Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 02/13/2020

Home

5. COMMISSION BUSINESS 5.01: Draft Recreation Policy Plan Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood introduced the draft recreation policy plan by recalling this work is a continuation of the Park Systems Plan revision. At the November meeting, the Commission reviewed the Recreation Programming and Partnerships chapter. Since then, Recreation Specialist Proulx has continued working on the policy plan, and tonight's focus will be on the first three sections, which are about 90% completed at this time. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood noted that the goal is to have the final draft of the Recreation Programming and Partnerships chapter available as soon as the February meeting for the Commission's input. Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood continued by highlighting the elements of the portions under consideration, including: the context of the plan, the recreation districts, vision and essential elements, existing facilities and infrastructure, capital improvements, and future implementation. Recreation Specialist Proulx then introduced the three sections she will cover tonight: Introduction, Trends, and Program Impact. She recalled the already -stated purpose, mission and core values, history of recreation in Ramsey, and reasons for providing recreation. She discussed trends, specifically changing demographics, and how to appropriately provide programming for those demographics, as well as highlighted overall economic trends and the necessity of fee assistance going forward. The most recent resident survey showed about 50% satisfaction with current programming, which demonstrates an opportunity for improvement. She also commented on the overall national and local trend that people spend less time in nature -based activities, and children today spend less time outdoors than their parents and grandparents. Internal research has found Ramsey had previously a void of recreation offerings, with many residents driving to neighboring communities to participate in recreation programming, which further establishes the need to increase recreation programming in Ramsey. Recreational programming partnerships with neighboring communities will continue to be a priority for Ramsey. Recreation Specialist Proulx then discussed the necessity of physical activity in relation to physical health and the current statistics on obesity and heart health. Also, of concern is mental health, specifically anxiety and depression; outdoor physical activity has been shown to enhance good coping mechanisms. Another trend worth noting is people increasingly identify themselves by their activities rather than their work, e.g., "I am a runner." Commissioner Barnes suggested including a section on the many benefits of child development, specifically the many advantages of children being outdoors and playing in natural spaces. She recommended the book The Last Child in the Woods. Park and Recreation Commission/January 9, 2020 Page 2 of 4