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2/11/04 Results in From One Parks and Recreation Survey, Another Survey Deadline Nears The results are in from the 2003 parks and recreation survey. Residents said they want more natural resources, a system of greenways in Town and a new community center. But, even before the final 2003 survey findings were presented at the February 12 Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee meeting, the Town was already working to meet the residents' expectations by moving forward in developing parks and greenways, and in planning a new cultural center. And, the Town has released another survey to determine what programs residents want in that new cultural center. "A lot of things people said they wanted last year are up and coming," said Kathy Hamilton Brown, the member of the Town's Recreation Advisory Committee who spearheaded the survey. Brown is a faculty member with NC State University's Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management Department and a professional recreation program consultant. By conducting the survey with the resources of the advisory committee, the Town saved thousands of dollars that could have been spent hiring a consultant to do the same task. Brown said one of the most striking findings of the survey was that 83 percent of the respondents said they drive to recreation facilities, and 91 percent indicated the need for greenways -- greenways that could provide walking and biking trails to recreation facilities, eliminating the need to drive. "We were surprised by the overwhelming response for natural resource development and greenway development," Brown said. In addition, 69 percent of the survey respondents said public school recreation facilities should be more accessible to residents when they are not in use by the school, and 95 percent of the respondents found the need for new or improved parks and recreation activities and facilities such as a new community center. The purpose of the initial survey was to assist the Town Parks and Recreation Department with identifying what parks and recreation facilities and programs residents desired. Now that the department knows residents want a new cultural center, a second survey has been circulated that will determine what the new cultural center will offer. "I think we're at the point where we know we're going to have a community center," Brown said. "We're hopeful that it will be connected to the library, but what goes into it is still up for grabs. Now is the time to get people's input to see that their expectations are met." The first survey was mailed to all residents, and it was available at Town hall and at the Hunt Community Center. The Town received 200 responses, about 6 percent of the surveys distributed. The new cultural center programs survey is available from the Town's website homepage, www.hollyspringsnc.us, and printed surveys are available at Town Hall and at the Hunt Community Center. In addition, a public hearing was held Feb. 12 to get broader community input and allow for discussion. So far, about 100 surveys have been completed, and about 30 people participated in the public hearing. Brown said that she and the Town advisory committee would like to see greater participation in the current program survey to compare with the 200 respondents in the 2003 survey. "We need more input," she said. "We feel what we have is pretty good, but I know we can do better." When the results from both surveys have been tabulated, the Recreation Advisory Committee will present its findings from the 2003 survey and make recommendations to the Town Council on how the Parks and Recreation Department can meet the needs expressed in the surveys. "We represent the Townspeople and the user's perspective, and we provide input to the Town Council," Brown explained. "We're kind of a sounding board to the Town Council on issues that relate to parks and recreation." To obtain a copy of the current survey on desired programs, visit the Hunt Community Center or complete a survey online at www.hollyspringsnc.us. |
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Town of Holly Springs - PO Box 8 - 128 South Main Street - Holly Springs, NC 27540 - (919) 552-6221 - Holly.Springs@hollyspringsnc.us |
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