Program: Conifer Community Survey, Prepared by Conifer Area Council
Shirley Johnson, President
The Conifer Area Council was formed in 2002. Mission: to work as a broad based group to provide a forum to identify and address community issues. They have a Board of 9 volunteers and they are looking for more.
They have completed four community surveys; these are the results of the latest survey. They received 1,656 completed surveys. The survey area has an estimated 12,242 population over age 18. The respondent’s statistics included age, marital status, number of children, employment status, years living in the Conifer area. Specific results:
- The five most pressing issues identified: fire vulnerability, preservation of small town character, diminishing water supply, lack of urgent medical facility, not enough well paying jobs. Additionally: traffic on Hwy 285 and the need for a Recreation Center.
- Most respondents prefer single-family dwellings in the area. Most would like to see empty storefronts filled instead of building new developments.
- More business options requested: restaurants, car wash/detailing, bakery, movie theater.
- Requests for services: urgent care facility and shuttle bus/taxi services.
- Recreational options: community center, connected community hiking trails, community center for outdoor and indoor activities.
- Youth activity options: swimming pool, indoor team sports/fitness facility, safe trails to get to schools and after school activities.
- Activity options for seniors: access to health/wellness classes, swimming pool, transportation, social connections, in-home services: OT/PT.
- Parks/Recreation District: 58% said yes.
- Land conservation was important to the respondents: for wildlife habitat, mitigate impact of development, public recreation and historic qualities.
- Historic preservation was important to over 70%.
- Building architecture: over 93% want historically inspired but contemporary look, natural landscapes, and downward street lighting to preserve dark skies.
- The Conifer Loop and Trail options will be discussed in more depth at a later meeting.
The Conifer Area Council will send results to County and State representatives and to the organizations that supported and contributed to the survey. All are encouraged to attend hearings for up-coming developments.
Announcements/Business:
- Town Hall Meeting Wednesday, February 21 7-8pm at West Jefferson Middle School
- Board meeting is next Monday, February 26, 6pm at The Well at Bradford Junction
- The current edition of Serenity Magazine has a full page advertisement for the mountain area Rotary Clubs. Rotary Conifer will have a full page ad this spring.
- President Elect Training is March 2-4, at the Renassaince Hotel near the airport. All Rotarians can attend.
- St. Patrick's Day dinner/fundraiser is Saturday, March 17 at the St. Laurence Church. The Club will set up on Friday evening, 6pm. Janine has 11 items for the silent auction. We could use more donated items or gift certificates.
- Conifer High School Interact’s trip to Kenya has two more fundraisers coming up: a Home and Garden Show booth and Run The Ranch. Donations can be made to the Conifer Rotary Foundation, earmarked for Conifer Interact Club Kenya trip.
- Conifer High School boys basketball will start playoffs at 6pm at CHS February 21st.