11-13-2003 Council Work Session - Laserfiche WebLink

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and recover the cost of constructing and operating City parks and recreational facilities. Sixty-four percent favored the concept; in fact, forty percent "strongly" favored user fees. Thirty percent opposed them, with eighteen percent expressing strong opposition. On average, residents would like to see 43.8 percent of the costs of construction and operation of a park or recrea tional facility recovered in this fashion. Seventy percent of the residents supported a trail system linking parks and recreational facilities in the city. But, if a property tax increase were required to do so, only thirty-six percent were still supportive. Similarly, if "cross-country" trails were constructed, fifty-seven percent supported them in concept. Again, if increased property taxes were required, support dropped to thirty-seven percent. In both cases, while residents supported the concept of trails, a majority opposed the tax implications. The maintenance of Orono Park and Recreation Facilities was generally well-rated, although significantly below Metropolitan Area suburban norms. Seventy-three percent regarded the main tenance as "excellent" or "good," while fifteen percent were more critical in their evaluations. The average suburban approval rate was eighty-nine percent -- sixteen percent higher than that registered in Orono. Only one type of facility, however, regis tered near-majority support for improvements among those having an opinion at this time: rest rooms. Beaches, picnic areas, skating rinks, playground ecjuipment, and the golf course were all viewed as well-maintained. In general, Orono residents were satisfied with the current park and recreation facilities and opportunities both in and near the community. On the question of further development, while there was support noted for additional trails, tax considerations perceptibly dimmed this enthusiasm. Instead, where more resi dents appeared willing to place a moderate level of tax dollars was on the preservation of land and open space in the community. This outlook should not be surprising; it directly followed from the rural ambience and peacefulness which were found to be the key community values to most residents. Additionally, this approach dovetailed with the concerns about growth and congestion expressed by many residents. The major issue facing Orono deci sion-makers is straightforward, although not simple: maintaining a rural "oasis" in a time of fast-moving growth and development. i ■ h ■ , I [ ■ i