Community Interest and Opinion Survey The Community Interest and Opinion Survey is a critical tool for the Park District and the Master Plan. The community surveys are administered every three to five years per board policy in order for the District to remain relevant and attuned to the needs in the community. The survey provides statistical data for the Park District to evaluate current services, identify trends, and outline future projects based on community need. Incorporating public input in the planning process is integral in developing consensus and support for the continuing operations of the District while ensuring a well-rounded approach is achieved and community needs are met. The Park District anticipated the Community Interest and Opinion survey taking place in spring of 2020. However, the District decided to delay the survey due to the pandemic. Discussions about the survey resumed in late 2021, allowing the Park District to gauge how residents viewed the Park District and its offerings and how their needs evolved following the pandemic. The 2022 Community Interest and Opinion Survey took place from April 7 through May 22, 2022. A survey to collect statistically valid input was sent to over 10,000 homes from varying points in the community with the goal to achieve 500 responses; a total of 508 completed surveys were received. Following completion of the weighted survey, a “public” survey was provided for residents to offer thoughts and opinions about the Park District, which resulted in another 500+ responses. The Park District values residents’ ideas and opinions and relies on community input to guide both this plan and the Strategic Plan.
Consistent with findings of previous Community Interest and Opinion Surveys, respondents gave the Park District high esteem ratings (8.4 favorable out of scale of 1-10) and rated the Park District high in value relative to its share of property taxes (78% positive). Nearly all respondents (97%) reported visiting a park in the past year and those who visited Naperville Park District parks or facilities expressed high satisfaction with their experience and with the upkeep of the parks and facilities (8.7 on a scale of 1-10). The overall survey and its findings can be found in Appendix F. In terms of indoor recreational facilities, residents express the highest levels of interest or need for: • Walking/jogging track • Fitness Facility • Gym Courts for basketball/volleyball/pickleball • Indoor lap pool • Indoor pool for lessons, open swim, etc. Among those interested in the highest-demand indoor facilities, fewer than half feel this demand is mostly or completely addressed currently, ultimately representing a continued unmet need for many. The Park District monitored the community since the last survey when indoor fitness and aquatics were listed as top priorities. As directed in the strategic plan, the Park District should consider this indoor facility preference when undergoing the completion of an indoor space needs assessment. In terms of outdoor recreational needs, the top five facilities with highest interest from residents are: • Walking/biking trails • Open spaces or natural areas • Picnic area/shelters • Outdoor splash pads/spray parks • Game fields for soccer/lacrosse/football Similar to previous surveys, trails and walking/biking paths remain a top priority for the District. Over 75% of respondents expressed a need or interest in outdoor trails and for the most part feel that the current number of trails in the area is meeting much of this demand. While open spaces and picnic shelters ranked as the next two highest requested outdoor facilities, residents also feel the Park District is meeting sufficient demand.
20 Naperville Park District | 2023 MASTER PLAN
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