Title
Briefing on Parks, Arts and Recreation Needs Assessment Survey Results
Recommended Action
Information only; no action requested.
Report
Issue:
As part of the Parks, Arts and Recreation Plan update, staff hired the survey firm ETC Institute to survey a random sample of Olympia residents. The survey is complete and the report ready to be presented.
Staff Contact:
Laura Keehan, Planning & Design Manager, Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation, 360.570.5855.
Presenter(s):
Laura Keehan, Planning & Design Manager, Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation
Background and Analysis:
Every six years, Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation Department (OPARD) updates the Parks, Arts and Recreation Plan. As part of the update process, the Department contracted with ETC Institute a survey firm with over 20 years of experience in administering statistically valid parks and recreation needs assessment surveys. The random sample survey findings are key in helping determine future capital projects, as well as the balance of services across the Department.
Also as part of the update process, staff has developed a GIS mapping analysis that utilizes demographic data and undeveloped park service areas to help prioritize the development order of currently undeveloped neighborhood and community parks. Staff will provide a brief overview of this work and how it is helping inform which new parks could be prioritized for development based on parameters such as race, age, income and density of multifamily housing within the ½ mile service area.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The Olympia community has shown long-standing support and interest in the parks system. The full report is available on the Plan’s Engage Olympia webpage, along with the TCTV recorded presentation of the results by the survey consultant to PRAC.
Attachments:
Engage Olympia webpage: www.olympiawa.gov/ParksPlan <http://www.olympiawa.gov/ParksPlan>