Park Board, Public Hears Master Plan Survey Results
Posted
Jennifer Peryam-jperyam@timesuniononline.com
Results from a public survey to assess the needs of Warsaw Parks Department were reviewed during a public meeting Tuesday night.
Tuesday's meeting was the second public meeting attended by the community to learn about the parks department updating its master plan.
A meeting was previously held Feb. 15 to provide input on a five-year master plan for the Warsaw parks system.
At the park board's April meeting it will review priorities for the five-year master plan based on survey results submitted by the community.
In May, the board will review projected budget costs for the priorities. In June, the board will present a master plan draft.
In July, there there will be a third public meeting for review of the master plan draft and in August plans are to adopt the master plan.
The park board is updating its master plan to guide decisions about park development for 2011-2015.
To gain information for the master plan, a public written survey was recently conducted. Many residents responded to the call for feedback by completing the survey.
The purpose of the survey was to learn about the quality of programs and facilities, needs and desires of park users, and how to improve parks.
At its Oct. 26 meeting, the park board approved Pat Brown, Site Scapes Inc., Mishawaka, to conduct a five-year master plan for the Warsaw Parks.
Brown shared the survey results to park board members and the public Tuesday night.
Approximately 4,217 survey forms were distributed to Warsaw residents in their sewer bills. There were 363 survey forms returned, or 9 percent.
In general, residents seemed pleased with the quality and number of activities that are provided throughout the year. The three additions respondents wanted were canoe kayak rentals and launches, an ice skating area and a water splash pad.
Respondents wanted high priority for programming given to elementary kids, special events and junior high activities.
The single most important reason preventing users from using the parks programs is lack of time.
On the other hand, residents did see room for improvements in park facilities, the promotion of facilities and activities and the funding and development of parks.
There also seemed to be a strong support for the following: walking and biking trails, concerts, special events, festivals and picnic areas.
A prevalent theme throughout the survey was the importance of the park department to operate and maintain city parks and to provide places for outdoor recreation.
