TO: HONORABLE CHAIR AND COMMISSIONERS OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
FROM: Lea Kolek, Parks and Community Service Manager
PREPARED BY: Lea Kolek, Parks and Community Service Manager
SUBJECT:
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Soliciting Community Input
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RECOMMENDATION
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Discuss strategies for staff to effectively solicit community input to enhance programming, events, and facilities managed by the Community Services Department. The objective is to identify methods that encourage meaningful public engagement and ensure that recreational offerings align with community needs and interests.
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PRIOR ACTION/VOTE
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CITY COUNCIL GOAL
Coordinate and deliver responsive, effective community services.
BACKGROUND
Currently, the Parks and Recreation Department does not have established protocols for consistently soliciting meaningful community feedback. While occasional surveys have been conducted - primarily for specific one-time projects such as pool design or the master plan update - there has not been a consistent approach to gathering public input on broader programming, events, and facility improvements. Feedback from recreation class participants has been collected at times, but it has not been systematic.
Enhancing public engagement is vital to fostering a more invested community. Residents should feel valued when their suggestions are heard and considered in decision-making processes. No program, facility, or event is perfect, and input from the public provides valuable insights for improvement, ensuring offerings align with community interests and needs.
To establish a more structured feedback system, several strategies could be explored:
• QR Code Surveys at Events: Posters displayed during events could feature a QR code linking to a brief survey with easy-to-answer questions such as opinions on the venue, preferred music genres, or desired food vendors.
• Expanded Recreation Class Surveys: A standardized survey for recreation program participants could collect feedback on instructor performance, class content, and overall experience, helping refine future programming.
• Facility Design Input: As new facilities are developed, incorporating opportunities for residents to provide input on design elements could ensure spaces reflect community needs.
• Website Feedback Button: A dedicated feature on the City’s website could allow residents to submit comments and suggestions anytime, improving accessibility for those unable to attend in-person discussions or simply want to comment on a recreation feature.
By implementing structured methods for gathering input, the department can ensure that programming, events, and facilities evolve in ways that truly serve the community. Additionally, the Commission’s insights and ideas on effective public engagement strategies would be invaluable in shaping an approach that maximizes community participation.
FISCAL IMPACT
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ATTACHMENTS
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