WPNA....What’s That?
by Delores G. Thompson
My husband Alex and I purchased our home in Winnona Park in July of last year, and we absolutely love it here. Until recently, however, we had not given much thought to joining the Winnona Park Neighborhood Association. Then we realized: We don’t really know what the WPNA does or who runs it. We don’t even know why we should join. Heck, we don’t even know how to join! So I decided to do a little research.
Are you a WP resident who’s scratching your head thinking: “WPNA? What’s that?” Well, here’s a primer for you (and all the rest of us):
What is the WPNA? What does it do?
The Winnona Park Neighborhood Association or WPNA exists to promote a sense of community and enhance the quality of life in Winnona Park. It also serves as your voice for common neighborhood interests by acting as a liaison with businesses, governmental entities and other organizations. In short, it is your “go-to” organization for all issues affecting your neighborhood.
Who runs the WPNA?
The WPNA is run by a board of elected officers and committee chairpersons. For 2010, your board members are:
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Steve Yurman, President (president@winnonapark.org); -
Elton Davis, Vice President (vicepresident@winnonapark.org);
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Julie Siler, Secretary (secretary@winnonapark.org);
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Seegar Swanson, Treasurer (treasurer@winnonapark.org);
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Geoff Koski, Zoning & Development Committee Chair (zoning@winnonapark.org);
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Joe Perz, Environment & Infrastructure Committee Chair (environment@winnonapark.org);
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Lylia Lucio, Social Committee Chair (social@winnonapark.org); and
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Cynthia Osborn, Communications Committee Chair (communications@winnonapark.org).
For more info on the duties of these officers and committees, visit the WPNA website (www.winnonapark.org).
Who can join WPNA?
If you are a Winnona Park resident over the age of 18, you can join as a regular member of WPNA, which gives you the right to vote on WPNA matters or hold office in the WPNA. If you reside outside WP you can join as an associate member, which excludes the right to vote or hold office in WPNA. All members can join any committee by contacting the respective committee chairpersons above.
How can I determine if I am a WP resident?
The majority of Winnona Park residents live in an area loosely bordered on the north by E. College Avenue, on the west by S. Candler Drive, on the east by S. Columbia Drive and on the south by Kirk Road. Mimosa Drive, Mimosa Place, and Candler Oaks Lane are also included; likewise, the portions of Oldfield Road, McKinnon Drive, and Midway Road that lie within the Decatur city limits. If you are still unsure, consult the WP map (www.winnonapark.org/wp_map.pdf) or contact Jeff Koski (zoning@winnonapark.org).
Why should I join?
“To put it simply,” says WPNA Vice President Elton Davis, “joining WPNA helps you to stay connected to your neighbors.” He points out that staying connected can be difficult, especially since the neighborhood doesn’t have a lot of big events other than the annual picnic to bring everyone together.
Winnona Park has a wonderful mix of young families, empty nesters and everything in-between. According to former Board member Michele Hillegass, WPNA faces the challenge of determining the ways these different types of WP residents actually want to stay connected. Joining WPNA gives you the opportunity to let the Board know what you think should be done to answer this challenge.
And if staying connected isn’t reason enough, here’s another one: there must be at least one thing you’d like to see changed about our neighborhood! A lost tradition you’d like to see brought back? An ongoing one you want to see eliminated or improved? More beautification efforts? More street sign toppers to identify our neighborhood streets? An active Neighborhood Watch program?
No matter how you see things, there’s a reason to join the WPNA. If you’ve ever muttered to yourself: “I sure wish Winnona Park had a ____” or “I sure wish WP could get rid of that ____,” then you should join now to get your voice heard. And if you’re totally happy with the neighborhood exactly the way it is, then you should hurry up and join now to get your voice heard.
Okay, I’m sold. How do I join? And how much are dues anyway?
Fortunately for folks like me, joining is easy! Just print out the form on the WPNA website (http://www.winnonapark.org/wpna_membership%20form.pdf), complete it and mail it along with a check to cover dues to the address provided on the form. Dues are $15 per household with a single adult and $20 per household with two adults. Or bring your completed form and check to the next WPNA meeting to be announced on this website. Also, watch for the WPNA meeting signs in the neighborhood.
Finally, check out the WPNA video “Creating Community”.
