09-05-2017 Park Commission Packet

Home Browse Search

CMP Part 4F Park Onen Space and Trail Plan 2008 Citizen Survev In order to determine whether the needs and desires of Orono residents relative to parks, recreation and open space had shifted, the City Council authorized a new Citizen Survey which was conducted via telephone by Decision Resources, Ltd. in July 2008. While the survey covered a broad range of topics about the quality of life in Orono, a substantial portion of the survey was devoted to questions about the level of residents' recreation activities as well as their use of and satisfaction with existing park facilities. Survey results indicated continuing strong support for concentrating on preservation of open space and creation of walking trails, placing a relatively low priority on development of more active recreation amenities. The summary and conclusions of the park and recreation element of the 2008 survey appear below: A majority of residents report they undertake four passive activities on at least a weekly basis: "gardening" at 74%; "exercise walking or jogging" at 73%; "nature walks" undertaken by 56%; and "bird watching" by 53%. At least 15% report they undertake six active recreational pursuits at least several times per month: "participation in a youth athletics league or organized sport" by 25%; "tennis" indicated by 21%; "softball or baseball" by 19%; "soccer or football" or "basketball' each undertaken by 18% of the households; and "outdoor ice skating" by 15%. A very solid 95% are satisfied with the amount of information they have about parks and recreation facilities in the city. Principal information sources about parks and recreation facilities in the community include the city newsletter, by 33%, "The Laker" at 14%, and the city website at 13%. A comparatively high 95% feel the current mix and number of parks and recreation facilities in and around the community meet their households' needs. As a result, 82% think current facilities are adequate for city residents; only 16% disagree. If the City were to undertake park and recreational development efforts, 62% think the top priority should be one preserving more natural land areas, such as wetlands, scenic open spaces, and wildlife habitats. Twenty-seven percent would prioritize developing additional passive park facilities, such as walking trails and flower gardens. During the past twelve months, 72% of the survey respondents report visiting a City -owned or operated park, beach, trail, or recreational facility. Thirty- seven percent specifically report using the Luce Line Trail. About one-third of the Luce Line Trail users urge better trail maintenance in the future. Seventy-three percent of the households in the city report members use Lake Minnetonka for recreational purposes. Fifty-two percent swim there; sixty- seven percent boat there. Forty-five percent of the households contain golfers. Among the golfing households, 69% golf on the Orono Golf Course. Eighty - City of Orono Community Management Plan 2008-2030 Page 4E-26