JAMESTOWN, N.D. (JPRD) – The Jamestown Parks and Recreation District (JPRD) is pleased to announce the results of its community surveys aimed at shaping the future of parks and recreational spaces in Jamestown. These surveys, conducted by ETC Institute and Interstate Engineering, provide valuable insights into the community’s priorities, needs, and preferences.
The Needs Assessment, administered by ETC Institute, involved a statistically valid sample of Jamestown residents. With a goal of 300 completed surveys, the response exceeded expectations, with 336 surveys collected, ensuring a margin of error of ±5.3% at the 95% confidence level. Following this, the Community-Wide Survey conducted by Interstate Engineering garnered an impressive 547 responses, demonstrating significant community engagement in the planning process.
Key Findings:
1. Participant Demographics: The surveys highlighted a significant presence of youth/teen (34%) and senior populations (25%) within Jamestown, indicating a need to focus efforts on providing diverse programs and amenities catering to these
demographics.
2. Information & Communication: Social media emerged as the preferred channel for accessing information about JPRD offerings, underscoring the importance of leveraging digital platforms for effective communication with the community while maintaining a presence across various media channels.
3. Visitation, Use and Perceptions: JPRD emerged as the primary recreation provider for three-quarters of respondents, emphasizing its integral role in the community. Identified barriers such as cost concerns and maintenance perceptions underscore the need fo addressing affordability and maintenance standards to improve the overall park experience.
4. Park/Facility Importance and Satisfaction: Based on Importance/Satisfaction Ratings, the highest priority parks and facilities are McElroy Park, TRAC, Nickeus Park, and Klaus Park. These priorities help to direct attention and focus for investment and recommendations.
5. Program / Event Participation: Strong community support for JPRD programs and events was evident, although barriers such as communication issues, costs, and facility conditions need to be addressed to enhance participation rates and improve community engagement.
6. Community Needs: Based on the Priority Investment Rating, the high-priority areas for investment are an outdoor swimming pool, restrooms, and multi-use trails. Similarly, top program priorities include community special events, walking/hiking activities, swimming (and swimming lessons), and education classes/programs.
7. Support for Potential Actions: Residents expressed strong support for improving restroom facilities, general maintenance and repair, and developing an outdoor pool. Conversely, however, the results also demonstrate a desire to maintain current assets and amenities.
8. Equity and Affordability: Concerns about the cost of accessing facilities and programs were highlighted, with suggestions for discounted rates and flexible pass options to enhance affordability and inclusivity.
These survey results provide invaluable insights into the needs and preferences of our community, said Amy Walters, Executive Director of JPRD. “This feedback helps us prioritize and focus our efforts to ensure our parks and recreation offerings meet the need for all residents now and into the future.”
Moving forward, JPRD will prioritize recommendations based on the survey findings, focusing on addressing maintenance concerns, enhancing program offerings, and investing in high-priority facilities and amenities.
For more information on the survey results and JPRD’s initiatives, please visit jamestownparksandrec.com