Celebrate community!

By the very essence of Utah’s local and special service districts, they’re all about community. Created to meet the needs specific to their particular location, they reach out in ways the more traditional ranks of government can’t, directly interacting with the daily lives of their respective constituents.

While on a more official note, you can grab a ride on public transit or sign the kids up for a summer baseball league, you’ll also find others such as the Central Utah Water Conservancy District celebrate Halloween with its popular Pumpkin Walk each October at Central Utah Gardens.

Part of our function here at the Utah Association of Special Districts is to educate Utahns on their community districts and the services they offer. But we’re also aware there are a lot of distractions facing families today, and that special sense of community can get lost in the shuffle. How many of us don’t even know our neighbors, especially those who only live a few houses down the block?

Here’s a fun way to remedy that: organize a block party that brings everyone together for an afternoon of fun! And when you find a free moment, get to know your local and special service districts, too, and what they do. Click here for a state-wide directory.

Now, back to that block party:

• Begin by gathering a group of like-minded residents who are willing help you get things organized. You’ll want to check into any permits you’ll need, especially if you want to close the road. Then onto the rest of the details. How will you get the word out? Will you make it a potluck (a great way to feed everyone for free) and how will you handle beverages and tableware? What sort of family-fun activities will you offer? Do you need some portable toilet booths? How about first aid? Don’t leave anything to chance.

• Pick a date. You’ll need it when you apply for your permit. The earlier you can save the date on your neighborhood’s calendar, the better turn-out you’ll enjoy. This is also a good time to approach others in the larger community, such as the local ice cream parlor or your community officials, to see if they’d like to participate. Even a discount goes a long way when you’re scooping out ice cream cones.

• Start promoting it. Stir up some excitement. Deliver personal invitations and ask for an RSVP. Let your neighbors know what they’re going to miss if they opt out. If you sense a lot of interest, ask if they’re willing to help out. When the day comes around, you’re going to need all the help you can get!

• It’s time to party! Make sure you have everything set up for the potluck, including ice to keep cold dishes cool and slow-cookers bubbling. Post signs alerting drivers to the street closure and/or “no parking” requests. Have teams in place to coordinate games and other fun activities. And don’t forget to put together a clean-up crew!

When the fun’s over, make sure to keep up the friendships you made at your block party, even if it’s just a quick wave as you drive by or a kind word at the local supermarket. And again, know that your local and special service districts are there for you, too.

Community is truly something to celebrate!