CHAPTER FIVE • FOCUS GROUPS NAPERVILLE PARK DISTRICT INDOOR RECREATION SPACE NEEDS ASSESSMENT
FACILITIES ɀ Residents appreciated the connectivity of Knoch Knolls Park to bike paths. ɀ Residents noticed and appreciated the cleanliness of Fort Hill Activity Center. ȿ Participants commented on the outstanding management of all Park District facilities. ȿ “The facilities are only as good as people managing them and the programs they offer.” ɀ The two golf courses are continually updated/improved and are considered excellent. ɀ Many participants commented that NPD parks are very well maintained. STAFF
ɀ Participants were very complimentary of staff. They noticed and appreciated the quality of the customer service, outstanding management of parks and facilities and the park district’s responsiveness to community needs and situations. For example: ȿ “PD has done a great job, we are fortunate; fast growth and COVID has been difficult, but they’ve done a great job meeting needs of the community.” ȿ “The customer service is also great. Staff is helpful and knowledgeable.” ȿ “The Park District is well run. They are effective at messaging and community outreach.” CHALLENGES Residents shared what they thought were some of the challenges they face in using the Park District’s facilities. PROGRAMMING ɀ There is not enough programming available to all residents. It is difficult to register for a spot in some of the more popular programs (soccer), especially programs for youth/children. ȿ Some residents expressed displeasure with the priority registration for coaches who are later absent or unprepared. These coaches were viewed as gaming the system. ɀ Residents expressed that programming is reasonably priced and not cost prohibitive, however it is just difficult to register at times due to high demand and limited available spots. “You have to approach it like buying concert tickets online – get online right when registration opens so you can get your spot.” ɀ Capacity issues are perceived to be caused in part from limited availability of indoor facilities and the location of these facilities across the City of Naperville. FACILITIES ɀ Residents on the northeast side of town expressed there are not enough indoor recreational facilities in their area. ȿ Southside residents agree that they also lack nearby indoor recreation facilities. ɀ There is a lack of parking at Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center (ARRCC) and Fort Hill Activity Center at times despite high interest levels in programming at Fort Hill and sometimes ARRCC. ɀ Many focus group participants conveyed that some sports facilities and/or programs have limited space. ȿ Pickleball court lines are sometimes difficult to see due to the crowding around courts and the multiple lines on each court. ȿ There are only a few basketball courts and there is a high demand for these courts at peak times of the day. ȿ There is nowhere to play other racquet sports (racquetball, badminton, etc.).
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