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HomeMy Public PortalAboutCHAPTER FIVE DEMAND ANALYSIS ^ CHAPTER FIVE DEMAND ANALYSIS Public Participation Community Survey Survey Summary Public Input Summary 40 Public Participation A critical component in Park Master Planning involves public participation input. Understanding the needs and interests of the local community members is most important in developing plan recommendations that will benefit the park user base. A series of public input meetings were held regarding this Master Plan project, along with the administration of a community survey. This section presents summaries of the minutes generated from those meetings, and analysis of the results of the community survey. Public Meeting Summaries: On June 5th 2002 a series of Focus Group meetings were conducted with key user groups from the community. The Parks Department identified six key groups and meetings were scheduled individually with each group. The following is a summary of each meeting: Senior Center Focus Group The first meeting was at the Senior Center with five representatives present. The meeting was held as an open discussion identifying the recreational needs of Seniors. The key discussion points were as follows: • They have a need for a large community facility that would have catering/kitchen & serving facilities. This facility would need handicap accessible parking. • Current recreation programs need to be better advertised and promoted community wide. • Smaller neighborhood parks would be a nice addition to the community which would allow Seniors the ability to visit a park within walking distance of their homes. • The Seniors also identified flower gardens, handicap accessible fishing locations and picnic areas as additional facilities they have needs for. • The seniors have vast differences in recreational needs by age groups. The seniors of Greencastle are divided into two distinctive age groups, 65-75 and 75+. The 65+ age group enjoys music, exercise, AARP committees, outings, swimming hours dedicated to seniors, therapy, water aerobics and discussion groups. The 75+ group is a much less active group with its focus on medical care and health issues. • The seniors also had some concerns with Robe-Ann Park. Overcrowding of facilities is a concern. Parking is a problem and they would like to see a senior designated parking area. They would also like to see a senior only swim time at the pool. Youth Focus Group This meeting was held at the Greencastle Aquatic Center and was attended by six youths of the community. Three of the youths were from the SPARK program and three were lifeguards at the pool. 41 The general issue discussed was the need for additional activities and programs outside of organized sports. They all agreed that organized sports needs were currently being met. Some of the specific ideas and needs that they discussed were: Outdoor or indoor climbing wall, an indoor pool, more space for swim practice, a YMCA-type facility in the community, social area-coffee shop, aerobics area, more band concerts geared towards youth, open mic night, youth orientated summer programs, roller skating rink, miniature golf (indoor or outdoor), public transportation, an arcade, teen dances, crafts-pottery, archery, week long workshops, guest speakers, fishing, batting cages, volleyball, a Boys & Girls Club and Under 21 Club/ Dance. Rotary Focus Group This meeting took place at the weekly Rotary lunch meeting and consisted of two Gove Associates employees making a brief presentation on parks and recreation planning and then opening up the meeting to discuss current issues with the Greencastle Parks department. Big Walnut Sports Park was identified as an issue. The concern was that if the City did become involved with Big Walnut, how would those facilities integrate with the City's current facilities. Other specific ideas or needs discussed were: softer paths for running integrated with the People Pathways system., a lunchtime weight lifting facility, lighted outdoor basketball with 5 on 5 courts, partnering with the schools to share facilities, and an indoor therapy pool. t"'N" Friends of the Park Focus Group This meeting had four people present. Three were from Friends of the Park and one individual was representing the proposed Skate Park. The first issue discussed was that the Parks Department needed additional staff to deal with expanding programs. Additional staff help will allow the department to expand and offer a wider variety of programs as well as maintaining the increasing amount of park land. Other issues discussed were as follows: Robe-Ann Park is at its capacity, parking needs to be provided at the perimeter of the park and a parking lot could be added in front of the maintenance building, the department needs to focus on a variety of park facilities and not duplicate what kids have at home, better communication with DePauw University so that more citizens would be able to use the University's facilities, and safety instruction for playground equipment and bicycle safety classes. Additional programming that they would like the department to offer are: a winter tennis league, a Christmas Festival at Robe Ann Park, a City sponsored indoor tennis league and more programming for all ages. Additional facilities that they discussed were: fountains, picnicking areas, fish pond, conservatory-education facility, small playgrounds-tot lots, skate park, conservatory or a green n house, spray park, a sledding hill, roller hockey rink, outdoor basketball courts, a playground at Big Walnut Sports park, more community greenspace, a community center or YMCA that would offer programming for all ages, and more passive recreation and nature areas. 42 /'1 People Pathways and Schools Focus Group This meeting consisted of four individuals with three of them representing People Pathways and one representative from the Greencastle Community School Corporation. The meeting started out with a discussion of the current People Pathway Master Pan and completed projects. People Pathways needs a maintenance plan and the City Parks and Recreation Department needs additional staff to complete the maintenance. People Pathways needs to continue to develop a network of multi use trails. Connecting the trail system to the Hospital should be evaluated. The key issues with the schools were access and availability of facilities. The school system is working on better coordination with the park department. Big Walnut Focus Group This meeting consisted of four representatives from Big Walnut Sports Park. They stated that all of Big Walnut's management is volunteer. They feel a professional position is needed for the coordination of maintenance activities at the park. r They are currently in need of a master site plan for the facility to better organize proposed projects. Parking is a major problem and needs to be addressed during the conduct of the site master plan. They are also in need of a long-term maintenance program for their facilities. All leagues needs are currently being met with soccer having room for expansion. Public Input Meeting This public meeting was held at City Hall. All Greencastle citizens were invited to attend the meeting. The meeting was held on June 5th, 2002 at 7:00 pm. Eighteen people were in attendance. A brief description of the current Master Planning project was made and an update of work completed to date. The first half of the meeting consisted of a group discussion of the current issues facing the Greencastle Parks Department. Individuals were all asked to list issues that they thought were priorities. All present were then given the opportunity to vote what they perceived as the top three issues. The top three issues are as follows: 1. Providing Neighborhood Parks/Small Passive Parks 2. Funding for parks 3. Upkeep of current facilities and the need to keep moving forward with the People Pathways project. (A tie) 43 Other issues identified: Outdoor basketball, mini golf, adult programming, Big Walnut Sports Park, community center, green space, Robe Ann overcrowded,new park facilities, water aerobics,Jaycee park, park hours, parking, coordination/direct programming, capacity priorities, and an adult-only ball fields The second half of the meeting consisted of identifying goals for the Parks Department. The format was the same as the issues half of the meeting with the top three goals being: 1. More Parks Department staff and construction of a community center (A tie) 2. Public camping RV area, foster retain consistent staffing and preserve maximize natural and open space opportunities (A three-way tie) 3. Linear parks (pathway system), fishing facility, shooting/archery range, mini- golf/batting cages, utilize the quarry (A five-way tie) Other goals identified: User fees, centralized maintenance, rock climbing wall, nature/ passive park, warm water pool, indoor soccer, indoor pool, distribution of park sites, self-funded facilities, expanded activities, staffing at Big Walnut, gardens conservancy, basketball courts, make parks &rec. a community priority. /`1 Public Participation Summary During the public participation process, the department was very successful in soliciting comments, views and opinions from all aspects of the Greencastle Community. Information was collected during semi-private focus group meetings,public input sessions, and Park Board of Commissioners Meetings. Semi-private focus group meetings were held at the Senior Center, Greencastle Aquatic Center, Rotary Club Luncheon, and at City Hall. In City Hall, the focus groups included Friends of the Park(Putnam County Skatepark and Emerald Palace Playground Groups), People Pathways, Greencastle Community Schools, and Big Walnut Sports Park Committee. These focus group meetings targeted individuals or groups with specific recreational goals, concerns or comments. Each group concentrated on soliciting input from a specific age group, so we were sure of hearing from each. A public input sessions were also held at City Hall. One public meeting was held to specifically solicit input in regards to the recreational needs and concerns of the community. Discussion of the needs assessment and Master Plan have also been included on the agendas of each of our monthly Park Board of Commissioner's Meetings. In review of these public participation meetings, one topic stood out way above the rest, and that was the need for a community center similar to a YMCA. Other subjects included absorbing the maintenance of Big Walnut Sports Park, increasing the People Pathway system, additional outdoor basketball courts, increased adult programming such as adult basketball '^ and volleyball leagues, increasing the number of neighborhood municipal parks, and increasing personnel numbers within the parks &recreation department. 44 Community Survey Community surveys are used to determine participation rates and to garner citizen input regarding specific recreation issues and interests. The results can be analyzed to contribute toward determining the level of service the community demands with regard to the provision of recreation facilities and services. A Community Recreation Survey was distributed by the City and there were 48 responses. The results of the survey are as follows: 1. What community do you live in? 48 Greencastle 0 Fillmore 0 Elsewhere within Putnam County 2. The average number of persons per household who completed the survey was 3.7 3. How many people in your family participate in recreational activities? Less than 5 years old 12 5-17 years old 52 18-24 years old 7 25-44 years old 57 45-64 years old 30 65 or more years of age 11 4. Do you think the City of Greencastle does a good job providing the following? Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly Have No Agree Disagree Opinion Facility and Ground 10 32 4 0 2 Maintenance Natural Features 10 22 6 1 9 Recreational Facilities 4 32 6 1 5 Multi-Purpose Paths and 8 25 9 1 5 Connections Other Features such as lighting, 8 27 6 2 5 picnic shelters or tables, restrooms,public telephones, etc. Rules and Regulations 8 25 4 1 10 Security 3 24 8 3 10 45 5. The City of Greencastle must continually make decisions about developing recreational ,r^N., areas and facilities. Please mark each item as to what the Parks Department should do: Not Less Same More No Opinion Children's Playground 1 1 24 17 5 Tennis Courts 1 7 23 7 10 Swimming Pools 2 0 29 13 4 Multi-Purpose Paths 1 2 13 25 7 Stock Fishing Ponds 12 4 13 7 12 Racquetball/Handball Courts 11 4 11 10 12 Horseshoe Pits 4 5 14 13 12 Recreation Centers 2 0 10 29 7 Recreational Programming 1 0 19 23 5 Basketball Courts 1 1 24 14 8 Athletic Fields 1 0 19 19 9 Nature Areas/Paths 1 0 19 23 5 Picnic Shelter Areas 1 1 24 17 5 Pet Play Areas 13 4 13 6 12 Youth Leisure Programming 2 1 9 29 7 Adult Leisure Programming 4 3 13 20 8 Organized Bus Tours 16 2 10 7 13 Adventure Trips 13 1 12 12 10 Educational/Cultural 2 2 15 22 7 Programming 6. Level of Use questions. Please mark an'X' in the appropriate boxes: Weekly Monthly Yearly Never No Entry Aquatic Center 15 4 7 11 11 Baseball Fields 10 4 3 19 16 Basketball Outdoor 1 4 6 21 16 Canoe Launch 5 10 5 13 15 Community Meeting Room 4 6 8 13 17 Education/Nature/Cultural 0 11 3 16 18 Fac. Fishing Ponds 4 5 7 14 18 Gymnasium 7 8 1 13 19 Health Club 12 7 0 14 15 Indoor Pool 9 9 1 13 16 Multi-Purpose Trails 13 13 5 7 10 Picnic Areas 3 14 16 5 10 Playgrounds 15 11 5 5 10 Roller Sports 6 7 1 17 17 Soccer Field 8 2 2 21 15 Softball Fields 8 1 2 22 15 Tennis Courts 3 3 4 23 15 Volleyball 1 4 2 25 16 /'\ 46 7. Are you satisfied with this facility? n Yes No No Opinion Aquatic Center 13 7 28 Baseball Fields 14 1 33 Basketball Outdoor 12 4 32 Canoe Launch 3 6 39 Community Meeting Room 3 3 42 Education/Nature/Cultural 9 2 37 Fac. Fishing Ponds 2 5 41 Gymnasium 3 4 41 Health Club 2 7 39 Indoor Pool 5 2 41 Multi-Purpose Trails 12 6 30 Picnic Areas 18 4 26 Playgrounds 24 0 24 Roller Sports 3 4 41 Soccer Field 13 0 35 Softball Fields 14 2 32 Tennis Courts 12 3 33 Volleyball 4 7 37 n 8. Should the City create more facilities like this? Yes No No Opinion Aquatic Center 4 15 29 Baseball Fields 7 6 35 Basketball Outdoor 6 7 35 Canoe Launch 16 5 27 Community Meeting Room 9 5 34 Education/Nature/Cultural 10 7 31 Fac. Fishing Ponds 8 9 31 Gymnasium 12 3 33 Health Club 17 3 28 Indoor Pool 10 9 29 Multi-Purpose Trails 19 2 27 Picnic Areas 16 4 28 Playgrounds 18 2 28 Roller Sports 10 33 5 Soccer Field 5 5 38 Softball Fields 6 6 36 Tennis Courts 4 10 34 Volleyball 8 6 34 47 Survey Summary Copies of the Facility Needs Assessment were made available to the public at various places throughout the community, including each of the Greencastle Community Schools, the Putnam County Library, Bright Futures of Indiana (a downtown business), Greencastle City Hall and the Parks &Recreation Department. Community members could also access the survey on the internet. Of the 48 surveys returned, most respondents ranked the playgrounds and the Greencastle Aquatic Center as the facilities most used on a weekly basis, while the park shelters and picnic areas ranked highest on a monthly and annual basis. Community playgrounds also scored the highest in terms of satisfaction. The sports of volleyball and outdoor basketball scored the lowest in terms of usage. A lack of winter programming in the community for the sport of volleyball and basketball, as well as the lack of outdoor basketball courts may have contributed to this low response rate. Over 87% of those surveyed feel that the City of Greencastle does a good job providing maintenance of the grounds and facilities in its care. Almost 70% felt that the department does a good job in providing recreational facilities, natural areas, multi-purpose paths and connections, as well as such amenities as lighting, picnic areas and restrooms. In reverse, 50% of the responders would like to see the department increase the number of multi-purpose pathways, build a recreation center, appropriate and create more natural areas, and increase recreational and youth programs. 48 Public Input Summary After reviewing both the surveys and public participation meetings, again one topic stood out way above the rest. That need was a municipal run community center, similar to a YMCA. This facility would concentrate on serving the recreational needs of the community by providing positive leisure-time activities for members of all ages. Amenities asked for in this facility, would include social areas and coffee shop, kitchen and catering facilities, weight lifting and aerobics programs, climbing wall, indoor track and walking facilities, a multipurpose room for volleyball and basketball, roller skating rink, pottery and craft programs, meeting rooms which could double for dances and receptions as well as meetings with guest speakers. In addition a number of people felt the need for another indoor swimming and/or heated therapy lap pool. Operations and maintenance of the Big Walnut Sports Park was another large topic of conversation. Due to overstressed budgets and volunteer time, the current volunteer board of directors would like to turn operations and the maintenance of the sports park over to the City of Greencastle. The board feels that management of the park by an organization like the Greencastle Park&Recreation Department, lead by a professional with a Community Recreation degree, would help ensure the community a place to "play ball". The park could be operated as another municipal park, supervised by an already proven professional with strengths in planning and maintaining a budget, hiring and evaluating personnel, and adept in the maintenance and improvement of such facilities. Although Robe-Ann Park is held in high esteem, there was a need for smaller neighborhood r parks. Although centrally located, many people feel the need to drive to Robe-Ann Park. Many participants requested that the city strive to obtain and develop more parks scattered throughout the community, so there would be a park within walking distance of their homes. These small neighborhood parks could be developed with a variety of amenities from playgrounds and basketball courts to passive natural areas. All should be tied together by the People Pathway system. Programming needs were discussed which included youth and adult programs. Although the need for organized youth sports programs was being met, there was a need felt for other types of leisure programming. Suggestions included hobby, pottery and other arts-n-craft programs. In regards to adult programming, winter activities were highly desired. These would include adult basketball, volleyball and indoor tennis leagues. An organized summer tennis league was requested. Although the need for additional adult softball leagues was requested, possibly due to the number of adult softball programs in the area; the need for another adult softball field was named. With the recent increase and potential increase for new facilities, a number of people requested the budgeted increase for personnel in the parks &recreation department to organize more programs and to maintain existing and any new facilities. 49