Nov 18, 2013 ... The goal of this survey – being conducted by the Warrens. Area Business
Association and the Village of Warrens in cooperation with Monroe ...
The 2013 Warrens-Area Community Survey: An Overview Will Cronin UW-Extension November 18th, 2013
Survey Goal The goal of this survey – being conducted by the Warrens Area Business Association and the Village of Warrens in cooperation with Monroe County UW-Extension – is to gain an understanding of how residents feel about quality of life in the Warrens area. Additionally, we hope gain a clearer understanding of community desires relating to future development and growth in the Warrens area.
The Basics • 139 Completed Surveys • Considering the population of Warrens is 363, pretty good!
• Collected online, by mail, and at locations around Warrens
What are the three most important reasons you and your family choose to live in the Warrens area?
Small town/rural atmosphere
69%
To be near family and friends.
58%
Natural beauty of the area
35%
To be near job or work.
34%
Low crime rate
20%
Recreational opportunities
17%
Other (please specify)
14%
Cost of housing
11%
Quality schools
8%
Community Services
5%
How would you rate the overall quality of life in the Warrens Area?
Good
53%
Very Good
23%
Neither Good nor Bad
19%
Bad
6%
Very Bad
0%
76% are positive!
Considering future development, what should the Warrens Area focus on? Growing the Warrens area business community while maintaining our small town character. Further development of the tourism economy. Bringing in new business. If so, what type?
68% 31% 31%
Focus on our agricultural economy. Being a bedroom community with small town character.
28%
Growing its residential population.
23%
24%
Small Town Character is Vital!
The Village of Warrens supports many public services with a limited budget. How should the Village prioritize spending on these services?
Fire/EMT protection
2.73
Street Maintenance Public water/sewer system
2.49
Police protection
2.15
Downtown Sidewalks Streetscaping/ Beautification (signs, benches, flowers, lighting, etc.) Inspections (building code enforcement)
2.04
Bike/walking path
1.76
2.37
1.8 1.77
The Warrens area has several attractions and/or recreational opportunities. How often do you or members of your family visit the following?
Other (Please Specify)
3.32
McMullen County Park
2.45
Three Bears Lodge Waterpark Wisconsin Cranberry Discovery Center
2.13
Jellystone Campground
1.99
Warrens Little Free Library Woods & Meadow Hunting Preserve
1.97
Grandpa Nick's Petting Farm
1.34
Neighborhood Skatepark
1.27
Game Craze
1.25
2.13
1.44
1. Lions Log Building 2. Cranfest 3. Hiking/Biking
The Warrens Area Youth Association sponsors/co-sponsors a number of activities for local youth and their families. Have your children or grandchildren participated in any of the following?
Warrens Area Easter Breakfast Warrens Area Community Christmas
56%
Summer Swimming Program Warrens Family Day at Three Bears Waterpark
45%
Warrens Area Halloween Party Warrens Family Day at Jellystone Park
40%
Other (Please Specify)
26%
Summer Kickball League
17%
Warrens Bike Extravaganza Movie Night at Three Bears Lodge
10%
54%
41%
27%
6%
Other, Two Major Themes: 1. Lack of Awareness 2. Don’t have children, but still participate
How often do you and/or your family use the services of the Warrens Walk-In Clinic?
Sometimes
40%
Rarely
25%
Never
23%
Often
13%
If “rarely” or “never,” why not? No need, "good that it's here if needed.” “Have own provider elsewhere.” Lack of capability, "will end up going to Tomah anyway.”
Internet service in Warrens • 91% of respondents have internet in home. • Only 60% of those are satisfied. • Why? • Too Slow (35) • Expensive (9) • Poor Cell Coverage (7)
Warrens on the Web • 60% have visited or used www.VisitWarrens.com • 55% are fans of the Visit Warrens Facebook page.
In what community do you currently live, and how long have you lived there? Village of Town of Town of Town of Town of Town of Question Warrens Grant Lincoln Scott Knapp Bear Bluff Other Less than 1 Year 5 1 1 1 0 0 2 6-10 Years 9 2 4 1 1 0 3
Total
10 20
1-5 Years 11-25 Years More than 25 Years
16
1
5
1
1
5
0
29
21
1
4
2
3
0
4
35
21
2
11
3
3
4
6
50
Total
72
7
25
8
8
9
15
Where is your place of employment located? Retired
24%
City of Tomah
23%
Village of Warrens
8%
Not Employed
6%
Town of Scott
5%
Fort McCoy
4.5%
Town of Bear Bluff
4%
At Home
4%
Sparta
3%
Town of Lincoln
3%
Town of Knapp
2%
City of Black River Falls
1%
Town of Grant
1%
Demographics Which best describes your current housing situation?
Own
80%
Rent
12%
Other
8%
How many currently reside in your household?
What is your age?
45-54
25%
65 or Over
25%
55-64
21%
2
48%
35-44
17%
4
16%
25-34
10%
3
13%
5 or More
12%
18-24
1%
1
10%
Under 18
1%
Imagine if you could change/fix one thing in the community that would have a long-lasting impact, what would that be?
Major Themes: • Taxes and water/sewer rates are too high. • Roads need work, especially Main St. • Concerns about crime, improving law enforcement. • Some respondents seem to feel somewhat excluded by Cranfest.
What additional services, attractions or amenities would you support if they existed in the community?
Themes: • Restaurants, especially family restaurants • Grocery Store • Community Auction/Sale • Library/Activity/Learning Center • Health Club/Gym
Discussion • Initial reactions? What made you think? • Of the major issues, what would be the “low-hanging fruit”? • Which amenities might we attract first? • What are the barriers to change?
Thank You! Will Cronin 608.269.8722
[email protected]
