of life initiative that is well planned and inclusive of great citizen input will provide a “Wow” factor that should help attract new employers and new jobs.
This initiative is being undertaken because for almost twenty years the City has had to focus its efforts, energy, and vision on providing a solid foundation for public safety, basic infra-structure, and fiscal stability. Amenities that elevate a community’s “livability” were assigned a lower priority. The result placed Owasso in the enviable position of being ahead of the curve in water, wastewater, stormwater infrastructure; and at a pace to spend about four million dollars annually on major street construction and repair projects. Additionally, the City’s business community (and resulting sales tax) has grown to a point that allows the City to provide excellent public safety services to citizens. Developing that retail destination point has resulted in a favorable position wherein approximately 70% of every dollar spent comes from residents of other cities.
That twenty year focus on public safety, infrastructure, and fiscal soundness has made Owasso a safe place for families and businesses, a community that can meet the challenges of growth, and a full service city that can meet the commercial needs of its residents. But, during that time, our City has provided only basic services in the area of parks, recreation, youth sports, trail systems, public gathering places, and other amenities that make a community’s livability better than “norm”. Even though a basic park backbone has been acquired, there is a growing gap between what the City has in terms of quality of life amenities and what residents expect their City to provide.
The City wants to address quality of life amenities that Owassons see as important; but first, City Councilors must determine what residents would consider priorities. To make that determination, a plan of public input is being designed that gives all residents an opportunity to provide ideas and suggestions relating to what kind of amenities should be funded and developed to give Owasso residents a world-class quality of life. The program to gather public input is scheduled to begin in November or December. Every resident is encouraged to participate and offer suggestions. Announcements of meetings will be made on cityofowasso.com, through Twitter, and various news outlets.
This effort to create a community that meets the expectations of its residents is one that is critical to future generations and to the long-term value of our community. Every resident should give thought to the quality of life amenities and projects that would enhance the lives of our children and set a foundation for future generations.
Feedback from readers is welcomed. If you wish to contact the City Manager regarding this blog, send an email to cmanager@cityofowasso.com.