Residents at Village Towers, a multi-residential complex at 87, 93 & 107 Compton Street in Kington, ON, enjoyed a day of amazing activities, food and fireworks at the property’s first Community Picnic on July 6, 2013. Organized with the goal of strengthening the sense of community in the area, the event brought over 600 residents and surrounding neighbours together. This year was the fourth picnic for the complex, but the first year in which surrounding neighbours were also invited. By involving the surrounding neighbours, Skyline wanted to demonstrate that we care about every single community our buildings are in – not just the buildings themselves, but the community as a whole.
Senior Resident Managers Mary and Edgar (supported by their team and other nearby Kingston staff) pulled off a fantastic event, ensuring there were plenty of activities for both adults and children. These included an all-day barbecue, face painting, an army tank, race car, fire truck, police cruiser, a raffle for an IPad, bingo, crafts, a splash area and fireworks at dusk. Kix Country Radio provided music and hosted the event live.
Community support was strong. Neighbourhood associations and city representatives were invited to join in the fun by promoting services or charitable initiatives of interest. Many also made donations, held raffles or sponsored an activity. Community partners who attended the event were eager to share their praise for Skyline’s improvements to the grounds at Village Towers, as well as tenant safety.
Skyline cast a poll at the event to determine what residents wanted to see next as a community-improvement initiative. The majority (26%) voted for “more community events like this one,” and others wanted to see a fresh food program or after-school activities for the kids.