UA Boosts Neighborhood Relations with First Annual Wildcat Welcome Walk
The first Wildcat Welcome Walk was a great success. In partnership with local elected officials and the Rincon Heights Neighborhood Association, GCR created a new event to help foster neighborly relationships in an area that is prominently student occupied rental homes. A team of people including representatives from UAPD, the Dean of Students Office, Athletics, the Office of Multicultural Advancement, Fraternity & Sorority Programs, many fraternity members, Councilman Kozachik, the Tucson Police Department, and many Rincon Heights residents, walked door-to-door to over 150 homes last Thursday evening.
When students answered the door, the group welcomed them back for the fall semester and shared with them tips about the neighborhood, such as when trash pick-up is scheduled and how to have bulk items removed. If a long-term resident answered the door, a variety of information was offered, including how to reach the UA Neighborhood Hotline when needed. With both students and long-term residents, the Tucson Police Department’s Red Tag Unit shared details about the city’s noise ordinance and consequences for violators.
The walk culminated in a block party with eegee’s for all in the neighborhood community garden. Several prizes were given away including bike lighted donated by UA Parking and Transportation. The big prize was a ride along with the Tucson Police Department K-9 unit.
This fun community event went a long way toward building a better partnership with many community stakeholders. We look forward to taking the Wildcat Welcome Walk to other neighborhoods in the future.