Published: October 11, 2008 10:11 pm            

Survey says . . .

Respondents pleased with Richmond parks, want more

Some 85 percent of respondents to a survey conducted for the Richmond Parks and Recreation Master Plan said they were either “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with the city’s recreation facilities and programs.

Almost all, 93 percent, said the city should invest more money in parks and recreation, but a smaller majority, 67 percent, said they would be willing to pay higher taxes to pay for them.

Some 86 percent said they favored acquisition of land for additional parks and open-space preservation. Seventy-one percent supported requiring new subdivisions to set aside open space for future park development. Seventy-four percent would like to see Lake Reba Park expanded.

The northern section of the city and the rapidly developing annexed area off Duncannon Lane were named as areas lacking parks-and-recreation opportunities.

Eighty-eight percent of respondents said they would like to see the city and county work together to develop a park on the north side of Richmond.

A large majority, 80 percent, said they would like to see more concerts, festivals and theater in Richmond. At least 78 percent favored construction of a bandstand in Irvine-McDowell Park.

Another large majority, 79 percent, said they supported building a new indoor recreation facility.

The city’s principal indoor recreation facility is a building on North Second Street that has only a gymnasium with a floor in poor condition, said Parks and Recreation Director Kevin Gorman. The building also houses administrative offices in the front and an after-school program in the basement.

Many respondents, 73 percent, said more bicycle and hiking trails are needed, while 68 percent favored creation of more nature trails.

Seventy percent favored construction of a skate park, and 68 percent believe programming for teens should be increased.

Sixty-two percent said parks and recreation program are not publicized enough.

Expansion of the senior center and the re-opening of the city’s teen center with targeted program were also listed as needs by the survey, along with hiring a certified therapeutic recreation specialist to enhance programming for citizens with disabilities.

Developing a new girls’ softball complex to replace the existing facilities at Irvine-McDowell Park, along with canoe and paddleboat rentals at Lake Reba, also were named as park-and-recreation goals.

The survey results were presented to the parks and recreation board at its quarterly meeting this past Tuesday.

The survey was directed by Dr. Jon McChesney, a board member who teaches in Eastern Kentucky University’s department of parks and recreation administration.

Survey “intercepts” were taken at parks, solicited through newspapers and on the Internet.

Two public forums were conducted, at First Christian Church and at the Senior Center, as part of they survey.

Discussions with leaders of youth and adult sports organizations, special events and the Madison County Homemakers Clubs also were conducted, McChesney said.



Bill Robinson can be reached at brobinson@richmondregister.com or at 623-1669, Ext. 267.

        

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