Community image encompasses physical and intangible elements that build the character of a place, setting it apart from its neighbors, enhancing pride, facilitating connectivity, and leaving a lasting impression on visitors. It inspires people to call a place “home” while also actively engaging its citizens from all age groups and walks of life. Orange Township is unique, and this chapter will help identify and embrace elements that play a key role in representing the Township’s image.
Main themes and locations in Orange Township that have potential features to help distinguish the community include:
Public facilities such as the library, hospital, pool, Olentangy School District, Orange Township Hall, public art at the library, and parks, such as Orange Bridge Park.
Private facilities such as the Nationwide Hotel & Conference Center, Sky Zone Trampoline Park, the OhioHealth Chiller North ice-skating rink, Little Bear Golf Club, Gooding House and Tavern, Ohio Bicentennial Barn, and many more.
Commercial areas at Lewis Center, US-23 corridor, upcoming Evans Farm Town Center,
Proximity to Alum Creek State Park and High Banks Metro Park.
This assessment categorizes this chapter into four themes: branding, gateway, wayfinding, governance, and collaboration.
Branding Branding is a tool to build a community’s identity. Community elements are marketed and the activities it engages in create a sense of place.
Previous efforts have been made in The Township to build new, and promote existing, elements. The Township has a unique logo, natural green spaces, a Facebook page, and some privately managed websites. There are more opportunities the Township can explore to enhance its brand. For example, signage is sparse and inconsistent, landscaping is limited, and the Township lacks a distinct gathering space and/or a downtown area.
Gateways Gateways are one of the first physical interactions visitors will have with the Township and should represent the warm and inviting nature of the community.
In Orange Township, one prominent gateway feature is located at Orange Bridge Park on US-23. The bridge connects the library, a school, nearby clinics, the pool, households west of US-23, Mt. Carmel hospital, a fitness center, and the park’s seating area on to the east of US-23. The letters installed on the bridge are of the same color as the bridge making it difficult to read, particularly in low light conditions. Another gateway feature is located at the intersection of South Old State Road and East Orange Road. This feature is temporarily obscured by construction activity.
Wayfinding Wayfinding systems indicate the presence of facilities and activities happening in a place. It should effectively direct citizens and visitors to their destinations such as city center, public facilities, parks and trails, monuments, businesses, etc. It must be available from the entry to a place all the way to the exit. A well-defined wayfinding program can enhance community pride and image.
In Orange Township, wayfinding signage is up placed along the major corridors, US-23 and I-71. Within the township, apart from street name signs, wayfinding signage is sparsely available. The Township has several parks, trails, and notable locations that lack identification and/or wayfinding signs.
Governance and Collaboration Governance and collaboration are vital to maintain an honorable image of the Township. Orange Township has experienced significant population growth and development. This calls for clear communication with surrounding jurisdictions as well as within Township’s entities and citizens. Unlike incorporated cities, townships have public responsibilities distributed between the township and the county, further highlighting the importance of efficient coordination for successful management and leadership.
Present composition of Orange Township’s governance is traditional, and comprised of the Township Administrator, Parks and Maintenance Director, HR Director, Zoning Director, three Township Trustees, and a Fiscal Officer. All must come together to make a cohesive work environment in the township. Through observation and conversations, it was noted that cooperation and collaboration within the government entities can be improved. This will also serve to strengthen the Township’s presence with decision-makers in policy discussions and decision-making processes.
public feedback
Public Meeting 9/12: SWOT Analysis Strengths Participants recognized the desireable neighborhoods, and appreciated the location of the Township. They also appreciated the inclusion of public opinion in the planning process.
Weaknesses Participants highlighted that the concept of “township” is vague, signage is sparse, no gathering place or community center exists, no dedicated police department exists, and communication platforms can be improved.
Opportunities Comments for opportunities were mostly regarding creating a gathering place and/or downtown-like area for community events, and for enhancing the identity of the community.
Threats Participants are primarily concerned about not knowing what a Township status really means.
It was observed that the community is concerned that the efforts to improve identity will lead to growth and increased migration. Keeping this in mind, the goals and strategies are designed to not only address physical criteria but also consider activities and involvement strategies to bring the community together.
Public Meeting 10/5: Poster Presentations In the second public meeting, specific recommendations were proposed and participants ranked their preferred option. Participants indicated the potential locations for new gateway features in the Township.
1. What kind of branding initiative would you like to see?
Historic Plaques
Sign Consistency ••••
Logo on all signs •••
Natural Identity ••
Community Center ••••
Township Handbook •
Social Media ••
Alum Creek for Rec ••
Community Events ••
Microbrewery ••
2. What would you consider as the points of arrival into the Township from all major travel paths? Click here for a map of the recommended gateways.
3. What kind of wayfinding signage would you like to see?
Identification •••
Directional
Bikeway •••
Trail Maps •••
Event banners •••
Pedestrian/Info kiosks •••
Online Survey Results Community Image was ranked as a primary concern by 47 respondents, second priority by 30 respondents, and third priority by 40 respondents. Some specific comments from respondents reflect that the community lacks a unique identity, gathering spaces, and other concerns. From the results of the online survey, we can conclude that Community Image is one of the top 5 concerns in the Township.
"The "arch" over 23 is interesting and certainly provides some identity. Where does it go?"
"Orange township has a lot of wonderful individuals. It would be great if there was a community gathering area"
"... and no community center. It's embarrassing than an area the size of Orange Township can't even get it together to have a community center"
There aren't any unique characteristics of Orange Township"
The township would benefit from a more robust identity.
We need more law enforcement and a better agreement with Delaware County Sheriff for more patrolman given the size of our township and its growth?
Goals and strategies
Goal CI-1: Create a Strong Sense of Place that Identifies Orange Township’s Individuality Strategy CI-1.1: Make signage clear and consistent, and include the Township’s logo on all new and old signs. Strategy CI-1.2: Upgrade any one existing public feature (fire hydrant, utility box) in Orange Township by painting it in orange color. Strategy CI-1.3: Expand the Orange Bridge Park shelter to build a complete community center for public gatherings and events with food options. Strategy CI-1.4: Build on existing platforms and introduce new elements to strengthen the townships social media and web presence. Responsible Parties: Orange Township Planning and Zoning Department, Township Trustees, Maintenance and Road Department, Communications and Human Resources Department, Del-Co Water, and American Electric Power.
Goal CI-2: Celebrated Gateway features to enhance Orange Township’s image as an inviting community Strategy CI-2.1: Rework the existing bridge aesthetics by including light and/or color enhancements. Strategy CI-2.2: Introduce new and appropriately-sized gateway features along all major roads entering and exiting Orange Township. Responsible Parties: Ohio Department of Transportation, and the Maintenance and Road Department.
Goal CI-3: Provide consistent wayfinding signage that clearly directs and identifies Orange Township’s prime locations and promotes connectivity throughout the area Strategy CI-3.1: Installation of information kiosks including complete area maps at key locations in the Township. Strategy CI-3.2: Introduce trail maps and other significant pathway signage. Strategy CI-3.3: Maintain identification and directional signage as new developments are introduced. Responsible Parties: Orange Township Planning and Zoning Department, and the Maintenance and Road Department.
Goal CI-4: Promote cooperation and collaboration between existing governmental groups and improve communications within the community Strategy CI-4.1: Create a public outreach steering committee to maintain and expand all communications. Recruit a Public Relations Intern and interested and knowledgeable citizens in the outreach committee to develop a platform for the public to get involved in Township activities. Strategy CI-4.2: Organize regular gatherings to foster interdepartmental dialogue within the Township and with surrounding jurisdictions. Strategy CI-4.3: Consider membership in the Mid - Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC). Strategy CI-4.4: Explore creation of a Police Department for Orange Township. Responsible Parties: Township Trustees, Communications and Human Resources Department, Majority Vote from Township Residents, and Planning and Zoning Department.