INTRODUCTION
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Office of Recreation and Park Resources (ORPR) faculty and graduate students and Williams Architects staff facilitated eight focus groups with a total of 84 participants over two days (Wednesday, March 20th and Wednesday, April 3rd). Each focus group varied in size from nine (9) to nineteen (19) participants from ages 11 to over 75 years old. Constituents of the Naperville Park District shared their thoughts regarding indoor recreational space and programming needs. Residents were very complimentary of the Park District facilities and programs and hope the agency can add new indoor recreation facilities and expand their capacity to offer more high-demand programs. Many focus group participants mentioned that Fort Hill Activity Center is popular among residents and some programs fill quickly (fitness, gymnastics, sports programs), and that it can be challenging to secure a spot (register) for high-demand programs with sought-after instructors. Residents also expressed concerns of the perceived distance of indoor recreation facilities from the south side of Naperville. They noted that Fort Hill is a great facility, but it is far from some residents’ homes and always busy. Residents also shared their thoughts on ways they thought the Park District could continue to improve moving forward. Below are the themes that emerged during conversations with residents. STRENGTHS Residents shared their thoughts on the many strengths of the Park District.
PROGRAMS ɀ Programming is attractive to residents.
ȿ Residents appreciated the diversity of activities for all age categories. ▪ Programs appeal to a wide array of interests (beyond youth and adult sports) including hobbies, arts/ crafts, STEM, fitness, and wellness programs. ȿ Health and well-being programs such as NeuroFlex are high quality and meet an important need among older adults in Naperville who wish to maintain and improve their brain and physical health. Access to lower cost programs such as NeuroFlex is important for older Naperville residents who live on a fixed income. ▪ It is important to continue to offer these types of health and well-being programs, even though they might not be as popular as other fitness and wellness programs. ȿ Participants largely agreed that programs are affordable, and pricing is reasonable. ɀ Birthday parties hosted by the Park District are cost effective but difficult to book due to a large demand and limited facilities for these events.
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