4: COMMUNITY SURVEY GRAPHS

CHAPTER 3 // PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT AND DRAFT PLAN

Community Survey

FEEDBACK An online community survey was disseminated to the public to garner input for the Howard Knob Park Master Plan. The survey examined community opinions concerning existing conditions, use, and possible additional facilities. The survey, distributed through paid social-media promotion and advertised in the Watauga Democrat newspaper, received 263 total responses. This foundational information played a significant role in helping guide steering committee recommendations. The complete survey results can be found in Appendix C.

EXHIBIT: 4 COMMUNITY SURVEY GRAPHS

Survey results indicated the following facilities as most important for improvement: The four most important additional facilities included:

» Viewing Deck Area » Open Green Space » Picnicking Area » Shelter Facilities » Walking Trails » Hiking Trail Access to the Park » Park Information & Signage » Natural Play Areas

Stakeholder Meetings and Draft Plan

This section provides an overview of two major public engagement meetings conducted with the master plan steering committee. During the first meeting (February 2018), the consultant team presented an environmental analysis of the site and the steering committee brainstormed preliminary park improvement ideas. During the second meeting (July 2018), the consultant team revealed results of the online community survey and presented a preliminary sketch plan; steering committee feedback then provided direction for final plan development. This section further describes the results of these meetings.

The consultant team hosted a direction-setting meeting with the steering committee on February 22, 2018. The meeting began with a presentation by the consultant team that featured an overview of study area opportunities and constraints. Steering committee members then shared their ideas and concerns and collectively brainstormed park plan objectives. The meeting concluded with several key next steps: 1) develop and disseminate an online survey to obtain input from local citizens; 2) conduct a community “clean-up” day in June to create interest in the master plan process and online survey; and 3) produce a preliminary site plan for the steering committee to review at the next meeting.

The consultant team met again with the project steering committee on July 23, 2018. The consultant team presented the results of the community survey and a draft site master plan. The draft plan reflected ideas generated from the first steering committee meeting and the primary needs highlighted in the community survey. The committee provided feedback for each proposed facility, ultimately crafting a clear vision for the final plan.

MEETING #1: STEERING COMMITTEE DIRECTION MEETING (FEBRUARY 22, 2018)

MEETING #2: SURVEY RESULTS & DRAFT PLAN PRESENTATION (JULY 23, 2018)

Discussion culminated with agreement on the following needs:

» A viewing platform which enhances the viewshed without being unsightly from the downtown area; » A natural play area built with maintenance-free materials; » Visitor interpretation and education for visible natural features and history; » Revitalized entrance sign; and » A walking trail throughout the park.