As my spring quarter comes to a close at WWU I’m gearing up to present my group’s findings to the city of Edmonds. This time, a week from now I’ll be giving my first public presentation outside of an academic setting. Pretty nerve wracking.
Participant Observation: Edmonds
Over the past few weeks, my group and I managed to head to Edmonds for a total of about 5-6hrs (not including drive time). Here, I’ll display our combined observational findings from Yost Park and 5 Corners.
Edmonds Survey and Results
After a few weeks of posting a link to an online survey that my group put together, we finally have some hard data! In this post, you’ll find our survey questions, results, and final thoughts on what our data revealed.
Work Sited for Edmonds Proposal
Really uninteresting post, just here to cover my bases.
Edmonds Proposal: Yost Park and 5 Corners
Working with the city of Edmonds, Western Washington University has partnered together to conduct research on the “walkability” of nine specific nodes. These nodes include: Five Corners, Yost Park, Chase Lake Elementary,Westgate Elementary, Edmonds High School, Swedish Hospital, Westgate Village, Community Transit Swift Stop, and the future Light Rail. This paper focuses on the research conducted at Five Corners and Yost park. The overall goal in mind when conducting this research is the idea of health and wellness in terms of how “walkable” these two nodes are; with emphasis on those visually, or otherwise impaired. Our literature reflects these values in the context of parks and roundabouts. Given Westerns’ timeline, research will only be conducted and finalised in a few months. Students involved in the project will use ethical methodologies such as semi-structured interviews, an online survey, visual analysis and participatory observation. The end result will have conclusions about how the community feels about the two nodes, with potential ideas for improvement.
Continue reading “Edmonds Proposal: Yost Park and 5 Corners”
Participatory Observation at Yost Park
I count myself lucky that I am able to take university classes that put me in the ‘real world’. From my own experience, undergrad has been a lot about the background of any given field of study. Rarely do BA/BS classes create classes that involve connecting with your chosen field; luckily I think this perspective on learning and teaching is shifting. Even if it’s dreadfully slow.
Depression and Field Work
“When anthropologists actively avoid discussing the feelings of anxiety, depression, and desperation associated with their fieldwork, they do a disservice to the next generation of aspiring anthropologists.” Emma Louise Backe
Connecting Communities
via Are parks alienating the aging population? — Strong Towns
While doing research for the Edmonds project I’m working on I came across this gem of an article. As our populations continue to grow, cities become the norm for people to settle down in. This includes our ever growing elderly populations. This article brings to light the well-being of our elders in connection to parks and other areas of recreation within our cities and towns.
Get To Know Edmonds, WA
The city of Edmonds is a small city off the coast of Washington. Beautifully situated along Puget Sound and surrounded by both the Olympic Mt. and Cascade range; Edmonds has a lot to offer its residents and travelers.