11-13-2003 Council Work Session - Laserfiche WebLink

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PARKS AND RECREATION POLICIES Orono residents were asked a series of questions about policies concerning parks and recreational facilities. While interest in the development of certain types of facilities, such as trails, there was a stronger sensitivity to property tax implications. In fact, the only type of tax-funded recreational development posting less than one-third opposition was nature preserves. And, clearly, reside.nts placed a stronger P*^i®^ity on passive recreational facilities than on active ones. Summary and Conelusionai , ^ overwhelming majority of Orono residents were satisfied with the current mix and number of parks and recreational facili- ties in and around the community. Among the one-fifth of the sample who supported additional facilities, the preferences ®3tpfC8sed included more trails, more playground equipment, and more parks. However, when asked if the City should develop a more extensive park system, sixty-six percent saw no need and d66tned current facilities adequate; only twenty-six percent disagreed. In looking at park and recreational development efforts, foj^by-two percent of the residents would place a priority on preserving more natural land areas within the community. Twenty- three percent prioritized developing additional passive park facilities, while only thirteen percent ranked developing addi- tional active park facilities at the top. And, a narrow majority of residents would support a tax increase to fund either the preservation of open space or the development of parks and re creational facilities by the City. On average, »; $25.20 yearly property tax increase for these purposes would be acceptable to most residents. In ranking recreational development, tax increases for several objectives were supported by a majority of respondents. Sixty-two percent would support a tax rise for nature preserves. And, sixty-one percent felt similarly about nature walking and bicycle trails. Fifty-six percent would favor a tax increase for playground equipment for children, while fifty-three percent felt the same way about paved walking and bicycle trails. Nature observation areas were the other type of park facility endorsed by a majority if tax increases were required. Because of its location, Orono residents were more willing to tolerate longer drive times to a park or recreational facility. On average, residents were willinc to drive 16.2 minutes to a park or facility of interest to"them. In fact, •• almost one-quarter of the city would travel for 21 to 30 minutes to arrive there. Strong support was evidenced for user fees to underwrite iMlflli'ltfUi I .Hill I