SD UBRRY
1111111111111111111MIN 5162
R010/0324/1984
SIR-WINSTON-CHURCHILL-SQUARE, EDMONTON.-PLANNING
USERS' SURVEY RESULTS:
„/301 Oa .E3 :D71 1984
elftionton
PLANNINC
USERS' SURVEY RESULTS: SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL SQUARE
Prepared by: Planning Department January 1984
LIST OF TABLES PAGE Table 1:
Desired Changes to Increase Use and Enjoyment of the Square
Table 2:
Approve of Churchill Square Receiving a Higher Priority for Expenditure of Tax Dollars
Table 3: Seven Most Desired Improvements
• •
• •
8
Table 4:
Approve of Organized Entertainment in the Square
12
Table 5:
Types of Entertainment Supported
13
Table 6:
Feel Safe in the Square
14
Table 7:
Gender of Respondent
15
Table 8:
Respondents with Children
16
Table 9:
Size of Families in the Square
16
Table 10: Age of Respondent
17
Table 11: Average Size of Groups in the Square
18
Table 12: Work Location of Respondents
18
Table 13: Residence Location of Respondents
19
Table 14: Frequency of Visits to the Square
20
Table 15: Geographical Location of Respondent During Interview
21
Table 16: Location of User in the Square
21
Table 17: Activities of Respondents in the Square
22
Table 18: Approximate Number of People in the Square During the Interviews
23
Table 19: Dates of Survey
26
Table 20: Survey Schedule
27
Table 21: Number and Percentage of Surveys per day of week
28
Table 22: Number and Percentages of Survey by time
29
Table 23: Weather Conditions during Survey
30
1.0 SUMMARY OF SURVEY RESULTS
1.1 Findings The survey results reveal support and suggested directions for the redesign of Sir Winston Churchill Square in the Civic Centre Area of Downtown Edmonton. (See Map 1) Conducted in July and August 1983, a total of 511 persons were surveyed in the Square and general observations of the users were recorded as part of the users' study. The major findings are given in Tables 1, 2 and 3. With respect to City expenditures, 68.7% of the respondents approve of Sir Winston Churchill Square receiving a higher priority. (See Table 2.) 1.2 Implications In the way of physical improvements, the users interviewed would like to retain, to some degree, the existing character of the Square as a park with grass and trees. While they do not think more trees or paths should be added, they want more flowerbeds and benches. As new features, they would like to see a permanent stage area. Because the majority of respondents do not want hard surfacing, it suggests the stage should occupy a minor portion of the site and be designed to blend with the natural park setting. The majority of respondents also would like a water feature, such as a pool or fountain. With respect to entertainment, the majority of respondents support, both summer and winter activity in the Square. (See Table )4.) All types of planned performances and activities desired are listed in Table 5. It is noteworthy that the re-introduction of winter skating is greatly desired.
MAP 1 -2-
2.0 INTRODUCTION
2.1 Study Objectives As part of P.R.I.D.E., PRogram to Improve Downtown Edmonton, improvements are planned for Sir Winston Churchill Square. In preparation, the City Planning Department, working closely with the Parks and Recreation Department, conducted a survey to obtain the views and ideas of the people who use the Square. These findings should make a significant contribution towards the guidelines for redesigning the Square, currently being prepared, which will set the direction and character in the new design scheme for the Square. As a secondary objective, the survey was designed to record characteristics about the number and behaviour of users. 2.2 Report Content This report presents the survey findings of users of Sir Winston Churchill Square and offers an interpretation of what their views suggest for the type of improvements and the overall redesign of the Square to be undertaken. It should be borne in mind that the users are only one group of the whole community with views on this matter. As users, they do however represent the most actively involved group, who have opinions based upon actual experience in the Square. Information collected concerning the characteristics of the persons surveyed is presented in Section 9. The study area and survey approach are described in Appendix I. The survey is provided in Appendix II. The comments offered by the survey participants in addition to the specific questions asked are presented by topic in Appendix III.
3
2.3 Use of the Survey Results The importance of Sir Winston Churchill Square as a prominent central space in the Civic Centre Area and the Downtown renders the task of improving the Square a major challenge. City Hall, the adjacent properties, and Edmontonians generally all derive benefits from the Square's function and ambience. The views of the park users are therefore an essential consideration in determining the type of redesign for the Square. This report is to serve as a working document which will become part of a package of background information for determining the design guidelines for Sir Winston Churchill Square. In turn, the design guidelines will form the basis for the new designs for the Square to be developed by consultants hired for this task.
4
3.0 SUPPORT FOR IMPROVEMENTS
The survey results indicate there is strong support for improving Sir Winston Churchill Square, as evidenced by views of users presented in Table 1. TABLE 1 DESIRED CHANGES TO INCREASE USE AND ENJOYMENT THE SQUARE RESPONSE (%) UNDECIDED NO*
TYPE OF CHANGE*
YES
More trees
31.9
65.6
2.5
More benches
84.1
14.3
1.6
More flower gardens
57.5
39.9
2.5
Water fountain or pool
66.1
30.7
3.1
Improved access
17.4
80.0
2.2
Permanent stage area
55.8
36.8
7.0
Decorative lighting
64.0
29.7
6.1
More vending operations
40.3
56.6
2.7
Hard surfaced ceremonial area
26.0
70.3
3.3
Winter skating area
75.3
21.5
2.9
Public washrooms
71.4
26.2
2.2
Terraced landscaping
44.0
49.3
6.1
Sloping landscaping
47.9
48.7
2.9
More paths
33.1
65.6
1.2
20.9% of the respondents suggested other improvements to the park, including: a) drinking fountains, b) spraying for bugs, c) more art and statues, d) litter barrels, and e) more bushes. The most common comment was that the design should be quite simple; one of the most attractive features of the square is its openness and the consensus was that it should remain an open, green area. The types of improvements desired are given in Tables 1 and 3.
These
suggestions should serve as one set of guidelines for determining the redesign solution of the Square. Section 6.0 discusses these implications. It should
-5
be borne in mind that the survey provides but one perspective on the subject and, as such, should be tempered in the context of other essential considerations including other potential users and groups views, and design matters including: pedestrian linkages, adjacent land use, urban design notions and development concepts for the entire precinct.
6
4.0 VIEWS ON FINANCING THE IMPROVEMENTS
Asked whether they would support Sir Winston Churchill Square receiving a higher priority in the expenditure of City tax dollars, a majority of 68.7%, said "yes", 20.0% said "no" and 9.4% were undecided. (See Table 2.) The implication from the survey results is clear: the surveyed users are saying the City should spend tax dollars to improve the Square. The availability and extent of capital which the City is able to allocate to this project should therefore be determined. Clearly, the extent of financial resource from the City and elsewhere should be of central concern in developing the scheme. Additional funding from other sources, including private donations and grants from other levels of government, should be explored.
TABLE 2 APPROVE OF CHURCHILL SQUARE RECEIVING A HIGHER PRIORITY FOR EXPENDITURE OF CITY TAX DOLLARS Response
#
%
Yes
351
68.7
No
102
20.0
Undecided
48
9.4
No answer
2
0.4
Should not outrank essential services
8
1.6
511
100.0
Total
7
5.0 IMPROVEMENT PRIORITIES Based upon the survey results, seven changes emerged as the most desired. These are given in ranked order in Table 3. The seven most desired improvements represent the priorities as perceived by the users surveyed. This set of desired changes provides definite ideas and directions as to the sort of elements to be addressed in the design solution. The seven priorities can be categorized into four main design considerations, namely:
a)
public conveniences, by way of more benches and public washrooms;
b)
all seasons use, by way of a water feature during warm months and an ice skating area in the winter;
c)
daytime and nighttime visual features by way of more flower beds for daytime enjoyment and decorative lighting for nighttime enjoyment; and
d)
entertainment events by way of a permanent stage area.
As well, the desired improvements address both passive and active recreational aspects. The benches, water fountain, flower beds and decorative lighting contribute to the passive recreation, while the skating and entertainment interest are the active recreation aspects which the design should address. Section 6.0 discusses the specific changes desired by the surveyed users and their design implications. TABLE 3 SEVEN MOST DESIRED IMPROVEMENTS
Type of Improvement
#
%
1.More Benches
430
84.1
2. Winter Skating Area
385
75.3
3.Public Washrooms
365
71.4
4. Water Fountain or Pool
338
66.1
5. Decorative Lighting
327
64.0
6. More Flower Gardens
294
7.Permanent Stage Area
285
57.5 55.8
8
6.0 DESIRED CHANGES
From the many and varied improvements desired by the users surveyed listed in Table 1, specific ideas and directions for the redesign of the Square emerge. These are discussed below. 6.1 Landscaping One of the most common comments given by respondents was that the Square should remain an open green space, but that improvements to this space should be made. Several findings reinforce this view and provide indications as to what improvements would enhance the Square as a park. First of all, 70% of users surveyed do not want a hard surfaced ceremonial area. On the other hand, 57.5% of respondents would like more flower gardens in the Square. No more trees are needed in the Square, suggest the majority of users surveyed. While the survey did not ask whether fewer or any trees should remnin, the fact that a park setting is desired and many respondents replied that there were enough trees at present, suggest trees should remain. With respect to terraced or sloped landscaping, the view was divided with almost 50% of respondents not wanting such a feature and the other half wanting this feature. No clear direction regarding this aspect is forthcoming. Other than the fact that many respondents did not want the sloped landscaping to the extent that was used in Beaverhills Park. Many stated that while they would not mind some landscaping, they liked the openness of the park.
6.2 Water Feature A water feature in the form of a fountain or pool is desired by a majority, 66.1%, of users surveyed. Interestingly, both a winter skating area and a water feature, are highly desired. These two features are complimentary in
that the water element of the summer can become a skating area in the winter. In the design, then, both aspects can be addressed. 6.3 Stage Area The majority of respondents, - 55.8%, would like a permanent stage area to be created on the Square. Since 70.3% (see Table 1) do not want a hard surfaced ceremonial area, the implications to this is that only a portion of the Square should be devoted to a stage area. Implicit in the findings of the survey is that the actual design and area of the permanent stage should not only cover just a portion of the Square, but moreover it can be implied that the stage should be well integrated in the green space.
6.4 Decorative Affects The respondents would like to see decorative lighting in the Square. As mentioned in Section 8.0, the desire for this feature suggests an interest by the users in the evening visibility and aesthetics of the Square. Possibilities for a variety of lighting should be explored as part of the redesign of the Square. More flower gardens are desired as another aesthetic element which deserves attention in the redesign. As well, some respondents suggested more art and statues be added to the Square.
6.5 Public Conveniences By way of public conveniences, the survey singled out public washrooms and more benches as desired changes. Both are desired by the majority of users surveyed. In addition, 20.9% of respondents suggested provision of other public conveniences including drinking fountains and litter barrels.
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6.6 Pathways The majority of users surveyed, 65.6%, do not think more paths are needed in the Square. Nor does access have to be improved, said 80% of respondents.
7.0 ENTERTAINMENT PREFERENCES
The surveys users strongly support a wide variety of entertainment as can be seen in Tables 4 and 5. All suggested programmed events received over 70% support. From the range of events supported this is clear the users want events during day and evening, throughout the week and year. The importance attributed by the interviewed users to special events suggests cultural events for the Square should continue to be given. As such, one of the roles of the Square should be as a major cultural and ceremonial place within the city centre. The implication is that an appropriate space and setting for this purpose should be created. As Section 6.0 indicates, the entertainment aspect is only one of several functions which the users would perceive for the Square. Passive recreational activity is considered. In the view of the users surveyed then, the Square should provide a setting for both passive recreational pursuits and staged events.
TABLE 4 APPROVE OF ORGANIZED ENTERTAINMENT IN THE SQUARE
Response
#
%
Yes
429
84.0
No
60
11.7
Undecided
20
3.9
No answer
2
0.4
511
100.0
Total
TABLE 5 TYPES OF ENTERTAINMENT SUPPORTED RESPONSE (%) UNDECIDED NO*
TYPE OF EVENT
YES
Winter Carnivals
82.8
15.1
2.2
Noon Hour Concerts
78.1
18.8
3.1
Children's Entertainment
78.9
17.8
Evening Programs
74.4
21.5
3.3 4.1
Weekend Fairs
70.6
25.8
3.5
Special Events
84.3
13.5
2.2
* Included in the "No" response rate is the 8.4% of the population who had indicated in Question 5a that they did not feel Churchill Square should host any activities and therefore they were not asked which activities they would support.
8.0 SAFETY The majority of users surveyed, 74.2%, feel safe in the Square. (see Table 6.) However, it should also be noted that 3.9% of the respondents indicated that they did not feel safe in the Square and an additional 20.5% indicated they did not feel safe in the Square in the evenings. In total 25.2%, or one in four of the respondents, did not feel safe in the Square at some time or another. In addition, the interviewers observed that more women than men indicated safety as a concern and that more people were aware of safety in the evening when there were fewer people downtown. As two possible solutions to their security concerns, the users suggested that:
a)
the lighting in the Square be improved; and
b)
there should be police patrolling.
TABLE 6 FEEL SAFE IN THE SQUARE
Response
#
Yes
379
74.2
20
3.9
Not in evening
105
20.5
Did not answer
3 4
0.6
511
100.0
No
Other Comments* Total
%
0.8
* Other comments included (a) not late at night and (b) only when there are lots of people nearby.
9.0 USER ANALYSIS
The user analysis was prepared through a combination of information obtained from respondents answering questions and observations made by the interviewers. This Section of the report is intended to provide information on: a)
who uses the Square, and
b)
what do these people do while in the Square.
This section does not attempt however, to analyze what types of improvements are required to accommodate these users.
9.1 Characteristics of the Users The interviewers were instructed to attempt to interview users of all ages and also interview a representative ratio of male to female respondents. Both interviewer observations and survey results indicate that there is a relatively equal proportion of male and female users of the Square. As indicated in Table 7, 50.9% of the respondents were male and 46.7% were female.
TABLE 7 GENDER OF RESPONDENT Gender
II
Male
260
50.9
Female
237
46.4
14
2.7
511
100.0
Not shown on survey Total
With regards to the age distribution of the respondents, it was found that
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very few children under the age of 14 years (only 2.0% of total sampling) and very few senior citizens (only 1.6% of the total sampling) frequent the Square (Table 10). As illustrated in Table 8, this age breakdown is supported as well by the fact that 87.3% of the users surveyed did not have any children with them. Of the 9.6% that did _
children with them very few, only 3.7%, had two or more
children with them in the Square (Table 9). Attempts were made to obtain views from the children, however, in most instances the children were either too young or the parents preferred to answer the questions themselves. TABLE 8 RESPONDENTS WITH CHILDREN
Response Yes
49
9.6
No
446
87.3
16
3.1
511
100.0
Undetermined Total
TABLE 9 SIZE OF FAMILIES IN SQUARE
Number of Children None
446
87.3
One
28
5.5
Two
15
2.9
Three
3
0.6
Four
1
0.2
18
3.5
511
100.0
Undetermined Total
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As may be expected, more teenagers, 8.2%, than children, 2.0%, visited the Square. However most of Churchill Square users were definitely within the average working age group of 20 to 59 years old with the majority being in the 20 to 29 years old category. Table 10 provides a breakdown of the age groups of the respondents. TABLE 10 AGE OF RESPONDENT Age Category 0 - 9 years
5
1.0
10 - 14 years
5
1.0
15 - 19 years
42
8.2
20 - 29 years
251
49.1
30 - 39 years
108
21.1
40 - 49 years
61
11.9
50 - 59 years
22
4.3
8
1.6
9 511
1.8
60 years and over Undetermined Total
100.0
Since the majority of the users were adults, it was not surprising that 52.8% of the respondents were alone and 34.8% were accompanied by only one other person. Very few groups of three people visited the Square while the surveys were being conducted. Table 11 provides a breakdown of the sizes of groups visiting the Square.
- 17-
TABLE 11 AVERAGE SIZE OF GROUPS IN THE SQUARE Size Respondent Alone
270
52.8
With 1 person
178
34.8
With 2 people
36
7.0
With 3 people
14
2.7
3
0.6
10
2.0
511
100.0
With more than 3 people Undetermined Total
What was unexpected however, was that the majority of respondents 67.5%, did not work within walking distance, defined as within four blocks, of the Square. In fact, as outlined in Table 12, only 31.7% of all respondents worked within easy walking distance of the Square. TABLE 12 WORK LOCATION OF RESPONDENTS
Within Walking Distance of the Square (4 Blocks) Yes
162
31.7
No
345
67.5
14
0.8
511
100.0
No Answer Total
It is interesting to note as well that only 29.1% of the respondents lived near or within the Downtown. As indicated in Table 13, 48.5% of the
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respondents live within the City but not in or near the downtown and 5.7% live within the Edmonton Region (e.g. St. Albert, Sherwood Park, etc). The remaining 15.9% were visitors to Edmonton.
TABLE 13 RESIDENCE LOCATION OF RESPONDENTS
Downtown
65
12.7
Near Downtown
84
16.4
Within the City
248
48.5
Edmonton Region
29
5.7
Alberta
41
8.0
Canada
30
5.9
Outside Canada
10
2.0
4
0.8
511
100.0
No Answer
Although the majority of respondents neither lived nor worked Downtown, a total of 45.0% visited Churchill Square at least once or twice a week. As indicated in Table 14, an additional 14.9% of users frequent the Square at least once a month. This indicates that while the Square is important as a tourist attraction, 11.2% of the respondents were tourists, it is also an important recreational area for Edmonton's citizens.
TABLE 14 FREQUENCY OF VISITS TO THE SQUARE
Everyday
45
8.8
Every work day
67
13.1
118
23.1
Bi-weekly
33
6.5
Monthly
43
8.4
Infrequently
86
16.8
Tourist
57
11.2
Business visit
12
2.3
For special events
49
9.6
1
0.2
511
100.0
Once or twice a week
No answer Total
9.2 Use of the Square Another important component of the user analysis is the actions of the users while in the Square. The interviewers were instructed to rotate around and throughout the Square and to observe what the users were doing.
The Square was broken into five proportional location areas. Area 1 being the centre, 2 being the northwest corner, 3 the northeast corner, 4 the southwest corner and 5 the southeast corner. A diagram of the areas is given in question 17 of Appendix II. Table 15 provides a breakdown of the number of respondents found in each geographical area.
TABLE 15 GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION OF RESPONDENT DURING INTERVIEW Location Centre
115
22.5
North West
104
20.4
North East
72
14.1
South West
141
27.6
South East
68
13.3
No answer
11
2.2
511
100.0
Total
It is interesting to note that a sunny location was the most popular with 56.6% of the respondents positioning themselves in the sun and only 33.5% in the shade. (see Table 16.) In comparing Table 16 with the geographical location of the respondents given in Table 15, it is noteworthy that the area which was least popular, the southeast corner, is also the area which due to trees, flower gardens, etc. is least accessible for laying or sitting in the sun.
TABLE 16 LOCATION OF USER IN RELATION TO THE ENVIRONMENT Location Sun
289
56.6
Shade
171
33.5
Overcast
40
7.8
No answer
11
2.2
511
100.0
Total
-21 -
Table 17 provides an overview of the activities of the users in the Square, as observed during the study. The most popular "activities" were either sitting on the grass (28.2% of respondents) or sitting on benches (27.8% of respondents). Another popular activity was strolling through the Square (27.6%). It is important to mention that the activities of the respondents may also have been determined by both the events being held in the Square and the number of people in the Square at the time of the interviews. For example, if the Square had over 100 people in it, (as it did 25.7% of the time according to the interviewer observations in Table 18), there may not have been any vacant benches left to sit on. This may also explain why more benches was considered by users to be the most desired improvement to the Square.
TABLE 17 ACTIVITIES OF RESPONDENTS IN SQUARE
Position 141
27.6
50
9.8
Sitting on a bench
142
27.8
Sitting on the grass
144
28.2
13
2.5
Viewing an event
2
O.
Eating lunch
2
0.4
Walking around perimeter
2
0.4
Vendor selling goods
5
1.0
10
2.0
511
100.0
Walking Standing
Laying on the grass
No answer Total
TABLE 18
APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN THE SQUARE DURING THE INTERVIEWS
Approximate Number of People 1 - 50 people
#
%
292
57.1
51 - 100 people
72
14.1
101 - 150 people
49
9.6
151 - 200 people
29
5.7
over 200 people
53
10.4
No answer
16
3.1
511
100.0
Total
APPENDIX I
STUDY AREA AND SURVEY APPROACH
APPENDIX I: STUDY AREA AND SURVEY APPROACH 1.0 Survey Sampling Frame In order to obtain a representative sampling of the users of Sir Winston Churchill Square, the following factors were considered in determining the sample frame: a) the number of surveys required, b)
the users during special events in comparison to the users during non special events,
c) day of the week, d) time of day, e) age and gender of the respondent. 1.1 Number of Surveys Calculations showed that, assuming an unbiased sample, in order to obtain a 95% confidence limit, at a plus or minus 5% error range, when the choice of a response is 50%, a minimum sampling of 400 surveys would be required. Due to the positive reaction to the survey, approximately 90% of those people approached agreed to be surveyed, 511 surveys were completed. 1.2 Apportionment of Users Surveyed The surveys were conducted over a four week period from 1983 07 22 to 1983 08 21. After reviewing the schedule of events for Sir Winston Churchill Square during July and August, it was found that the majority of weekends and many weekdays were designated for special events in the Square. (These special events included Universiade City Celebrations, Klondike Days, Summerfest, and Jazz City). Table 19 provides a summary of the dates the surveys were conducted. Although the survey was conducted during many of the special events in the Square, only 9.6% of the people surveyed indicated that they came to the Square primarily during special events. Therefore, users surveyed did not represent merely special events users, but rather general users. (Refer to Table 20.) - 25 -
TABLE
19
DATES OF SURVEY
Date
#
22 07 83
69
13.5
23 07 83
87 70
%
03 08 83
88 49
04 08 83
40
17.0 13.7 17.2 9.6 7.8
20 08 83 21 08 83
80 28 511
15.7 5.5 100.0
24 07 83 02 08 83
Total
TABLE 20 SURVEY SCHEDULE DAY/DATE
TIMES
EVENTS
FRIDAY July 22/83
1:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Klondike Days (noon hour)
SATURDAY July 23/83
11:00 am - 8:00 pm
Klondike Days
SUNDAY July 24/83
1:00 am - 7:00 pm
Klondike Days
MONDAY July 25/83
11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Klondike Days (noon hour)
TUESDAY August 2/83
11:00 am - 2:00 pm 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
No special event
WEDNESDAY August 3/83
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Summerfest
THURSDAY August 4/83
4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Summerfest
FRIDAY August 5/83
11:00 am - 3:00 pm 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Summerfest
SATURDAY August 20/83
11:00 am - 8:00 pm
Summerfest
SUNDAY August 21/83
12:00 am - 7:00 pm
No special event
1.3 Day of the Week Surveys were conducted on each day of the week excluding Mondays. It was generally felt that since neither Monday or Tuesday were late night shopping nights the users would be similar on both days. Table 21 gives a detailed breakdown of the number and percentage of surveys conducted on each day of the week. Proportionately, 48.1% of the surveys conducted were on weekdays and 51.9% were on weekends. This was considered a reasonable appointment as the Square was usually quite busy on the weekends due to a combination of the sunny and hot weather conditions and the special events being held in the Square.
TABLE 21 NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF SURVEYS PER DAY OF WEEK
#
Day of Week
% 0
0
109
21.3
Wednesday
28
5.5
Thursday
40
7.8
Friday
69
13.5
166
32.5
99
19.4
511
100.0
Monday Tuesday
Saturday Sunday Total
1.4 Time of Day Table 22 provides a breakdown of the time of the day the survey was conducted. Although the interviewers were in the Square at various times, from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, observations quickly revealed that the majority of the park users visited the Square in the late morning and afternoon. Very few people were in the Square during the early morning (9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.) and those that were, were generally walking through the Square and did not wish to be stopped to be interviewed.
- 28 -
The Square was the busiest from 11:01 am to 6:00 pm. Although the Square was relatively busy from 11:01 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with Downtown employees taking advantage of the open space during their lunch hour, from 1:01 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., more surveys were conducted.
This was attributed to the fact that
people often did not wish to be disturbed during their lunch hour and that due to the fact that Klondike Days and Summerfest special events continued on after lunch until mid-afternoon, many people were taking either late or extended lunch hours. There was a sharp reduction in the number of people in the Square after office hours, with only 6.5% of the surveys being conducted from 6:01 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and even fewer, 2.3%, from 7:01 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. After office hours there were considerably fewer people in the Square and the interviewers found it extremely difficult to complete many surveys. People were still receptive to answering questions, however. At times during the evenings there were only one or two people in the entire Square. TABLE 22 NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF SURVEYS BY TIME Time 1 1
0.2
11:01 a.m. - Noon
40
7.8
12:01 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
51
10.0
1:01 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
18.2
2:01 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
93 63
3:01 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
54
12.3 10.6
4:01 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
54
10.6
6:00 p.m.
49
9.6
6:01 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
6.5
7:01 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
33 12
No answer
60
11.8
511
100.0
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. 10:01 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
5:01 p.m.
Total
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0.2
2.3
1.5 Ages and Gender of Respondents Interviewers were instructed to observe both the ages and the gender of the people using the Square and then to attempt to get a representative ratio of these users. The result was as anticipated in that there was almost an equal ratio of male to female users (50.9% were male and 46.7% were female) and the majority of users were in the average working age group of between 20 to 59 years old. A more detailed analysis of the ages and gender of respondents is provided in the User Analysis (Section 9 of this report).
1.6 Weather Conditions As indicated in Table 23, the majority of the surveys were conducted on days it was either sunny and hot or sunny and mild. Only one of the survey days was somewhat overcast and, as can be expected, only 37 surveys could be completed on that day. Considering the number of conditions affecting this survey, it is generally felt that a good sampling was achieved and therefore it is reasonable to conclude that the survey results reflect the desired 95% confidence limit.
TABLE 23 WEATHER CONDITIONS DURING SURVEY
Weather Condition
#
%
Sunny & Hot
381
74.6
Sunny & Mild
91
17.8
Overcast
25
4.9
Cool
12
2.3
2
0.4
511
100.0
No Answer Total
APPENDIX II
USERS' SURVEY
SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL SQUARE USER SURVEY Date:
Survey No.:
Day:SMTWThFS 12 34 5 67
Time:
Weather: Sunny/hot Sunny/mild Overcast Cool Rainy/drizzly 1 2 3 4 5 Interviewer's name: Note: All questions to be asked are in capital letters. Instructions are in lower case. If surveying a child (under 14) parental permission must be obtained. _. I HAVE BEEN HIRED BY THE CITY OF HELLO, MY NAME IS EDMONTON PLANNING DEPARTMENT TO CONDUCT A SURVEY TO GET PUBLIC OPINION ON IMPROVING SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL SQUARE. THIS WILL ONLY TAKE THREE OR FOUR MINUTES. MAY I ASK YOU A FEW QUESTIONS? If 'no' THANK THE RESPONDENT and proceed to another interview. Keep record of the number of persons refusing to be surveyed. If 'yes' continue: 1.
WHAT PART OF THE CITY DO YOU LIVE IN? Downtown Near Downtown Within the City Edmonton Region
2.
1 2 3 4
Alberta Canada Outside Canada
5 6 7
Ask only if they live within Edmonton or the Edmonton Region. DO YOU WORK WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OF SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL SQUARE? (4 blocks) Yes 1
3.
No 2
HOW OFTEN DO YOU VISIT SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL SQUARE? Everyday Every work day
1 2
Once or twice a week Once every two weeks
3 4
Monthly Infrequently (less than once a month) Tourist Business visits only Only during special events
5 6 7 8 9
L. IN ORDER TO MAKE SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL SQUARE MORE ENJOYABLE, OUR LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS NEED TO KNOW WHAT YOU, AS A USER OF THE PARK, WOULD LIKE TO SEE. I AM GOING TO LIST SOME POSSIBLE CHANGES TO THE PARK. PLEASE TELL ME IF THEY WOULD INCREASE YOUR USE AND ENJOYMENT OF THE PARK. UNDECIDED
YES
NO
More trees
1
2
3
More benches
1
2
3
More flower gardens
1
2
3
A decorative fountain or pool
1
2
3
Improved pedestrian access
1
2
3
A stage area
1
2
3
More decorative lighting
1
2
3
More vending operations
1
2
3
A hard surfaced area to watch ceremonies
1
2
3
Skating in the winter
1
2
3
Washroom facilities
1
2
3
Different levels (terraces)
1
2
3
Sloping landscaping (eg. Beaverhill Park)
1
2
3
More pathways
1
2
3
Other
5a. DO YOU FEEL SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL SQUARE SHOULD HOST ORGANIZED ACTIVITIES TO ENTERTAIN PEOPLE? Yes 1
No 2
Undecided 3
Ask part b only if respondent answers yes or is undecided on question 5a.
b.
WOULD YOU SUPPORT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES?
UNDECIDED 3
YES 1
NO 2
Noon concerts
1
2
3
Children's entertainment (e.g. puppet shows)
1
2
3
Evening programs
1
2
3
Weekend fairs
1
2
3
Holiday special events (e.g. bands etc.)
1
2
3
Winter carnivals and ice sculptures
Other 6.
SHOULD SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL SQUARE RECEIVE A HIGHER PRIORITY THAN IT DOES AT PRESENT FOR EXPENDITURE OF CITY TAX DOLLARS? (AT PRESENT IT REQUIRES MONEY PRIMARILY FOR MAINTENANCE.) Yes No Undecided
7.
Other
4
DO YOU FEEL SAFE IN SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL SQUARE? Yes, all the time No Most of the time but not at night
8.
1 2 3
1 2 3
Other
4
DO YOU HAVE ANY FURTHER COMMENTS?
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR PARTICIPATING IN THIS SURVEY. Do not ask but complete the following questions. 9.
Was the respondent male or female? Male 1
10.
Female 2
What was the approximate age of the respondent? 0-9 10 - 14 15 - 19 20 - 29
1 2 3 4
30 - 39 40 - 49 50 - 59 60 and over
- 314 -
5 6 7 8
11.
Was the respondent alone or with a group of people? 1 2 3
Alone With one other person With two other people 12.
a.
13.
No 2
If yes how many?
Was the respondent: Walking through the park? Standing around in the park? Sitting on a bench? Sitting on the grass? Laying on the grass? Viewing special events Eating lunch
14.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Was the respondent standing/sitting in the sun or the shade? Overcast
1 2
Sun Shade 15.
4 5
Did the respondent have any children with him/her? Yes 1
b.
With three other people With more than three
3
Were there many people in the park when the survey was conducted? 4 Busy (151 - 200 people) Crowded (over 200 people) 5
Almost empty (1 - 50 people) 1 A few people (51 - 100 people) 2 Reasonably busy 3 (101 - 150 people)
17. On the following map please indicate the area the respondent was located during the survey.
2
3 1
4 -
APPENDIX III
COMMENTS BY SURVEY RESPONDENTS
APPENDIX III: COMMENTS BY SURVEY RESPONDENTS Question 4: From a list of possibilities, respondents were asked what change to the Square they would support. Then they were asked if they wished to make any further comments regarding changes to the Square. The following is a list of further comments:
Hedges should be planted around the edges to keep out the distraction of traffic. Spray for bugs. Better kept grass would be nice and a drinking fountain is needed. Permanent vending operations would be nice. Enlarge the size of the park. A gazebo is a good idea for the area. Have a small stage area; provide more garbage cans. A gazebo would be nice. Take all that exists out. Lighting along the pathways needed. More decorative lighting would be nice. Skating in the winter could be on the pathways even if it couldn't be on the grass. Statues would be nice. Too many mosquitos, spray for bugs. Skating in the winter is nice, however it ruins the grass and this must be considered. Get chairs closer to activities and provide a drinking foundation. Better grass and improved ice surface in the winter time is desired. Take advantage of sloped landscaping to allow seating for people watching plays, etc. Swings were suggested for the children. More decorative lighting would be nice like in the University Area Lighted path ways are required.
- 37 -
Question 4 continued
Vending operations should be available year round. Paths must be improved. A permanent vending location is needed. A temporary stage is alright. More trees around the edges. A fountain would be nice rather than a pool. Washrooms should be underground. Drinking fountains are needed. An asphalt surface on a portion of the Square would allow skating in the winter time. Plant perennials instead of having to plant flowers every year. A decorative fountain or pool could be turned into a skating rink in the winter. A band shell that could be used as change rooms during the winter. Better access to the LRT should be provided from the Square. Some sloped landscaping is needed to improve the drainage. The current drainage is terrible, thats why there are so many problems with the grass. Improved pedestrian access is needed and could be provided by installing a cross walk. Sloping landscaping would be nice as long as it is practical (i.e. don't over do it). Different trees would be nice. We do not need too many more vending operations. A hard surfaced area to watch ceremonies would be nice so long as there is someplace to sit. Put a drinking fountain in the square. Have more trees around the perimeter. Have a temporary stage area only. Have more benches in the centre. A small decorative fountain or pool would be desirable. Have fewer vending operations than there are at present.
- 38 -
Question 4 continued
Put in a drinking fountain. Have the benches face the street by the bus stops. Have more decorative lighting in the area. Put Put Put The
some benches in the square. a hedge around to allow some privacy from vehicular traffic. washroom facilities underground so that they aren't so obvious. path needs more lighting.
A portable stage area is desirable. Light the path. Put in shady trees and lighting. A decorative fountain is needed. A water fountain for drinking is needed. Install a drinking fountain. A bandstand is needed. Light the pathway better. Light up the bandstand. Keep the area wide open. Put in a small decorative fountain or pool. If you put in a stage, put in seating in front of the stage. Skating would be nice as long as the rink is well maintained. Raise a portion of the activity area so everyone can see when there is an activity. Place benches at right angles so people can talk to each other. More benches are needed. I noticed that the area needs more lighting, especially in the winter time when it gets dark earlier. Have a few more pathways. Make it a walking park. Put more benches within the Square not just on the periphery. There are enough vending operations right now. A hard surfaced area to watch ceremonies would be nice provided it was a limited, defined area.
- 39 -
Question 4 continued Like the Legislative grounds; do a classy job. More "natural" sidewalks, such as those presently in the Square. They are much nicer than the concrete sidewalks. Washroom facilities are an excellent idea. Definitely do not provide different terraces, levels, or sloped landscaping like what is at Beaver Hills park. Provide drinking fountains. Flower gardens would be nice however, don't have too many. Drinking fountains are needed. Put a fence around the square. Put in a water fountain More decorative lighting along the path. Picnic tables and drinking fountains are needed. Put centrally located benches in the park. Have flower gardens at the perimeter. Have a nice decorative fountain or pool but do not make it too dominant. Drinking fountains are needed. Have room for more than just three on a bench. More bushes are needed. Spray for bugs. There should be slightly sloping landscaping. There should be a children's wading pool. Would suggest gas lighting for the decorative lighting. More shade trees are needed. More decorative lighting in the actual gardens and more litter barrels are needed. Good access to parking is needed. More art work is needed in the Square. Keep it small and simple, its too small to get fancy. A children's wading pool is needed. Spray the park for bugs. A temporary stage area is needed. A drinking fountain is needed. Spray for bugs. Have restaurants and cafes surround the Square. - 140 -
Question 4 continued Have portable washroom facilities. A sunken amphitheatre would be nice. Why are the benches on the outside of the Square only? Should have a winding pathway through hills. Soft yellow lights are needed. Drinking fountains are needed. Make the improvements as natural as possible. Put the paths where people walk a lot. A drinking fountain is needed. Do not make it as "hilly" as Beaver Hills Park. Combine gardens with seating areas and install a cement path for the portable stage area. Put more flowers on the periphery. Skating is under utilized in the Square. Invest in terms of programs, not capital. Have portable benches and chairs for special events. An amphitheatre is needed. Have a stage area for Christmas and other special events. Make lighting functional. Better grass is needed. Put washrooms under ground at the LRT Station. On Sundays and when the stores and library are closed, there are no washroom facilities available. Make the park cleaner do not put a sports field or playground in the area. Flower stalls, etc. would create a nice European flavour. Allow the vending operations around the edges of the park rather than in the center of the park. Sloping landscaping is very dangerous at night and should not have been put in Beaver Hill's park. We live in the winter and it is time City Hall realized that we need winter facilities and activities. Have some terraced areas, however do not put in too much terracing. Make more use of the park in the winter time.
- 141 -
Question 4 continued Have tables outside, a water fountain, a band stand, art sculptures, possibly a small outdoor cafe in one corner of the square. Spray for bugs. Put in a small stage area with a hard surfaced area to watch ceremonies. Have vending operations where the sitting areas are. A small cafe would be nice. Skating in the winter time is definitely needed in the Square. A bird feeding area would be a good idea. More garbage cans are needed. A small decorative fountain or pool is desirable. A small stage area is desirable. Put in a decorative fountain or pool, this would help cut out the sound of traffic. Put in a small stage area. You don't want too many more vending operations. It would be nice to see the vending operations with coordinated colors. Put in a few more pathways. Allow more street entertainment. Put in a water fountain. Allow temporary vending operations only. Different levels and terraces are not a good idea because the handicapped should be considered in any park design. Create a pleasant atmosphere. Provide a band shell which is incorporated with a stage area. Historic monuments should be put up and dedications to all the old buildings that were once around the Square but have now been torn down. The area had character before when it was surrounded by all the old buildings but now thats lost. Just a few more flower gardens would be nice. The area definitely needs some more benches. Put in a decorative fountain or pool but make it useful, that is, turn it into a skating rink in the winter time. -42-
Question 4 continued More decorative lighting is definitely needed at night. Put benches in the center. Determine the location of pathways by the routes the people use most. A sloping landscape would be nice but don't make the hills too high. Wind pathways through the hills. Have proper control over the vending operations. Slope landscaping would be nice, however it would make it less accessible for the handicapped. Put flowers around the border. A decorative fountain or pool would simply take up space. A boardwalk would be nice. There should be different types of trees. Benches are needed in the center of the Square, not just around the edges. Washrooms are a good idea but hard to keep clean. Garbage containers are needed. Definitely need some more benches. Washroom facilities are a very good idea. A drinking fountain is needed. Some of the restaurants in the area should stay open in the evenings. Should be more decorative lighting along the path. A stage area is needed near the trees. Flowers around the park, better drainage and seating are needed. The trees are too small. Decorative lighting should be along the path.
Question 5a: Do you feel Sir Winston Churchill Square should host organized activities to entertain people?
Churchill Square should host more cultural events. Occasional activities in the Squareonly. The Square should host some activities but not all the time. Leave some time to allow people to sit quietly in the park. The park should be bigger. Then you could have half of it sloping and half of it flat. The Square should host more activities provided more facilities are made available. Question 5b: The respondents were asked which of a series of activities they would support. Then they were asked if they wished to add to or comment on the list. Have amateur day talent shows More visual experiences such as hot air balloons, dancing and art shows would liven up the park We need more activities for children. Puppet shows, etc. would be nice depending on how many kids attend. Allow time for spontaneous events as well. Have the park available to be booked to allow for organized events. Have the people that book or rent the space clean it up afterwards, thereby maintenance and cost to the City is minimal. Would support concerts and events in evenings and on weekends but unfortunately most summer entertainment (i.e. as with K-days) is at noon so only the downtown workers benefit. A craft show would be nice. Weekend fairs would be nice depending on the size of it. There should be interesting events that the public can go to see. There should be a planned program of activities in the Square which is published and distributed. More outside restaurants and cafes around the Square but not in the Square would be nice. (e.g. in the Old Police building area) Do not have things like carnival rides. - 44 -
Question
5
b continued
Church services and sing songs would be two possible activities in the Square. Hold fashion shows in the Square. We absolutely need winter activities. Make the Square available for groups to host organized activities in the area. Do not bring carnivals into the Square. A rollerskating area would be nice. Proper facilities are required. Right now activities do too much damage and require too much money to maintain the lawn. I would attend winter carnivals and ice sculpture events as long as they are free. Hold noon concerts during the summer months. Have evening programs in the summer. Have more children's festivals and plays. Have children's entertainment on weekends. Have an asphalt surface area for roller skating in the summer and ice skating in winter. Any event must be well promoted in order to draw people downtown. Allow some advertising in the square. Have children's entertainment regularly on Sundays. Hold art shows in the square. Would attend activities in the park, as long as they are free. Do not overdo the special events and holidays. Have noon concerts featuring local talent. Hold noon concerts all year round. I would support as many activities as finances would allow. Weekend fairs are desirable except on Sundays. Musical activities are the most desired events.
-45-
Question 6: Should Sir Winston Churchill Square receive a higher priority than it does at present for expenditure of City tax dollars?
The Square is too small to do very much. A little more money should go to improving the square, but not a lot. The Square should have received high priority for the improvements earlier. The question is whether or not it is necessary to improve the existing grounds. Try to get some donations to fund the park improvements. It's quite possible that Sir Winston Churchill Square should receive a higher priority, however, I'm not sure of how this would affect other improvements. The Square needs more benches. Yes, Sir Winston Churchill Square should receive a higher priority. After all, it is something for the public. The Square should receive a higher priority. However, you could also consider getting more parkland with same dollars instead of fixing up the existing ones. The more green area the better. We must redevelopment the area. Churchill Square should receive a higher priority so long as it does not cut funding for other necessary functions. Free parking would draw more people. The park is maintained relatively well but it desperately needs improvement. More money should be spent on the park if it would bring about the improvements listed. Other things are more important during these economic times. The Heritage Fund should go towards something like the park. Sir Winston Churchill Square should receive a higher priority than just another minor improvement area. Jasper Avenue should have first priority for improvements The park does not need improvements. The park improvements should have been approved before the Convention Centre.
- 46 -
Question 6 continued The ranking Sir Winston Churchill Square should receive in terms of priority of expenditure of City tax dollars, should depend on the improvements being done. The Square should have a higher priority than it does at present for the expenditure of City tax dollars, provided the money is spent on improvements. The Square should only receive a higher priority for items such as lighting. Charge improvements to the business tax. It should receive higher priority than it does at present. It should definitely receive a higher priority than it does at present. The Square should definitely receive a higher priority for expenditure of tax dollars. The priority the Square has in terms of expenditures should depend on the number of people who use the Square. Put the question of whether or not Churchill Square should receive higher priority for expenditure of tax dollars to a vote.
Question 7: Do you feel safe in Sir Winston Churchill Square?
It needs more light in the square. We need more police patrols. Yes, I feel safe in the park, however, I do not feel it is safe for kids and women. Should have security guards on duty. I am undecided as to whether or not I feel safe in the park. When you can see then you feel safe, therefore do not terrace or slope the area. The park at 102 Street and Jasper Avenue is not a safe park and I do not feel safe there. If more people would use the park this in itself would increase the safety level. I would feel safe in the Square as long as other people are there. I would never come here late at night.
- 148 -
Question 8: Do you have any further comments?
More money should go to the Square if it is properly utilized. Better care should be taken of the grass. Hanging plants and shrubs are needed. We like the park the way it is and would not want too many improvements/obstacles. I hope the atmosphere that was achieved downtown due to the University Games continues on next year. The Square is handy, there is good access to it. The central part of a City should do everything possible to make sure it is the focal point of downtown. Edmonton does not appear to have done this. Thanks to the City we have a place like this. Would like a park in his/her neighbourhood. The City should look after the people, we are in a rich place but Edmonton does not offer the people very much. Get rid of City Hall and allow for an extension of the park. The importance of the park should be shown through its scale. The park is well kept, you are doing a wonderful job. Should do something about the soggy grounds (better drainage). It is so small that any design will have to be done carefully so it isn't too busy looking and hard to use. Get rid of the winos. Tear down City Hall, it's an eye sore. Is it possible to close off the street in front of City Hall? The park must be sprayed for bugs. Spray more often for bugs. Block off the sound somehow. I dislike the drugs and the liquor that is being used at the Square. Parks should have eating areas, benches and tables. It's a good location and a great park. - 49 -
Question 8 continued This survey is a great idea. • Artificial turf could possibly be used to cut maintenance costs. More security is needed at night. A decorative fountain would be nice providing it was done tastefully, the fountain could also be used for skating in the winter time. Spray for bugs. Since it is in the downtown it should definitely be improved. This survey was a good idea. This survey is very progressive. There should be a fence up for kids. Spray for bugs. The area definitely needs more lighting. If you put in everything listed in question 4 there wouldn't be much room for anything else. You will have to be careful with the design. Have special events more often. Quit watering the grass during the peak hours. Put the benches into the site instead of backing onto the pedestrian route. Give the area more privacy. Everyone needs retreats away from city life. Put the stage facilities back in More money should be put into the park and someone should be hired locally to do the design. Do not go out of the City or Province to hire someone. Give jobs to local people. Car parks in the area are not good enough - do not fence off Churchill Square. More decorative lighting along the path is required. Improve the north end towards City Hall. Quit watering the grass during special events and lunch hours. The Square should be put to better use.
- 50 -
Question 8 continued There should be more downtown parks rather than just one particular park. There are too many creeps around. It would be too much work to improve the Square. Get rid of the water fall on the High Level Bridge and put a fountain in the square. A fountain in the Square would decrease the noise level from the traffic. I would never come down here late at night alone. This is just part of a very sterile downtown. Get rid of the drunks. It's a place to get away. Get rid of the drunks. Eating facilities should be reinstated. The Square should be improved so people will come downtown and spend some money in the surrounding commercial area. A drinking fountain and bird feeders are definitely needed. Have some sort of seating arrangements for concerts. It's a nice park. Spray for bugs. Keep things going again next year. This summer the downtown was more alive than it has been in years with venders, parades, events, etc. I hope that next year it doesn't revert back to the way it used to be. Put in a stage area or band shell with a small but reasonably sized hard surfaced area in front of it. In the summer this could be used for plays etc. and in the winter the bandshell could be enclosed and used as a skating change room; the hard surfaced area could be flooded for skating. Make the Square useful. Don't just put up berms and plant grass and trees that have to be repaired and maintained after every special event in the park! That would just be a waste of money. Lets keep things going next summer.
- 51 -
Question 8 continued It definitely deserves more attention than what it has been getting. It is the heart of downtown Edmonton therefore it should be attractive. It is the city center and therefore it needs more attention. Seeing that the Square is in front of City Hall it certainly deserves more attention. The park is a tourist attraction and because of this it leaves an impression of the way the City is and at present it does not leave a terribly desirable impression. I really missed the skating rink last year. Although I didn't skate there much, I missed the atmosphere it created. It is absolutely disgraceful to not have skating in the downtown during the winter time. You should liven up as many of the parks as possible. The Square should be properly controlled. The city should promote the Square because of it's easy access being in the centre of the downtown. I hope the downtown doesn't go back to being a dead area like it was without the vendors and Universiade. I'm not sure whether or not I support changes to the Square.