Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 10/12/2023

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Residents were made aware of the survey opportunity by flyers at the Happy Days event and Pop-up Play, City website, social media postings,Facebook ads targeting all residents ages 18+, via email to all addresses in the CivicRec platform, and the Weekly Updates. Residents who did not want to complete the survey online were allowed to print and mail in their response, or directly contact Abby Proulx to receive a print copy in the mail. Time Frame/Observations/Alternatives: The overall response to recreational programs in Ramsey appears to be mixed. While there's appreciation for the City's public parks, a growing demand for more amenities surfaces, especially as Ramsey grows. Many respondents noted that while housing development is on the rise, recreational opportunities lag behind, especially compared to similar cities. The feedback underscores the importance of balancing development with the preservation of the city's character and enhancing its recreational offerings. In terms of programming, less than half of respondents knowingly participated in a program hosted by Ramsey Parks and Recreation. Those who did expressed appreciation for community events such as the Concert Series and Happy Days, as well as parks' green spaces,trails,Yoga, and Art in the Park. The main deterrents were unawareness and/or lack of appealing programs. When evaluating recreational opportunities in Ramsey, regardless of provider, most respondents were "unsure". Yet,when prioritizing the same areas for Ramsey Parks and Recreation, most programs were deemed"high priority" or "medium priority",with no areas receiving a majority of"low priority". Analyzing survey data and open-ended responses reveals an opportunity for Ramsey Parks and Recreation. There is a potential to both attract new participants and retain current ones by offering services that prevent them from seeking similar services in neighboring cities. See attachment to view all open-ended responses. Recommendation: Based on survey findings, staff recommends three key areas of focus: 1.Expand Parks and Recreation Programming Prioritize the expansion of certain programs, especially those catering to youth and families,to meet the community's expressed interests. 2.Development of Recreational Infrastructure Advance the development of the COR, emphasizing recreational areas, including feasibility and planning for infrastructure enhancements like a splash pad, community center, and other facilities to address the gap of facilities in the city as discussed by survey respondents. 3.Boost Community Engagement Strengthen advertising, communications, and branding to boost awareness of Parks and Recreation offerings. Consider implementing direct feedback channels,to allow residents to easily share issues or suggestions, reducing reliance on social media complaints. Outcome/Action: Provide staff direction on recreation programming,based upon discussion. Attachments Open-ended responses Raw Data from Google Screengrab of Online Form Form Review Inbox Reviewed By Date Mark Riverblood Abby Proulx 10/05/2023 08:59 AM