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Windshield Survey Monmouth - Independence, Oregon

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Windshield Survey

Windshield surveys are assessment tools that give an objective view of the entire

community and give you the ability to compare different areas within a community so you can

determine which areas have the greatest need. They provide an opportunity to interact with the

people who live there and to get an overall “feel” for the community (Center for Community

Health and Development, 2019). The table below includes information I gathered during my

windshield survey of the towns of Monmouth and Independence, Oregon.

The area surveyed includes the residential, commercial and industrial areas of both

towns. Monmouth Avenue is the main street that runs for just under three miles, East to West,

between both towns. The eastern edge of the area surveyed is Highway 51, which is also called

Main Street in Independence, and the town is about 2 miles long from North to South on this

side. The western edge of the area surveyed is just past Highway 99 in Monmouth and includes

Western Oregon University (WOU) and a small commercial and residential area. The town is

only about 1 mile long on this side. The map provided was obtained from the Monmouth-

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Independence Trolley website (n.d.). It shows the trolley route as well as several landmarks.

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Observations of Monmouth-Independence

Category Description Observations

Housing

What is the age and condition of housing in the

neighborhoods you’re surveying? Are houses

and apartment buildings kept up, or are they

run-down and in need of repair? Are yards neat

or overgrown?

The age of housing in the community is mixed,

with homes close to downtown appearing to

have been built in the early 1900s. Many of

these homes are well maintained with beautiful

yards, though a few appear to be run down.

Neighborhoods are generally pockets of homes

of varied but similar ages, from the mid-1900s

to current, giving the impression this community

has grown slowly over time. There are a couple

of neighborhoods with a higher number of

homes and yards that are not well maintained, or

with multiple vehicles or items stored outside.

There are several older apartments, duplexes

and town homes in neighborhoods and on the

main streets, as well as some newer large

apartment complexes at the edge of town. Most

apartments seem clean and in good repair from

the outside. There are a few mobile home parks

which have a variety of ages of manufactured

homes and trailers. There is an airport (not

commercial) in the community with an affluent

neighborhood with larger homes, some homes

have airplane hangars next to the garage, and

many have RVs and boats. The landscaping and

maintenance of the homes near the airport is

immaculate.

Public Spaces

Are there public spaces where people can

gather? Are they well kept up? Do they have

seating areas, trees and plants, attractive

design, cafes or food vendors, or other features

meant to encourage people to use the space? Is

there diversity in those using the space?

There are many public spaces in the community

where people can gather. Parks and sidewalks

are well maintained and have many picnic tables

and benches. Monmouth has a park in the

middle of town which is next to a food cart pod

and other restaurants. Independence has a park

downtown along the river that is near

restaurants, some have outdoor seating areas.

Neighborhood parks have picnic areas and trees

for shade.

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Category Description Observations

Parks and Recreational Areas

Are there play and athletic areas for children

and adults? Are they safe and maintained? Is

there a Community Center? Who uses them?

Are they used at night?

There are 2 parks with amphitheaters for

outdoor concerts. The riverfront park has a boat

launch. There are walking paths, a dog park and

a frisbee golf course in the riverfront park as

well. Most parks have play structures, though

only one park has play equipment that is

accessible for children with disabilities. There is

a skate park, a pickleball court is being built,

and there are 2 field sports parks aside from

school stadiums. City parks have signs stating

they close 30 minutes after dusk. There is a

community center which has a sign advertising

youth groups and activities in the evenings. All

public spaces are well maintained, and

equipment is in working order, except the

overflow parking lot at the riverfront park has a

large sink hole, paint lines are faded and curbs

displaced. There is also an outdoor community

pool which is fenced off but empty.

Culture and Entertainment

Are there museums, libraries, theaters,

restaurants, clubs, sports stadiums, historic

sites, etc.? Are they accessible to all parts of the

community (reachable by public

transportation)? Do the venues and activities

reflect the culture of the community?

Independence and Monmouth both have city

libraries with signs in English and Spanish

advertising programs and activities. There is

also a library and an art gallery on the Western

Oregon University (WOU) campus that is open

to the public. There is a heritage museum, a

movie theater and many restaurants in the

community. There is free public transportation

that runs from one end of the community to the

other along the main street, so everything is

fairly accessible. There are historic markers with

informational plaques scattered throughout the

community. There are sports stadiums at the

high school and at WOU. There is a senior

center, a YMCA and an Elks Club. There are

several sculptures and murals in public spaces.

Streetscape

The streetscape is the environment created by

streets and the sidewalks, buildings, trees, etc.

The downtown area has many large old brick

buildings and newer modern buildings. There

are many trees lining the streets along with

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Category Description Observations

that line them. Are there trees and/or plants?

Are there sidewalks? Are building facades and

storefronts attractive and welcoming? Are the

streets sidewalks relatively clean? Are there

trash cans? Is there outdoor seating?

benches, trash cans and ornate lampposts with

colorful flags. The commercial area does not

have as many trees in some areas and feels less

welcoming, but newer commercial

developments have more trees and landscaping.

The streets are clean throughout the community.

Street Use

Are there people on the streets at most times of

day? In the evening? How late? Do they

interact with one another? Are streets and

sidewalks well-lit at night?

During this survey, there were people out and

about in all areas of town including downtown

and commercial areas. There were about 20

young adults and youth at the skate park in the

late afternoon. In other parks and there were

smatterings of people of various ages walking

dogs, with children, visiting with others or

alone. In neighborhoods there were people out

walking and doing yardwork. I did not observe

the community at night during this survey, but I

did notice streetlights throughout commercial

and residential areas.

Commercial Activity/Retail

What kinds of businesses are there? Are there

boarded-up or vacant storefronts? Is there a

mix of large and small businesses? Are there

grocery stores and supermarkets, pharmacies,

and other stores that provide necessities in all

parts of the community?

There two grocery stores, two pharmacies, a

dollar store, a big chain general store, local and

big chain hardware stores, automotive stores,

laundromats, many convenience stores and

restaurants (sit down, counter service, and fast

food), several bars, gas stations, local and big

chain coffee shops, vintage and resale stores,

salons, boutique style clothing stores, candy and

ice cream shops and various other businesses

like bookstore, florist, computer repair, and

tattoo shops. Most neighborhoods are within a

mile of commercial areas except the

neighborhood at the airport and another

neighborhood at the edge of town. There are

very few empty storefronts throughout the

community, most of which appear to have

businesses “coming soon.” There are some

businesses on the main street that could be

refreshed with new paint or signs. There is a

large and unsightly steel and concrete shell of a

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Category Description Observations

building near downtown that is unfinished and

vacant, there is no indication of ongoing

construction or signs indicating future use.

Industry

What kinds of industry exist in the community?

Does it seem to be causing pollution? What

types of occupations are evident?

There are a couple of industrial areas in the

community, along the railroad tracks through

town, and along the highway at the north and

south ends of town. There are industrial

buildings which house the city shops and

services. There are storage units, fleets of school

buses, landscapers and arborists. There are

mechanic shops, manufacturers of hot tubs,

cabinets, and camper trailers, and there is a lot

of agriculture. There are no overt indications of

pollution, though undoubtedly there are

substances and equipment used in these

industries which require responsible handling

and disposal.

Signs

What languages are business signs in? Are

traffic signs informative? Are there signs

directing people to various parts of the

community (downtown, museums, highways,

etc.)?

There are street signs directing people to various

parts of the community. City signs and some

church and health clinic signs are in English and

Spanish. Most business signs are in English

only.

Transportation

How do most people get around the area? Is there

public transportation? If so what kind and does it

appear to be used? Who uses it? Are buses and

public transportation vehicles energy-efficient?

Is traffic heavy in the community? Are there

charging stations for electric vehicles? Are

there bike racks and bike lanes?

Most people get around in automobiles and the

main streets have moderate traffic. There are no

marked bike lanes, but there are several bike

racks. There are a couple of charging stations for

electric vehicles in a public parking lot

downtown.

There is a trolley in Monmouth-Independence

that runs along the entire length of both towns

from the riverfront park to the university. The

trolley is a hybrid gas/electric vehicle that is

designed to look like a classic “cable car.” I

observed the trolley numerous times during this

survey, and it was usually carrying about six

passengers, mostly teens and young adults.

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Category Description Observations

There is also a regional bus service which runs a

couple of times per day with routes that connect

the community to two larger nearby cities.

Infrastructure

What is the condition of the streets, roads,

highways? Are there differences in these

conditions from one area of the community to

another? Do all parts of the community seem to

be equally served by electricity, water, phone,

fiber optic, wastewater treatment, waste

disposal, and other infrastructure services

Roads and highways are in good repair with no

major potholes and intact markings, signs and

safety railings. There is some road work

underway where additional crossings are being

added on the main street.

Overall, the infrastructure appears in good

condition and all areas seem to have equal

access to services.

Environmental Quality

How much usable green space is there, and is it

scattered throughout the community? Is there smog

or haze? Does the air smell of smoke, garbage, car

exhaust, chemicals, industrial waste, etc.? Does the

water in streams, ponds, lakes, etc. seem reasonably

clear?

There is ample usable green space scattered

throughout the community in parks, fields and

schools.

The air smells clean and the water is clear. There

are garbage cans on the sidewalks of all roads

that cross streams and creeks which say, “keep

our waterways clean.”

Media & Communication

Is there evidence of local and national newspapers

to other media? Are there informational posters on

streets, buses, billboards, etc.?

There is only one large billboard in the

community, however there are many

informational signs staked into lawns and

hanging on buildings. Most of the informational

signs are for community events and services or

businesses. There is no observable indication of

local or national media.

Health Services

Are there hospitals and clinics in the community?

Where are they located? How big are they? How

easy are they to get to?

The community has several small health care

clinics for behavioral, medical, vision and dental

needs. There are no urgent care clinics or

hospitals in the community. All clinics are

located on the main street and have handicap

accessible entries.

Public Services

What other services are available in the

community? Are there identifiable community

service providers and organizations in the

community – mental health centers, food banks,

homeless shelters, welfare offices, etc.? Are they

concentrated in a particular area? Are they easy to

The is a county public health office and a

community outreach center which offer various

programs and resources, these are on the main

street. There is a warming shelter which is

parked not in use right now. There is a food

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Category Description Observations

reach by public transportation?

bank that is on the edge of town at the highway

and is not near public transportation.

Community Safety and Protective Services

Where are fire and police stations located? Is there

evidence of police and fire protection in the area? Is

the community well-lit at night?

The fire station is located on the main street at

the border between Monmouth and

Independence. The Independence Police

Department (IPD) is at City Hall on highway 51

at the edge of downtown and Monmouth Police

Department is located just out of town on

highway 99. There were IPD vehicles patrolling

and I saw two stops during the survey.

Public Schools

Are there schools in the community? If so, are

schools in different neighborhoods in noticeably

different states of repair? Are schools well

maintained?

There are several elementary schools in different

neighborhoods throughout the community.

There is one large middle school and one large

high school for the community which are both

located on the main street. All schools appear in

good repair although some schools are older

than others. There is a head-start pre-school next

to one of the elementary schools.

Higher education

Are there two- and/or four-year colleges and/or

universities in the community? Do they seem open

to the community, or do they seem self-contained

and isolated?

WOU is a four-year university in Monmouth.

The campus is open to the community and

during the survey I noticed people walking on

the campus who did not appear to be students.

There are no two-year colleges in the

community.

Race/Ethnicity

What is the predominant ethnic group? Are there

residents from a variety of racial and ethnic

backgrounds or is the community mostly one

group? Which one? Are there stores, restaurants,

churches, schools, or languages that indicate a

particular ethnic group(s)?

There is a large Hispanic population in our

community, though most people are white.

There are some restaurants, markets, churches

and community services with signs in Spanish.

Religion/Faith Communities

What churches and church-run schools are in the

area (denomination)? How many are there of each

denomination? Does one particular religion or sect

dominate? Are there separate houses of worship for

people of different ethnicities or races, even if they share the same faith?

There are many churches in the community,

along the main street and tucked away in

neighborhoods. Most churches appear non-

denominational, but there are at least one

Catholic, Lutheran, Baptist and Mormon church.

Some offer service times in English and

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Photographs of Monmouth-Independence

Category Description Observations

Spanish, but most only in English, and some

only in Spanish. There are no church run

schools.

Health and Morbidity

Is there evidence of any health problems such as

drug/alcohol abuse, communicable or chronic

diseases, mental illness (etc.)?

There are some indicators of health problems in

the community. During the survey, I noticed a

suboxone clinic and there are several cannabis

dispensaries and many bars. There are a couple

of clinics offering mental/behavioral health

services. I did not observe any people actively

exhibiting intoxication, distress, or anyone

appearing to sleep on the street.

Politics

Is there evidence of political activity? Are there

any signs that indicate a predominant political party

(parties)or concern(s)?

It is an election year and there are political signs

throughout the area supporting both sides of

issues and both major parties.

Differences among neighborhoods or areas

of the community

What are the differences among different parts of

the community? Are schools, stores, public and

other buildings, streets, etc. in different areas in

different condition? Do some areas seem neglected,

while others are clearly maintained?

Throughout the community there are some

businesses that are more run down than others,

but they are mixed in with other businesses that

are newer or more well maintained. Most

neighborhoods are generally well maintained

with a few scattered homes which are poorly

maintained. There are a couple of areas where

there are a higher number of homes that are in

disrepair or have junk lying around. The “feel” of the community.

What is your overall impression of the community?

The community has a “friendly” vibe, and it

feels like there has been consideration for the

various needs of the residents.

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Polk Community Resource Center Polk County Health Services

Billboard side 1 Billboard side 2

SH Clinic NWHS Clinic

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Downtown WOU Campus

Industrial Neighborhood, mixed housing

Riverfront Park sign 1 Riverfront Park sign 2

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Inspiration Garden at Mt. Fir Park Main St. Park Amphitheater back

Polk County Fire Bus stop sign

Waterway trash can Senior center sign, warming center

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Windshield Survey Summary

This windshield survey, combined with the community health assessment, will provide a

thorough look at Monmouth-Independence from a health perspective. Analyzing the information obtained

through research, observation and experiences will give me insight into specific health needs so I can plan

and implement interventions to improve the health of the community. A windshield survey can help

identify potential health disparities, environmental concerns, and social issues. Key observations include

the prevalence of fast-food chains, grocery stores, and recreational facilities. Additionally, the survey can

assess the condition of roads, sidewalks, and public transportation systems, as well as the presence of

litter and graffiti. Conversely, well-maintained parks, clean streets, and active community centers can

signal a thriving neighborhood. (NURS 362, 2025).

Through a windshield survey, researchers can identify potential health risks and community

assets.

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References

Center for Community Health and Development. (2019). Community toolbox: Section 21

windshield and walking surveys. https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-

contents/assessment/assessing-community-needs-and-resources/windshield-walking-

surveys/main

NURS 362. (2025). What is a Windshield Survey and Why it is an Important Element of an

Assessment.

[Video].https://uic.blackboard.com/webapps/blackboard/execute/displayLearningUnit?co

urse_id=_276960_1&content_id=_12693161_1

MI Trolley. (n.d.). Routes. https://www.mitrolley.org/routes