Resident Engagement

I'm curious, especially in regards to Garden-Style communities, what have apartment managers found successful for creating a sense of community and engaging residents?

I also run a Garden Style Community and I have found having pot lucks to be great. I have had an amazing turnout. We supply the burgers, hot dogs, and chicken leg quarters (cut into thighs and legs very inexpensive) condiments and soda and we ask each resident to bring a dish to share. I also have judges and the best dish brought in by a resident gets a prize either money off rent or sometimes vendors will donate prizes. I also ask the residents to bring tables, chairs, etc and we set up in a grassy area of the community. It gets everyone involved and you will be amazzed at the turn out. It may take a few "Pot Lucks" to get a big turn out but I have found by the second one they are curious and they come to check it out. My last one lasted for 7 hours. Everyone had such a great time and no one wanted to leave. A neighborhood watch (even if you don't need one) gives residents a reason to get together and talk. I have found both of these work very well.

I manage a cardinal built unit which is a garden style apartment and we do the same thing we have pizza parties outside when the weather is nice and an annual barbecue. At&t comes out twice during the summer and throws a party with an icecream truck w/ a huge screen on the side and allow the residents to pick the movie (the past two years it has been twilight and New Moon). We have resident appreciation day as well which usually happens when we are doing something big on the property where the resident's might feel annoyed. Last year we had it on the day we were resurfacing our parking lot. I set up a table with donuts, muffins, and coffee to let them know we appreciated them and their patience while we improve the property for them. Everyone huddled around and a lot of people got to know each other.

These are really good ideas - can't wait for the weather to get nicer! Chrissy - I especially like that you have special things for resident appreciation when there is something major going on at the property. It would definitely take the edge off of the annoyance!

As a follow up question, what do you find to be the best method for letting people know about these events? Flyers? Emails?