Now that summer is here, there are a multitude of events and gatherings you can host at your manufactured home community to boost community engagement and improve tenant satisfaction. Residents who feel connected to their community are more likely to renew leases and refer the community to their friends and family. Strong community engagement fosters better communication with residents. With kids out of school and the warmer weather, summer is a perfect time for these summer event ideas for improving community engagement and retention.

Why Community Events are Important for Resident Engagement and Retention

Community events like these can create a sense of belonging and help residents feel more welcome. These events give management an opportunity to interact with residents in an informal setting. This, in turn, helps build trust between residents and management and helps residents feel more comfortable sharing their concerns. When residents feel open to sharing feedback or making reports, it allows for faster issue resolution and a safer, better-maintained community overall. Residents who have positive feelings about the community are more likely to take pride in it and help keep the community beautiful and clean. 

Event Tips and Summer Event Ideas for Improving Community Engagement and Retention

Community Cookouts/ Picnics 

These types of events are a great way to interact with residents. They are relatively easy to plan and usually a big crowd pleaser. You could grill hot dogs or hamburgers at the community or order food already prepared. 

Tips: 

  • Let residents know in advance when and where you’ll host the event by sending out emails and posting flyers in common areas 
  • Make sure to purchase enough food
  • If your community has a lot of young families, set up games and activities for the kids 
  • Because the summertime can be scorching, avoid the hottest part of the day 
  • Provide water, especially if the event is outdoors

Movie Nights 

Movie nights are a great way to encourage residents to spend more time in the common areas and can be an easy recurring event. Creating a theme night around the event can get residents even more excited. You could even allow residents to vote or submit movie recommendations to promote even more community engagement.

Tips: 

  • Provide popcorn and drinks at the event 
  • Email and post flyers with the event details, and include what movie will be shown
  • Make sure the movie is appropriate and family-friendly
  • Encourage residents to bring lawn chairs or blankets if needed
  • Because movie nights will most likely be after-hours, make sure to coordinate with staff in advance

Pool Party

If you have a community pool, summer is the perfect time to host a pool party. They are a great way for residents to meet and socialize. It’s also a great way to encourage residents to utilize community amenities and provide a relaxing setting for connecting.

Tips: 

  • Provide ice cream and/or popsicles for a sweet summer treat
  • Plan games and activities such as: 
    • Beach ball challenge – don’t let the beach ball touch the water
    • Duck race – give everyone a numbered rubber duck and have them race them in the water by kicking or splashing
    • Freeze dance – Play music and everyone has to freeze when the music stops. If you move when the music is paused, you’re out 
    • Poolside bingo and/or trivia
    • Hula Hoop Contest
  • Make sure pool rules are clearly communicated before the event and posted at the pool 
  • Provide plenty of water and shaded areas

Community Education or Workshops

These events are a great way to provide value to residents. These workshops can give residents opportunities to learn new skills and connect with your team and other neighbors. Tailor the workshops to your community for maximum participation.

Workshop and Educational Event Ideas:

  • Health and Wellness Workshops or Classes: nutrition workshops, stress management, and fitness or yoga classes 
  • Summer Reading Programs or Book Clubs 
  • Safety Trainings: CPR/first aid classes, hurricane or storm preparedness, neighborhood safety workshops 
  • Swimming Lessons 
  • Craft Workshops 
  • Budgeting and Financial Classes

Back-to-School Drive

A back-to-school drive can foster a sense of community by connecting residents through a common cause. This will also help demonstrate your community’s commitment to giving back and create a positive community culture.

Tips:
Check with local schools or organizations for the most needed items and send them to residents
Ensure residents know what the deadline for submitting supplies is, where to drop them off, and which school or organization the drive will benefit
Take photos with residents and supplies as they drop them off, so you can recognize them in future newsletters
Decorate the donation bin
Tally up how many supplies were donated and send out totals in the next newsletter so residents can see the impact they madeThese summer event ideas for improving community engagement and retention can be a powerful and fun tool for strengthening your community.

For more tips on managing your manufactured home community and reducing risks, visit our resources page here and learn more in our blog here.