Running head: WINDSHIELD SURVEY 1

Windshield Survey

NUR 333

Kat Cart, Madison Pleasants & Megan Sorensen

Cedar Crest College

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Abstract

An observation-based assessment was completed on Walnutport, Pennsylvania using the

windshield survey. The survey utilized a variety of physical assessments including observation

of boundaries, stores, houses, and parks to interpret the area. In addition, the well-being of the

society was analyzed based on availability of social services, specific health indicators, religious

areas, and nutrition resources. Further questions allowed interpretation of the society and

surrounding areas including the people, animals, and condition of the town. Biases, assumptions,

and additional methods of data collection were excluded from the evaluation.

Keywords: assessment, windshield, survey, Walnutport, town

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Windshield Survey

An assessment of Walnutport, Pennsylvania was based out of a moving car in order to

observe its large territory and dynamics. The systematic collection of data was composed of 15

categories of analysis which answered specific questions regarding the observed location. Since

the data collection technique was isolated to observation only, the town's information was based

on the events, infrastructure, and people that were seen from main roads during a particular time

frame. "Windshield surveys can be used to assess general community needs to estimate the

poverty level, for example or to examine more specific facets of the communitys physical,

social, or economic character, (Work Group for Community Health and Development, 2016).

Community nursing utilizes tools such as this survey to evaluate and alter the healthcare

requirements of an area.

Boundaries

Walnutport, Pennsylvania had two natural surrounding boundaries, including the Lehigh

River and the Appalachian Mountains. Transportation over the Lehigh River via an open-gate

bridge was required to enter the town. Once across the bridge, a railroad crossing runs diagonally

across Main Street. Route 145 leads commuters and residents through Main Street while

allowing them access to more heavily populated areas.

Housing

Residential structures were represented in various sizes such as ranch-style, multi-level,

single-family, double homes, apartment complexes, and row homes. Each home was in very

close proximity to one another with limited lot space. While a few appeared to be historical,

given the architecture and signage noting, Historical building, others appeared to be from a

more modern era. The structures of the homes were not dilapidated, but lacked basic cleanliness
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and maintenance. It is apparent that these residences include basic public health and sanitation

requirements as evidenced by plumping structures, window air conditioning units, and outdoor

heating pumps that could be seen while driving through the community. Other houses were

abandoned or burnt down, diminishing the aesthetic of the community.

Open Space

This territory consisted of two open spaces, one of which was a public park. The other

open space was an open, unfenced lot. Both areas appeared well kept, but lacked appeal. There

were no flowers, bushes, or decorative landscaping. There were school-aged children playing at

the park with adult supervision. There was a sign displayed near the park that stated, Slow,

children at play. Adjacent to the park laid a paved bicycle trail with many patrons utilizing the

area.

Commons

Many school-aged children, teens and adults were seen throughout the park area. The

children utilized the play-ground equipment while some adults were observed relaxing on the

benches, feeding the ducks, and talking with one another. A sign posted at the entrance of the

park states, Open Dusk till Dawn. A small band was observed playing musical instruments in

an outdoor stage situated in the center of the park.

Transportation

The streets of Walnutport were full of personal automobiles and bus stops, as well as

people walking and riding bikes. Although there were many people on bikes, most riders were

restricted to using the sidewalk as there were no bike lanes on the roads. The main form of public

transportation was the bus as evidence by the surplus LANTA bus stops. Although railroad

tracks were seen, they were not in use. There were no airports observed.
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Social Services

The social services provided in the town of Walnutport include various establishments

such as Rite Aid pharmacy, St. Lukes family practice, dentist office, vision center, gym, Rod

and Gun club, and daycare center. By utilizing these social services, the residents of Walnutport

have the opportunity to fill medication prescriptions, be seen by a physician, dentist, and

ophthalmologist, and socialize with others. Most of these facilities existed in one strip mall near

the center of town. The daycare center was located within a house on Main Street and

identifiable by a sign on the outside of the building.

Stores

Major chain stores and fast-food establishments are scattered between mom and pop

convenience shops. A Dollar General, Pharmacy, Burger King, McDonalds, and small strip mall

is situated in close proximity of the heavily traveled route 145 intersection. No large grocery

retail was observed. There are numerous small markets and an organic produce company for

food purchases. A large majority of these establishments are within walking distance of each

other, although bus routes were available.

People and Animals

This region was fairly vacant of people aside from those in transit. Besides the younger

children in the parks, a majority of the community were older adults. No domesticated animals

were witnessed in yards or being walked. Stray cats roamed the town freely and in excess.

Condition of the Area

This community was well kept. There was no evidence of trash, but there was indication

of abandoned cars, homes, and businesses. Some specific examples include a burnt down house

that had not been remodeled and vacant business buildings. The landscaping was scarce,
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although the small amount of grass throughout the community was cut. The signs in Walnutport

included speed limit signs, street signs, historical building signs, as well as signs which indicated

county boarders.

Race and Ethnicity

The majority of the people seen throughout Walnutport were Caucasian, but it is difficult

to say without assumption that the entirety of the town was strictly one race. Public signs seen

along the major roadways, parking lots, and store fronts were written in English only. Chinese,

Italian, and Mexican restaurants were numerous considering the size of Walnutport. No further

ethnic or culture specific establishments were observed outside the religious structures/churches.

Religion

Two basic religions were noted throughout Walnutport which included Christianity and

Seventh-Day Adventists. These were identified by the associated religious facilities such as St.

Nicholas Christ Church, Bible Fellowship Church, and Walnutport Seventh-Day Adventists

Church. Besides the church properties, there were no religious landmarks or signs.

Health Indicators

As previously mentioned, there was St. Lukes family practice where adults and children

may receive medical care. Additionally, there was an ophthalmologist and dentist office. An

assisted living facility called Riverstone Assisted Living was noted. Walnutport did not contain

any hospitals, mental illness and/or substance abuse centers, clinics, or urgent care centers.

Accesses to health resources were limited.

Politics

A few presidential campaign signs were noted in residential lawns along Main Street.

Some left-over signs from a Democratic Municipal Primary Election held in May of this year
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were also seen in various places. Positions such as Magisterial District Judge and School Board

races were the focus. No Political Headquarters was observed in the town.

Media

Aside from business-based ads, it was difficult to judge what the population reads or

watches on television. There were limited media outlets. Newspaper boxes were scattered,

required a fee, and contained "The Morning Call." There was no direct evidence of newspaper

delivery. No billboards or electronic messages were seen during the windshield survey. Radio

stations were unaltered from those in the Lehigh Valley.

Business and Industry

Local businesses included an accountant, massage parlor, mom and pop shop, used car

dealership, and notary. Large employers comprised of Rite Aid pharmacy, K-Mart, McDonalds,

Burger King, and Dollar General. There were no manufacturing plants noted. There were also no

hotels or military installations. The industry in this community was light, seeing as this town was

primarily residential.

Conclusion

The windshield survey allowed for systematic evaluation of Walnutport to assess the

overall dynamic of the community. The guideline depicts specific strengths and weaknesses of

the territory and population. This is important because assessments drive interventions. Further

investigation could allow interventions to be properly implemented. Community nursing utilizes

the information to provide community-oriented care.

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References

Group for Community Health and Development. (2016). Section 21. Windshield and Walking

surveys. Retrieved May 31, 2017, from Community tool box website:

http://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/assessment/assessing-community-needs-and-

resources/windshield-walking-surveys/powerpoint