Review Recreation Survey Results

Earlier this Fall, a survey was conducted to gain insight on community preferences, knowledge, and assessment of a variety of recreational opportunities. The survey opened Saturday, September 9  and ran through Saturday, September 30. Outreach efforts included flyers at Happy Days, City Hall, Public Works, and a Pop-up Play event, as well as the City website, Facebook, Weekly Update, and was emailed out to all addresses on file through CivicRec. A total of 229 responses were collected within this time frame. Based on the sample size, and current population over the age of 18, there is a 6.5% margin of error.
 
Survey outcomes are a valuable starting point to provide a preliminary roadmap for the direction of Ramsey Parks and Recreation. A variety of multiple-choice and open-ended questions were asked. The survey was divided into three sections that addressed demographics, recreation interests and preferences, and optional open-ended responses. 
 
The top five key takeaways in regards to satisfaction with currently available programs include:

1. Desire for a Community Center and Water Features: Many respondents expressed a strong desire for a community center, particularly one with a pool. The absence of such a facility in Ramsey was highlighted as a limitation, and residents mentioned examples from neighboring cities like Shoreview and Coon Rapids, among others. Interest in other water features such as Splashpads and water-based recreation opportunities was also a theme.
2. Calls for More Variety/Expansions: Respondents mentioned wanting more variety in programs and activities, especially for specific age groups like seniors, young adults, and youth. They indicated a desire for fitness classes, group exercise classes, and additional recreational options. The need for indoor recreational activities during the winter months was mentioned, suggesting that residents want options to stay active year-round.
3. Youth and Family Programs: Several respondents mentioned the need for more youth and family programs, especially during the summer, suggesting a desire for out-of-school programs. Requests for camps, youth sports, and family-friendly events were common. Additional neighborhood playgrounds and amenities easily accessible to families of all ages were also noted.
4. Lack of Awareness: Some respondents stated that they were not aware of the current programs and activities offered by Ramsey Parks and Recreation. They suggested the need for better publicity and communication.
5. Community Engagement Events: Several respondents mentioned satisfaction with current community events such as Happy Days and the Concert series. Some desire an expansion of concerts and/or the addition of other festive events.

Residents were made aware of the survey opportunity by flyers at the Happy Days event and Pop-up Play, City website, social media postings, Facebook ads targeting all residents ages 18+, via email to all addresses in the CivicRec platform, and the Weekly Updates. Residents who did not want to complete the survey online were allowed to print and mail in their response, or directly contact Abby Proulx to receive a print copy in the mail. 

The overall response to recreational programs in Ramsey appears to be mixed. While there's appreciation for the City's public parks, a growing demand for more amenities surfaces, especially as Ramsey grows. Many respondents noted that while housing development is on the rise, recreational opportunities lag behind, especially compared to similar cities. The feedback underscores the importance of balancing development with the preservation of the city's character and enhancing its recreational offerings.

In terms of programming, less than half of respondents knowingly participated in a program hosted by Ramsey Parks and Recreation. Those who did expressed appreciation for community events such as the Concert Series and Happy Days, as well as parks' green spaces, trails, Yoga, and Art in the Park. The main deterrents were unawareness and/or lack of appealing programs. When evaluating recreational opportunities in Ramsey, regardless of provider, most respondents were "unsure". Yet, when prioritizing the same areas for Ramsey Parks and Recreation, most programs were deemed "high priority" or "medium priority", with no areas receiving a majority of "low priority". 

Analyzing survey data and open-ended responses reveals an opportunity for Ramsey Parks and Recreation. There is a potential to both attract new participants and retain current ones by offering services that prevent them from seeking similar services in neighboring cities. 

See attachment to view all open-ended responses. 

Based on survey findings, staff recommends three key areas of focus:

1. Expand Parks and Recreation Programming
Prioritize the expansion of certain programs, especially those catering to youth and families, to meet the community’s expressed interests.
2. Development of Recreational Infrastructure
Advance the development of the COR, emphasizing recreational areas, including feasibility and planning for infrastructure enhancements like a splash pad, community center, and other facilities to address the gap of facilities in the city as discussed by survey respondents.
3. Boost Community Engagement
Strengthen advertising, communications, and branding to boost awareness of Parks and Recreation offerings. Consider implementing direct feedback channels, to allow residents to easily share issues or suggestions, reducing reliance on social media complaints.

Provide staff direction on recreation programming, based upon discussion.