Quality of life

John Montgomery - The Hutchinson News

We can only assume that if that Hutchinson and Reno Countians were to be asked today to rate us on the seven measures of “cool community” guru Rebecca Ryan that the perception would be we are a more vibrant place than we seemed just 18 months ago.

That is thanks to the enthusiastic efforts of the Reno County Growth Coalition teams formed to work on improvements in those areas where we seemed to be lacking as a place where people wanted to live first and work second.

Author-consultant Ryan was the keynote speaker at the February 2009 Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce annual dinner, and her appearance precipitated an effort to get feedback from residents on those measures and, subsequently, teams to address shortcomings. After-hours activities and a wellness atmosphere rose to the top of the list as needing improvement, and Growth Coalition Director Jessica Miller formed the first teams to concentrate in those areas.

Their efforts can only be called a success.

The After Hours Community Index Team started a monthly Explore Hutch event that is hosted at a different venue each month - Dillon Nature Center, the Kansas State Fairgrounds and the Hutchinson Zoo, for example. The team also launched a new Weekender weekly e-mail highlighting featured events for the coming weekend. And it has worked to improve marketing in other ways of local arts and culture organizations and attractions to make the public aware of their events.

The Vitality Community Index Team has organized a 5k run, a bike race, bike to work days and community workout days at Gowans Stadium. And the team has been raising money to improve the city’s recreational trail system.

These are all great ideas, generally well-executed and marketed to the public.

These two teams now have elected their own leadership and have achieved a level of self-sustenance that Miller now can organize community index teams to work in other areas.

These efforts have yielded fruit, leaving tangible evidence of better quality of life. Whether that translates into population growth - it can only help - the Growth Coalition has found a valuable niche. Not every person can choose where to live first and consider work secondarily, but Ryan’s point is well taken. Quality of life is important. Young professionals and young families especially care about what a community offers in the way of events, activities and venues for getting out and doing things.

Miller and the volunteers serving on the community index teams deserve commendation for their fruitful efforts - and, ultimately, for making Hutchinson and Reno County a more vibrant place today than when they started.