CHAPTER FIVE • FOCUS GROUPS NAPERVILLE PARK DISTRICT INDOOR RECREATION SPACE NEEDS ASSESSMENT
ɀ There seems to be interest in the Park District developing a volunteer program to enhance programming. ȿ There is an opportunity to expand the level of volunteers, and/or the message channels utilized for recruiting volunteers. ▪ There seems to be interest in recruiting retirees to expand programming. ɀ Residents expressed interest in a variety of new programs. For example: ȿ More early childhood programs. ȿ Outdoor education/recreation programs. ȿ Educational programs. ▪ Language learning programs. ȿ Music/cultural events. REGISTRATION ɀ There is an opportunity to improve the registration process for programming. ȿ It is viewed as geared towards dual parent homes and those with a stay-at-home parent who can register as soon as it is open (so they can successfully register before programs fill up). ȿ Some residents view other parents as abusing the priority registration for volunteers. CONSIDERATIONS FOR PLANNING FUTURE INDOOR RECREATION SPACE Residents shared some potential things the Park District should consider for new indoor recreation space. ɀ While residents support the expansion of indoor recreation spaces and facilities across the community (for equitable distribution and ease of access), there was a fear that building a new facility away from the center of town will lead to fracturing the sense of community and communities of interest (formed around mutual interests and participation) that have developed at the Fort Hill Activity Center. ȿ This sense of community could be maintained and replicated (when a new facility is potentially built) with consistent space and time allocations for activities such as open gym and pickleball. ɀ Some participants were hesitant to build a dedicated pickleball facility. While pickleball is popular now, there is some concern about additional indoor recreation space allocated to pickleball. Many participants emphasize that new indoor recreation space should be adaptable in the future in case the popularity of pickleball peaks and changes in the future. Residents want to ensure indoor recreation spaces are flexible to accommodate changing recreation/sport trends and activities across the lifespan. ɀ Some residents were worried about the long-term operational expenses of a new facility. ȿ These residents seemed amenable to the initial capital costs but have concerns about expenses associated with facility maintenance and upkeep.
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