APPENDIX VII: OPEN SURVEY & BRIEF ON-SITE QUESTIONNAIRE RESULTS NAPERVILLE PARK DISTRICT INDOOR RECREATION SPACE NEEDS ASSESSMENT
INSIGHTS ABOUT PARK DISTRICT PERFORMANCE AND VALUE Respondents offered open-ended comments to elaborate on negative (strongly disagree and disagree) and undecided ratings. After analyzing over 500 responses, seven main themes were identified, as described below. Lack of Indoor Aquatics Almost 300 respondents commented that more indoor aquatic facilities are needed in Naperville. Many respondents noted that Naperville has a large swimming community comprised of both competitive and fitness-related swimmers. A number of respondents mentioned that while other communities offer indoor aquatic facilities, there is a need for an indoor aquatic facility within the Naperville Park District system. New Facilities/Infrastructure Needed (South Side) Over 80 respondents noted the need for a new recreation facility in Naperville. Over 40 of the respondents who wrote comments conveyed a need for an activity center like the Fort Hill Activity Center on the south side of Naperville. Some respondents mentioned that Fort Hill Activity Center is too far from their homes. For example, one respondent said, “Fort Hill is a great facility, but it is so far for the southeast residents of Naperville. Please provide a good workout space/gym/indoor track closer to the southeast residents.” Another respondent echoed this participant’s concern when they said, “We would like to have an indoor rec center towards the south side of town. Fort Hill is too far for convenience.” Youth Sports Program Capacity/Registration Issues Seventy-five residents commented that some programs (especially youth sport and some fitness programs) fill quickly and there is not enough capacity to meet the demand for programs. Respondents noted that limited space is a major issue, and they expressed a need for another indoor recreation facility. Some respondents mentioned that registration fills quickly for programs such as basketball, soccer, gymnastics, Zumba, and dance. Many respondents highlighted the importance of having a larger indoor recreation facility that can accommodate programs with more participants. Additional Sport Facilities Fifty-eight respondents commented on the need for additional sports facilities such as gymnasiums and courts space for basketball, volleyball and pickleball. Several people suggested adding more gymnastics space and indoor soccer fields. A few people mentioned the need for indoor tennis and an indoor play area for children. Programming Suggestions Thirty-six respondents indicated an interest in more programs or more program sessions for sports such as basketball, gymnastics, and swimming. A few respondents suggested more programs for teens, young adults, and youth ages 8-12. A few residents mentioned they would like to see more youth recreation programming on the weekends, due to weekday Eighteen respondents commented that some recreation facilities, such as Fort Hill Activity Center, are too far away from their homes. Some of these comments were more general with respondents saying, “Many indoor facilities used for programs are too far for me to travel regularly” and “The main indoor recreation facility (Fort Hill) is not in a convenient location to many parts of town.” Appreciation for the Park District constraints (e.g., work, school schedules). Distance to Existing Facilities Seventeen respondents praised the Naperville Park District overall and some respondents mentioned the good instructors and effective leadership. A few respondents indicated they are happy with the variety of programs offered and feel safe at parks and facilities.
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