2019 Needs Assessment Survey Results ecre . tion VCarmll County, MD Why: • Every five years to monitor trends and changing demands • Identify target areas for expanded programming efforts • Capital Budget Process Input Survey Recreation Councils Staff How: • Two surveys – Random survey sent to 1% of county households with goal of 20% return rate (taxpayer) – Public survey advertised on web site, Facebook page, email blast, through rec. councils, etc.(regular customer/user survey) – Example of different responders: • Public survey 65% used youth sports in past year; Random 28% Capital Budget & Facility Related Issues: Areas of existing parks used most Public Survey Walking trail Athletic Field Playground Wildlife Viewing Picnic Pavilion Random Survey Walking trail Playground Wildlife Viewing Athletic Field Fishing Most important criteria for using park Well maintained Feel safe Convenient location Most visited park Westminster Community Pond Things that prevented people from using parks Don’t know locations Too far from residence Not enough time Top priorities for every $100 – $38 Fix/repair/upgrade older parks – $33 Develop new walking/hiking/biking trails – $29 Develop new indoor recreational facilities What additional or new facilities are needed – Restroom facilities 50% – Trails (natural surface) 41% – Artificial turf fields 41% (15% in random survey) – Trails (hard surface) 39% – Indoor walking/track facility 35% – Indoor aquatic facility 32% – Athletic fields 31% (11% in random survey) – Water trails 27% – Outdoor adventure/zip line 27% – Dog Parks 26% Top 10 needs to support through CIP – – – – – – – – – – Restrooms 44% Artificial turf fields 40% (16% in random survey) Trails (natural surface) 35% Trails (hard surface) 33% Natural areas/wildlife viewing 28% (41% in random survey) Athletic fields 28% (10% in random survey) Indoor walking/track facility 28% (41% in random survey) Indoor gym space Playgrounds Dog parks Top land acquisition priorities – Land in areas that are underserved – Land for new indoor recreational facility – Land to develop new community parks with active & passive elements How to fund parkland acquisition and development – 83% favored current practice of using combination of Program Open Space, Impact Fees and property tax dollars What to focus on in the next 5 years – Enhance recreational amenities at existing parks – Develop additional trails – Acquire additional parkland and open space Carroll County Community Event Center Is there a need Public Survey Random Survey 80% yes 69% yes What should be the focus of the facility – Mix of local and out of county use – Primarily serve Carroll County residents – Focus on tournaments and tourism What amenities should be included Public Survey Multiple turf fields Indoor aquatics/swimming Indoor walking/track Random Survey Indoor walking/track Indoor aquatics/swimming Multiple turf fields Performing arts center How should capital development be funded – 90% favor public private partnership How should operating costs be funded – 86% favor some user fees and some level of discounts for local users subsidized by local government funding – In random survey, 21% favored user fee only to support operations What is priority for Community Events Center vs. other Rec & Parks projects – 72% favored funding in addition to existing park capital projects – 12% simply did not favor this type of project What is priority vs. non Rec & Parks projects rated 1-10 – 40% scored project 5,6,7 – 29% scored project 1,2,3,4 – 27% scored project 8,9,10 Programming Quality of programs – Majority rated excellent or good with higher % scores for excellent where staff operated (as opposed to recreation council) What factors prevent participation – Not enough time – Don’t know what programs are offered – No obstacles – they participate What programs are needed – – – – – Family activities 44% Adult fitness/wellness 43% Canoeing/Kayaking 35% Yoga 28% Walking groups 26% What are most requested EPIC programs – – – – – Fitness/wellness 54% Walking groups 44% Adult day/weekend travel programs 40% 50+ sports leagues 35% Yoga 33% General Feedback Importance of quality of life – 95% responded that quality of life is very important – 43% strongly believe recreation & parks provides increased connectedness to community (46% somewhat agree) – 57% strongly believe recreation & parks supports improved health and wellbeing (36% somewhat agree) – 59% strongly believe recreation & parks plays an important role in quality of life (39% believe it has some impact) Parks within 10-15 minute walk 73% No / 27% Yes How do you travel to park − 97% drive; 14% walk; 5% bike How do you learn about activities ‒ Word of mouth 49% ‒ Social media 41% ‒ Program guide emailed 39% ‒ Web site 35% Charge higher program fees for out of county – Over 80%Yes Summary and Takeaways • Community desires likely exceed the ability to fund • Increased demand for passive activities consistent with changing demographics • Significant differences between surveys on event center, turf field & athletic fields • Need for improved marketing of services • Current practice of maintaining existing infrastructure and meeting new needs consistent with public’s desire • Significant support for public private partnership as a way to fund community event center • Strong desire for indoor track/walking facility and aquatic center • Significant support for higher out-of-county program fees What’s next? • Recreation & Parks FY21 CIP process • Program initiatives • Review marketing efforts