CHAPTER FIVE • FOCUS GROUPS NAPERVILLE PARK DISTRICT INDOOR RECREATION SPACE NEEDS ASSESSMENT
OPPORTUNITIES Residents shared what they viewed as the opportunities that NPD could pursue to enhance their offerings. FACILITIES ɀ There is a strong need for another indoor recreation facility. ɀ Residents suggested locating the facility on the south side as there is a lack of facilities in that area. ȿ Some residents advocated for two new facilities, one for the North and one for the South. ɀ Many participants expressed interest in having an indoor sports complex for soccer and other field sports. They also expressed a desire for more basketball courts (for pick up play and programming). ȿ Participants mentioned that if NPD did not build an indoor sports facility, it would take building multiple additional private facilities (such as TOCA and The Yard) to meet the needs of the population, further emphasizing the need for NPD to have an indoor multi-purpose recreation facility. ȿ Residents conveyed support for the Park District to add more indoor space to accommodate the demand for the sports. ɀ Spaces for indoor tennis and racquetball were mentioned as desired indoor facilities, but noted less often by participants than the demand for soccer and basketball. ɀ Residents expressed how it is important that existing and proposed new indoor spaces be utilized effectively, to ensure maximum opportunities and satisfaction. ȿ Pickleball players specifically wanted continuity of space (similar number of courts for the same amount of time) rather than it changing regularly. ▪ It was also noted that open gym times are becoming fewer and further between. ɀ Most participants conveyed a need and interest in an indoor aquatic facility. ȿ This pool should be equipped with a (warm) water therapy section and an area for open swim, lap swimming, and children’s play. ȿ The pool could also provide a home for the Waves Swim Team instead of paying to use Edward Health & Fitness (7 Bridges) facility. ɀ There is interest in an expanded indoor track. ȿ The Fort Hill track is small and outdoor tracks are difficult to access (local high schools’ outdoor tracks are often locked). PROGRAM GUIDE ɀ Some residents are unhappy that the Program Guide is no longer offered in print format. This was particularly noticeable among the 60 and older focus group participants. ɀ Several older adults conveyed that the online Program Guide is designed as if it were still a physical booklet, which makes it difficult to navigate.
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