At MVA, we prioritize innovation and creative solutions in our work.  Katy’s story is one of many that show how thinking outside-the-box can have a big impact on the outcome and experience of people working in our communities.

Katy was hired by Chehalem Park & Recreation District in late 2019, to water the plants in downtown Newberg.  When she started her new job, Katy worked with several different types of sprayers, depending on the location of her work. Some of the sprayers were too short, some were too long, and some she could only operate one-handed.  The plants on high perches, were difficult to reach with the tools she had.  Katy always found a way to make it work, but the sprayers that she used were not as efficient as she would like. There were times that she ended up dripping wet from head to toe, because some of the sprayers she had to hold with only one hand, and when her arm got tired, she would drop the sprayer and unintentionally spray herself.

Katy, her family, and MVA staff put their heads together. Her Employment Consultant, Luke, took the lead and with his creativity, spirit of innovation, and artistic ability, he was able to design a sprayer that could be the ideal tool for Katy.  Mike, the MVA handyman, built a prototype for Katy to try, and it worked great!