Windshield Survey of Your Neighborhood
One way to understand your community is through a tool called “windshield surveys”. A Windshield Survey is simply a method for observing a neighborhood/community. It allows the observer to gain insight and understanding of a community and its people. Utilize the Windshield/Walking Survey to complete this assignment. The following elements are included in a typical windshield survey:
Boundaries
Housing and zoning
Open space
Commons
Transportation
Social service centers
Stores
Street people and animals
Condition of the area
Race and ethnicity
Religion
Health indicators
Politics
Media
Business & industry
Write a 1200-1700-word essay exploring your own neighborhood (Avondale, Arizona). Consider the list above when writing your assessment.
What did you learn about your neighborhood?
Did any of your findings surprise you?
Based on the components of the windshield survey elements, how would you describe your neighborhood?
Think about improvements to your community. Discuss how housing and zoning could be improved.
What would the impact of more open spaces mean for the community?
How could transportation in your area be improved?
Describe the services available and how to improve for all populations?
