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26 | PARKS, RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES NEEDS ASSESSMENT <br />COMMUNITY INPUT <br />for fi tness and recreation. Many of the participants <br />considered parks and recreation to be very aff ordable, <br />especially given the increasing cost of living in the <br />region. Some noted that many community members <br />would benefi t from having more free recreation <br />opportunities. <br />Technology <br />Some community survey participants indicated <br />that they use their phones and laptops to work in <br />City parks. Interview and focus group participants <br />suggested providing free Wi-Fi in Courthouse Square <br />to attract employees who work nearby. The availability <br />of Wi-Fi may allow these workers to extend their <br />stay in the park. These participants also suggested <br />integrating technology into parks to improve user <br />experience, particularly for millennials and youth. <br />Teen programs <br />Interview and focus group participants identifi ed <br />a need for a teen program coordinator. The City <br />previous had this position fi lled but it is diffi cult to <br />staff 18 to 24 years old due to what are considered <br />comparatively low wages given other opportunities <br />in the community. It was suggested that teen <br />programming decisions be made with input from teens <br />to determine the type of programming that would <br />most appeal to them, as many teens have limited <br />schedules due to school and other activities. <br />Sports Leagues and Sports Fields <br />Interview and focus group participants indicated <br />a need for more courts and outdoor basketball <br />courts. Some participants also noted the need for <br />more sports fi elds for practice and games. These <br />participants also noted that the girls’ softball league <br />is the only league without dedicated fi elds. Some of <br />the participants suggested that adding more outdoor <br />lighting at some fi elds could extend fi eld usage and <br />increase fi eld capacity. <br />Community Gathering Spaces <br />Participants across all three primary research activities <br />identifi ed a need for additional community gathering <br />spaces. Forty-one percent (41%) of survey participants <br />indicated that they use City parks to socialize with <br />family and friends. <br />Neighborhood Parks <br />Participants across all three primary research <br />activities expressed a desire for programming located <br />in neighborhood parks. Interview and focus group <br />participants suggested additional fi tness programming <br />including yoga, morning stretches and walking clubs. <br />These participants explained that programming in <br />neighborhood parks would help people to stay active <br />and connect with their neighbors. <br />Interview and focus group participants emphasized <br />the need for senior programming in neighborhood <br />parks, as many seniors are limited by transportation <br />7.A. - Page 44 of 66 <br />156