Utica Parks Master Plan survey: Sept. 2018

Utica Parks and Recreation Master Plan Oneida County, New York

September 2018

Prepared for: City of Utica Prepared by: Ingalls Planning & Design in association with Bayer Landscape Architecture, Bero Architecture, Larsen Engineers, and Mohawk Valley GIS

APPENDIX B: COMMUNITY SURVEY RESULTS

City of Utica Parks & Recreation Master Plan Community Survey Results

Purpose: The survey was designed to help the City of Utica better understand how people use parks and recreation facilities and programs, as well as what types of improvements are most important.

Dates: The survey was available online from September 5th to November 13th, 2017.

- Meeting attendees took the survey on laptops at the MUCC community workshop on September 26, 2017.

- Proctor High School students took the survey in class on October 16, 2017.

- All other responses are from interested members of the general public.

Responses: Total: 696 Surveys Submitted Online - 326 Surveys from the General Public (opt-in) - 370 Surveys from Proctor High School Students (mandatory)

Topics Covered in the Survey: - Basic Demographic Information - Use and Participation Patterns - Needs and Preferences - Beliefs About the Value of Parks and Recreation - Perceptions - Access and Information

The following pages provide the results from each survey question.

City of Utica Parks and Recreation Survey

SurveyMonkey

Q1 How important are parks, trails, recreation services, and open space to quality of life in the City of Utica?

Answered: 690

Skipped: 6

Not Important 2.5% (17) Somewhat Important Not Important 2.5% (17) 4.9% (34) Somewhat Important Important (34) (114) 4.9% 16.5% Important 16.5% (114)

Extremely Important 51.3% (354) Extremely Important 51.3% (354)

Very Important 24.8% (171) Very Important 24.8% (171) ANSWER CHOICES

RESPONSES

Extremely Important

51.3%

354

Very Important

24.8%

171

Important

16.5%

114

Somewhat Important

4.9%

34

Not Important

2.5%

17

TOTAL

690

1 / 31

City of Utica Parks and Recreation Survey

SurveyMonkey

Q2 Have you (or members of your household) visited any of the parks or trails in Utica during the past year?

Answered: 692

Skipped: 4

No 13.4% (93) No 13.4% (93)

Yes 86.6% (599) Yes 86.6% (599) RESPONSES

ANSWER CHOICES Yes

86.6%

599

No

13.4%

93

TOTAL

692

2 / 31

City of Utica Parks and Recreation Survey

SurveyMonkey

Q3 Approximately how often do you (or members of your household) visit parks or trails in Utica?

Answered: 575

Rarely (less than 5 times a year) Rarely (less than 19.7% 5 times(113) a year)

Skipped: 121

Frequently (once a week or more) Frequently (once a 36.9% week or(212) more)

19.7% (113)

36.9% (212)

Sometimes (1-2 times a month) Sometimes (1-2 43.5%a(250) times month) ANSWER CHOICES

RESPONSES

43.5% (250)

Frequently (once a week or more)

36.9%

212

Sometimes (1-2 times a month)

43.5%

250

Rarely (less than 5 times a year)

19.7%

113

TOTAL

575

3 / 31

City of Utica Parks and Recreation Survey

SurveyMonkey

Q4 Overall, how would you rate the physical condition of ALL of the Utica parks and trails you have visited?

Answered: 572

Great 11.4% (65) Great 11.4% (65)

Excellent 4.7% (27) Excellent 4.7% (27)

Skipped: 124

Poor 11.9% (68) Poor 11.9% (68)

Fair 30.1% (172) Fair 30.1% (172) Good 42.0% (240) Good 42.0% (240) POOR S

11.9% 68

FAIR

30.1% 172

GOOD

42.0% 240

GREAT

EXCELLENT

11.4% 65

TOTAL

4.7% 27

4 / 31

WEIGHTED AVERAGE

572

2.67

City of Utica Parks and Recreation Survey

SurveyMonkey

Q5 Which outdoor recreation facilities do you (and members of your household) use the most often? (Please identify the TOP 4.)

Answered: 649

Skipped: 47

Walking & hiking trails

60.9% 60.9% 41.8%

Playgrounds

41.8% 28.8%

Natural areas

28.8% 26.5%

Soccer/ football fields

26.5% 23.0%

Biking trails

23.0% 20.8%

Basketball courts, outdoor

20.8% Picnic shelters

16.2%

Swimming pools

16.2% 15.6% 15.6%

Fitness stations

13.3% 13.3% 12.8%

Baseball/ softball fields

12.8% Skateboard park

12.5%

Golf course

12.5% 9.7% 9.7% 9.4%

Tennis courts

9.4% 6.6%

Entertainment stage

6.6% Ski area

6.5%

None

6.5% 4.9% 0%

4.9% 10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

ANSWER CHOICES

60%

70%

80%

RESPONSES

5 / 31

90% 100%

City of Utica Parks and Recreation Survey

SurveyMonkey

Walking & hiking trails

60.9%

395

Playgrounds

41.8%

271

Natural areas

28.8%

187

Soccer/ football fields

26.5%

172

Biking trails

23.0%

149

Basketball courts, outdoor

20.8%

135

Picnic shelters

16.2%

105

Swimming pools

15.6%

101

Fitness stations

13.3%

86

Baseball/ softball fields

12.8%

83

Skateboard park

12.5%

81

Golf course

9.7%

63

Tennis courts

9.4%

61

Entertainment stage

6.6%

43

Ski area

6.5%

42

None

4.9%

32

Total Respondents: 649

6 / 31

City of Utica Parks and Recreation Survey

SurveyMonkey

Q6 Have you (or members of your household) visited or utilized the Parkway Recreation Center, located at 220 Memorial Parkway in Roscoe Conkling Park?

Answered: 640

Skipped: 56

No 44.8% (287) No 44.8% (287)

Yes 55.2% (353) Yes 55.2% (353)

ANSWER CHOICES

RESPONSES

Yes

55.2%

353

No

44.8%

287

TOTAL

640

7 / 31

City of Utica Parks and Recreation Survey

SurveyMonkey

Q7 How would you rate the facilities at the Parkway Recreation Center?

Answered: 348

Excellent 7.2% (25) Excellent 7.2% (25)

Skipped: 348

Poor 6.0% (21) Poor 6.0% (21)

Fair 15.5% (54) Fair 15.5% (54)

Great 19.8% (69) Great 19.8% (69)

POOR S

6.0% 21

FAIR

15.5% 54

GOOD

51.4% 179

GREAT

Good 51.4% (179) Good 51.4% (179) EXCELLENT

19.8% 69

7.2% 25

8 / 31

TOTAL

WEIGHTED AVERAGE

348

3.07

City of Utica Parks and Recreation Survey

SurveyMonkey

Q8 Have you (or members of your household) participated in any recreation programs offered by the City of Utica Recreation Department in the past year?

Answered: 638

Skipped: 58

Yes 23.7% (151) Yes 23.7% (151)

No 76.3% (487) No 76.3% (487) ANSWER CHOICES

RESPONSES

Yes

23.7%

151

No

76.3%

487

TOTAL

638

9 / 31

City of Utica Parks and Recreation Survey

SurveyMonkey

Q9 How would you rate the overall quality of the programs in which you (and members of your household) have participated?

Answered: 147

Skipped: 549

Poor 4.8% (7) Poor 4.8% (7)

Excellent 15.0% (22) Excellent 15.0% (22)

Fair 17.7% (26) Fair 17.7% (26)

Great 19.0% (28) Great 19.0% (28)

POOR S

4.8% 7

FAIR

17.7% 26

GOOD

43.5% 64

GREAT

Good 43.5% (64) Good 43.5% (64) EXCELLENT

19.0% 28

15.0% 22

10 / 31

TOTAL

WEIGHTED AVERAGE

147

3.22

City of Utica Parks and Recreation Survey

SurveyMonkey

Q10 How do you (or members of your household) travel to parks, trails, and recreational facilities in Utica? (Select all that apply.)

Answered: 626

Skipped: 70

47.0%

Walk

47.0%

23.5%

Bicycle

23.5%

80.8%

Car/Drive

80.8%

3.8%

Bus/Transit

3.8% 0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES

RESPONSES

Walk

47.0%

294

Bicycle

23.5%

147

Car/Drive

80.8%

506

Bus/Transit

3.8%

Total Respondents: 626

11 / 31

24

City of Utica Parks and Recreation Survey

SurveyMonkey

Q11 Do you prefer developed parks with recreational facilities or do you prefer natural areas with limited recreational facilities?

Answered: 623

Skipped: 73

100% 80%

58.4% 60%

58.4%

40%

22.6%

18.9% 20% 0%

22.6%

18.9% Developed parks (with facilities such as ball fields and picnic areas)

Natural areas (with facilities such as hiking trails and observation points)

I like both types and/or do not have a preference

ANSWER CHOICES

RESPONSES

Developed parks (with facilities such as ball fields and picnic areas)

18.9%

118

Natural areas (with facilities such as hiking trails and observation points)

22.6%

141

I like both types and/or do not have a preference

58.4%

364

TOTAL

623

12 / 31

City of Utica Parks and Recreation Survey

SurveyMonkey

Q12 What type of trail surface do you prefer?

Answered: 625

Skipped: 71

100% 80%

55.4%

60%

55.4%

40%

26.6% 18.1%

20% 0%

26.6%

18.1% I prefer a gravel surface trail

I prefer a hard surface trail

I like both types and/or do not have a preference

ANSWER CHOICES

RESPONSES

I prefer a gravel surface trail

18.1%

113

I prefer a hard surface trail

26.6%

166

I like both types and/or do not have a preference

55.4%

346

TOTAL

625

13 / 31

City of Utica Parks and Recreation Survey

SurveyMonkey

Q13 What types of parks and amenities does the City of Utica need more of? (Please select your TOP 3 choices.)

Answered: 618

Skipped: 78

Natural area with water

51.6% 51.6%

Biking, walking trails

43.5% 43.5%

Active waterfront area

38.0% 38.0% 31.6%

Play areas for children

31.6% 25.1%

Water features

25.1% 22.2%

Indoor turf sports fields

22.2%

Outdoor turf sports fields

19.1% 19.1% 14.1%

Shelters or lodges

14.1% 6.8%

None 0%

6.8%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES

RESPONSES

Natural area with water

51.6%

319

Biking, walking trails

43.5%

269

Active waterfront area

38.0%

235

Play areas for children

31.6%

195

Water features

25.1%

155

Indoor turf sports fields

22.2%

137

Outdoor turf sports fields

19.1%

118

Shelters or lodges

14.1%

87

None

6.8%

42

Total Respondents: 618

14 / 31

City of Utica Parks and Recreation Survey

SurveyMonkey

Q14 Please indicate if you (or any member of your household) have a need for each of the parks and recreational facilities listed below. Does your household have a need for: Answered: 591

Skipped: 105

42.0%

Walking trails

42.0%

Children’s playgrounds

32.5% 32.5%

Nature center and trails

28.9% 28.9% 25.2%

Large community parks

25.2%

Basketball courts

24.9% 24.9% 24.0%

Picnic facilities

24.0%

Community gardens

23.7% 23.7% 22.5%

Youth soccer fields

22.5% Gymnasiums

21.0%

Fishing areas

21.0% 20.3%

Neighborhood parks Off-road cycling trails

20.3% 19.5% 19.5% 17.8% 17.8%

Sledding areas

Cross country skiing trails

17.1% 17.1% 16.1% 16.1%

Spray parks

Skateboarding parks Youth football fields Youth baseball & softball...

15.1% 15.1% 15.1% 15.1% 13.7% 13.7% 13.0% 13.0%

15 / 31

City of Utica Parks and Recreation Survey

SurveyMonkey

13.0%

& softball...

13.0%

Downhill skiing areas

12.5% 12.5% 11.2%

Outdoor tennis courts

11.2% 10.8%

Turf fields

10.8% 8.3%

Adult softball fields

8.3%

Pickleball courts

6.4% 0%

6.4%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES

RESPONSES

Walking trails

42.0%

248

Children’s playgrounds

32.5%

192

Nature center and trails

28.9%

171

Large community parks

25.2%

149

Basketball courts

24.9%

147

Picnic facilities

24.0%

142

Community gardens

23.7%

140

Youth soccer fields

22.5%

133

Gymnasiums

21.0%

124

Fishing areas

20.3%

120

Neighborhood parks

19.5%

115

Off-road cycling trails

17.8%

105

Sledding areas

17.1%

101

Cross country skiing trails

16.1%

95

Spray parks

15.1%

89

Skateboarding parks

15.1%

89

Youth football fields

13.7%

81

Youth baseball & softball fields

13.0%

77

12.5%

74

Outdoor tennis courts

11.2%

66

Turf fields

10.8%

64

Adult softball fields

8.3%

49

Downhill skiing areas

16 / 31

City of Utica Parks and Recreation Survey

SurveyMonkey 6.4%

Pickleball courts Total Respondents: 591

17 / 31

38

City of Utica Parks and Recreation Survey

SurveyMonkey

Q15 Please select all the reasons that prevent you (or other members of your household) from using parks, recreation facilities and programs of the City of Utica Parks and Recreation Department more often.

Answered: 588

Nothing prevents me

Skipped: 108

36.6% 36.6%

Facilities are old or not w...

25.2% 25.2%

I do not know what is bein...

22.3% 22.3% 20.9%

Security is insufficient...

20.9%

Facilities do not have the...

18.2% 18.2% 14.1%

Too far from our home

14.1%

Program or facility not...

12.9% 12.9% 11.7%

Lack of quality...

11.7%

Availability of parking

10.4% 10.4% 8.7%

Program times are not...

8.7%

Fees are too high

8.3% 8.3% 7.1%

Use services of other...

7.1%

Facility operating ho...

6.0% 6.0% 5.6%

Registration for programs...

5.6% 5.6%

Health problems

5.6% 5.1%

Poor customer service by...

0%

5.1% 10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

18 / 31

60%

70%

80%

90% 100%

City of Utica Parks and Recreation Survey

SurveyMonkey

ANSWER CHOICES

RESPONSES

Nothing prevents me

36.6%

215

Facilities are old or not well maintained

25.2%

148

I do not know what is being offered

22.3%

131

Security is insufficient / I feel unsafe

20.9%

123

Facilities do not have the right equipment

18.2%

107

Too far from our home

14.1%

83

Program or facility not offered

12.9%

76

Lack of quality programs

11.7%

69

Availability of parking

10.4%

61

Program times are not convenient

8.7%

51

Fees are too high

8.3%

49

Use services of other organizations

7.1%

42

Facility operating hours are not convenient

6.0%

35

Registration for programs is difficult

5.6%

33

Health problems

5.6%

33

Poor customer service by staff

5.1%

30

Total Respondents: 588

19 / 31

City of Utica Parks and Recreation Survey

SurveyMonkey

Q16 Please indicate if you (or any member of your household) have a need for each of the recreation programs listed below. Does your household have a need for: Answered: 517

Fitness and wellness...

Skipped: 179

35.2% 35.2% 32.7%

Art, dance, performing a...

32.7%

Youth summer camp programs

29.0% 29.0% 28.6%

Youth sports programs

28.6%

Before/after school programs

28.0% 28.0% 25.3%

Community special events

25.3%

Holiday-themed events

23.2% 23.2% 22.1%

Adult sports programs

22.1%

Community gardening...

19.9% 19.9% 17.2%

Martial arts programs

17.2%

Water fitness programs

16.6% 16.6% 15.5%

Bicycle skills and safety...

15.5%

Preschool programs

15.1% 15.1% 12.2%

Senior adults programs

12.2%

Tennis lessons and leagues

11.8% 11.8% 7.9%

Adaptive (special...

0%

7.9%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

20 / 31

60%

70%

80%

90% 100%

City of Utica Parks and Recreation Survey

SurveyMonkey

ANSWER CHOICES

RESPONSES

Fitness and wellness programs

35.2%

182

Art, dance, performing arts programs

32.7%

169

Youth summer camp programs

29.0%

150

Youth sports programs

28.6%

148

Before/after school programs

28.0%

145

Community special events

25.3%

131

Holiday-themed events

23.2%

120

Adult sports programs

22.1%

114

Community gardening programs

19.9%

103

Martial arts programs

17.2%

89

Water fitness programs

16.6%

86

Bicycle skills and safety programs

15.5%

80

Preschool programs

15.1%

78

Senior adults programs

12.2%

63

Tennis lessons and leagues

11.8%

61

Adaptive (special population) programs

7.9%

41

Total Respondents: 517

21 / 31

City of Utica Parks and Recreation Survey

SurveyMonkey

Q17 Are you a Utica resident?

Answered: 595

Skipped: 101

No 15.5% (92) No 15.5% (92)

Yes 84.5% (503) Yes 84.5% (503) RESPONSES

ANSWER CHOICES Yes

84.5%

503

No

15.5%

92

TOTAL

595

22 / 31

City of Utica Parks and Recreation Survey

SurveyMonkey

Q18 Would you be willing to pay more for improvements to Utica’s parks, recreation, open space, or trail resources?

Answered: 491

Skipped: 205

100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0%

47.3%

48.3%

46.1%

40.1%

47.3%

48.3%

46.1%

40.1%

22.9%

27.1%

22.9%

27.1%

29.8% 29.8%

Yes

Park Facilities Recreation Programs Open Space Trails

No

28.2%

24.9%

24.7%

Park Facilities

28.2%

24.9%

24.7%

Recreation Programs

29.0%

31.7%

29.0%

31.7%

Open Space

Trails

Maybe, depending on projects and amount

YES

NO

MAYBE, DEPENDING ON PROJECTS AND AMOUNT

29.8% 142

22.9% 109

47.3% 225

476

2.17

24.7% 113

27.1% 124

48.3% 221

458

2.24

29.0% 134

24.9% 115

46.1% 213

462

2.17

31.7% 146

28.2% 130

40.1% 185

461

2.08

23 / 31

TOTAL

WEIGHTED AVERAGE

City of Utica Parks and Recreation Survey

SurveyMonkey

Q19 Please indicate your priorities for using taxpayer dollars to improve the parks and recreation system. (For each project type, indicate your level of priority.)

Answered: 490

Skipped: 206

100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0%

Improved mowing & grounds

High

Improved general maintenance

Neutral

Safety measures (patrolling & lighting)

Renovations to existing parks and facilities

Building new parks and facilities

More recreation programs

Low HIGH

Improved mowing & grounds Improved general maintenance Safety measures (patrolling & lighting) Renovations to existing parks and facilities Building new parks and facilities More recreation programs

24 / 31

NEUTRAL

LOW

TOTAL

25.7% 123

60.5% 289

13.8% 66

478

39.6% 188

49.7% 236

10.7% 51

475

44.5% 210

45.8% 216

9.7% 46

472

39.6% 186

49.4% 232

11.1% 52

470

42.2% 197

44.5% 208

13.3% 62

467

31.1% 144

53.6% 248

15.3% 71

463

City of Utica Parks and Recreation Survey

SurveyMonkey

Q20 How often do you visit OTHER recreation facilities? (Please check the box that reflects how frequently you visit each type of facility.)

Answered: 571

YMCA

Private Gym/ Fitness Club

9.7%

15.7%

14.0%

60.6%

9.7% 15.7% 19.4%

14.0% 23.7%

60.6%

19.4%

School Facilities

Regional Parks

Golf Courses

Parks Outside Utica

Skipped: 125

17.8%

23.7%

17.8%

29.4%

25.0%

29.4% 17.5%

25.0% 37.9%

17.5%

37.9%

12.7%

16.4%

17.0%

12.7% 20.7%

16.4%

17.0% 35.4%

20.7%

Trails Outside Utica

22.0% 10%

27.3%

18.4% 24.4%

27.3% 20.2%

24.4%

20.2%

53.9% 53.9% 28.0%

20%

30%

FREQUENTLY (ONCE A WEEK OR MORE)

15.9%

27.6%

30.0%

40%

Rarely (less than 5 times a year)

15.9%

28.0%

30.0% 50%

Frequently (once a week or more)

YMCA

39.1% 18.4%

35.4%

22.0% 0%

39.1%

27.6%

60%

70%

20.3% 80%

20.3%

90% 100%

Sometimes (1-2 times a month) Never

SOMETIMES (1-2 TIMES A MONTH)

RARELY (LESS THAN 5 TIMES A YEAR)

NEVER

TOTAL

9.7% 51

15.7% 83

14.0% 74

60.6% 320

528

Private Gym/ Fitness Club

19.4% 105

23.7% 128

17.8% 96

39.1% 211

540

School Facilities

29.4% 155

25.0% 132

18.4% 97

27.3% 144

528

17.5% 92

37.9% 199

24.4% 128

20.2% 106

525

12.7% 65

16.4% 84

17.0% 87

53.9% 276

512

Parks Outside Utica

20.7% 112

35.4% 191

28.0% 151

15.9% 86

540

Trails Outside Utica

22.0% 118

30.0% 161

27.6% 148

20.3% 109

536

Regional Parks Golf Courses

25 / 31

City of Utica Parks and Recreation Survey

SurveyMonkey

Q21 Please check ALL of the ways that you learn about City of Utica Parks and Recreation Department programs, facilities, and activities.

Answered: 548

Skipped: 148

53.5%

Facebook

53.5% 48.4%

Friends and neighbors

48.4% Television

35.8%

Newspaper

35.8% 33.0% 33.0%

City website

32.1%

School fliers

32.1% 26.6% 26.6% 23.7%

Radio

23.7% 17.5%

Promotions at City events

17.5% 14.8%

Twitter

14.8% 10.2%

Conversations with Recreat...

10.2%

Other (please specify)

6.6% 0%

6.6%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES

RESPONSES

Facebook

53.5%

293

Friends and neighbors

48.4%

265

Television

35.8%

196

Newspaper

33.0%

181

City website

32.1%

176

School fliers

26.6%

146

Radio

23.7%

130

Promotions at City events

17.5%

96

Twitter

14.8%

81

26 / 31

City of Utica Parks and Recreation Survey

SurveyMonkey

Conversations with Recreation staff

10.2%

56

Other (please specify)

6.6%

36

Total Respondents: 548

27 / 31

City of Utica Parks and Recreation Survey

SurveyMonkey

Q22 Please rate your satisfaction on a scale of 1 to 5 with the overall value your household receives from the City of Utica Parks & Recreation Department.

Answered: 556

Very Dissatisfied 7.0% (39) Very Dissatisfied Somewhat 7.0% (39) Dissatisfied Somewhat 8.5% (47) Dissatisfied

Very Satisfied 8.3% (46) Very Satisfied 8.3% (46) Somewhat Satisfied 22.8% (127) Somewhat Satisfied 22.8% (127)

VERY DISSATISFIED S

7.0% 39

Skipped: 140

8.5% (47)

SOMEWHAT DISSATISFIED

NEUTRAL

8.5% 47

Neutral 53.4% (297) Neutral 53.4% (297) SOMEWHAT SATISFIED

53.4% 297

28 / 31

22.8% 127

VERY SATISFIED

8.3% 46

TOTAL

556

WEIGHTED AVERAGE

3.17

City of Utica Parks and Recreation Survey

SurveyMonkey

Q23 Additional thoughts, suggestions, or feedback pertaining to parks, trails, recreational programs, or facilities in the City of Utica?

Answered: 207

Skipped: 489

See response summary at end of document.

29 / 31

City of Utica Parks and Recreation Survey

SurveyMonkey

Q24 What is your age range?

Answered: 567

Skipped: 129

80 + 70-79 60-69 70-79 50-59 60-69 40-49 50-59 40-49

80 +

30-39 30-39 Under 18 Under 18 19-29 19-29

ANSWER CHOICES

RESPONSES

Under 18

57.67%

327

19-29

16.58%

94

30-39

6.35%

36

40-49

5.47%

31

50-59

5.47%

31

60-69

5.11%

29

70-79

1.41%

8

80 +

1.94%

11

TOTAL

567

30 / 31

City of Utica Parks and Recreation Survey

SurveyMonkey

Q25 If you have children residing in your household, what age(s) are they?

Answered: 548

Skipped: 148

8.4%

0-23 months

8.4% 13.5%

2-5 years old

13.5% 22.8%

6-12 years old

22.8% 22.1%

13-18 years old

22.1% I do not have children...

51.5% 51.5% 0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES

RESPONSES

0-23 months

8.4%

46

2-5 years old

13.5%

74

6-12 years old

22.8%

125

13-18 years old

22.1%

121

I do not have children residing in my household.

51.5%

282

Total Respondents: 548

31 / 31

City of Utica Parks and Recreation Survey Additional thoughts, suggestions, or feedback pertaining to parks, trails, recreational programs, or facilities in the City of Utica?

Response Date

Responses

Nov 09 2017 Promote the programs via radio, the Utica Scene, since it automatically goes to residents. I frequent many programs with my children that i read about in the Utica Scene. Create parks in safe areas, away from road 1 07:41 PM It would be nice to have playgrounds for kids that are in good condition, even grounds, safe climbing equipment, swings that Nov 09 2017 work, maybe important to have park staff available to protect parks from adults damaging equipment ment for kids, using drugs and alcohol and leaving dangerous trash around 2 07:07 PM Nov 07 2017 You can find my proposal for a disc golf course on Facebook at Utica Disc Golf 3 02:21 PM Nov 04 2017 Using space for things the city doesn't already have, like disc golf would be beneficial.

4 10:27 AM Nov 03 2017 New pavement to make walking, biking, etc. easier 5 10:36 PM Nov 02 2017 Utica parks are not well promoted. Disc golf courses would be a good addition.

6 06:06 AM Nov 01 2017 Eliminate cost to tax payers by shutting down the parks and letting them return to nature. Post, “Enter at your own risk!� signs to eliminate liability. Turn appropriate areas into state allowed hunting and or fishing areas.

7 07:59 PM Nov 01 2017 I run a UTICA summer program and would love to have positive places and programs for them.

8 06:30 PM Nov 01 2017 Despite limited budget, the City does an amazing job with beautifying and landscaping parks.

9 12:45 PM Nov 01 2017 I believe they are important for members of the communities in Utica.

10 12:34 PM Oct 31 2017 Restoration and better regular maintenance.

11 02:18 PM Utica has great parks and trails that with more resources could be developed into even better areas. It would be great to link area better by providing safe walking/biking connections. I would like to see the trails at the park way consistently groomed for xOct 31 2017 country skiing with a path for walkers maintained also. Signs educating walkers in the winter to stay out of ski tracks and to clean up after pets would be beneficial.

12 12:46 PM Oct 31 2017 So happy that the parks are smoke free!

13 10:48 AM Oct 30 2017 I think we are getting better at providing open parks to residents in the City and it reminds me of how the parks were when I was growing up.

15 03:38 PM Oct 30 2017 We need more safe bike areas. I don't like that I have to drive my bike on my car to get to the area that is safe to cycle. It looses the point 16 03:06 PM Oct 30 2017 want to feel safe 17 12:58 PM Oct 30 2017 continue to plow the big walking oval in Proctor Park right through the winter. Many people use it all winter including me.

18 11:41 AM Oct 30 2017 Please align investments with neighborhoods with individuals with fewer resources, i.e. Cornhill and West Utica.

19 11:36 AM Oct 30 2017 20 11:26 AM Oct 30 2017 21 11:22 AM Oct 30 2017 22 11:08 AM

General upkeep of the parks is very important, Proctor in particular Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are inexpensive, and could become VERY popular in the city, with a little attention to trail (even cooperative residents/civic groups!), Idevelopment, would like to maintenance see a dog park developed at FT maintenance, Proctor Park. involving The closest one is NH Town Park and and marketing!

I think FT Proctor Park would be a great venue for it and allow the city to gain some income from allowing use to it. There are already a ton of dogs walking at that park, so a place for them to run off leash would be ideal.

Oct 18 2017 i like to there be opening huge and nice park of utica 23 01:54 PM Oct 18 2017 We need ride.

24 01:52 PM Oct 18 2017 31 12:18 PM Oct 18 2017 32 12:16 PM Oct 18 2017 34 12:13 PM Oct 18 2017 35 11:46 AM

more trees They are nice It would be nice if an outdoor volleyball court could be incorporated into some of these parks.

There should be more trails

Oct 18 2017 Make the parks cleaner and safer for our next generation .

36 11:39 AM

Open-Ended Responses to Survey Question 23 Page 1 of 5

Oct 18 2017 Figure out how to appeal to the youth.

37 11:37 AM Oct 18 2017 they should be more supervised so they stay a healthy and clean environment for all..

38 11:36 AM Oct 18 2017 things are nice 40 10:38 AM Oct 18 2017 No other feedback, just we need more Indoor facilities in Utica.

41 10:37 AM Utica gives the people the option to play tennis outdoors. Tennis is great way to stay in shape and can be played with all ages.

The problem Utica has is that an indoor Tennis court is not provided for those who want to continue to play during the cold Oct 18 2017 seasons. Once the cold season comes around tennis players are forced to stop playing because of the cold weather. I'd like to suggest building an indoor court for those in need of one.

47 10:19 AM Oct 18 2017 I think that Utica should have more public vollyball stations/nets, because we have a lot of other sport centers 50 10:18 AM Oct 18 2017 I think its a great program, but they should consider putting up a few vollyball nets 51 10:18 AM Oct 18 2017 security 54 10:13 AM Oct 18 2017 Security guards would be nice 55 10:13 AM Oct 18 2017 Free Bikes and Nike "Free Run" shoes 61 09:19 AM Oct 18 2017 There nice, we need more park space.

62 09:16 AM Oct 18 2017 make a better skate park!!!!!!!!!! all that money and cant make a better park shaking my head 64 09:06 AM Oct 18 2017 More maintenance?

65 09:02 AM Oct 18 2017 More bathrooms and cleaner environment 67 09:01 AM Oct 18 2017 Utica needs cleaner parks 73 08:40 AM Oct 18 2017 Fix up the basketball courts. We need better rims and newer nets 77 08:38 AM Oct 18 2017 fix the roads and basketball courts 78 08:37 AM Oct 17 2017 bike trails 82 02:04 PM Oct 17 2017 They are vital parts of our city.

83 02:04 PM Oct 17 2017 Maintaining them should be of high priority, as well as having security in this day and age.

85 02:03 PM Oct 17 2017 I better be able to snowboard this year, end of story. Have a good one.

88 01:51 PM Oct 17 2017 More restrooms in the parks please 92 01:33 PM Oct 17 2017 The park is neutral and descent, is a good beautiful park.

93 01:30 PM Oct 17 2017 I want more driving ranges and improvements in parks.

94 01:28 PM Oct 17 2017 Improve the maintenance.

95 12:56 PM Oct 17 2017 please more basketball parcccs 98 12:52 PM Oct 17 2017 We should be provided with more natural trails. More indoor and outdoor activities. More event walks(ex; breast cancer walk) The trials we have are short and have mainly buildings or roads around, they are not in the actual woods.

106 12:34 PM Oct 17 2017 parks should be kept more clean, mowed, and have bigger play areas 107 12:33 PM Oct 17 2017 More Programs For The Kids That Don't Know English 108 12:33 PM Oct 17 2017 Take care of our buildings and parks stop the violence and vanalisum.

126 10:14 AM Oct 17 2017 trails 132 09:08 AM Oct 17 2017 the parks are lame and old. If they were better maybe the youth would go there more 134 09:04 AM

Open-Ended Responses to Survey Question 23 Page 2 of 5

Oct 17 2017 i would love to learn other ways to save the the communtiy 136 08:58 AM Oct 17 2017 We need better parks, safe parks.

137 08:55 AM Oct 17 2017 improvement on everything 138 08:54 AM Oct 12 2017 More community events that are safe for everyone 146 06:15 PM Improvements/renovations to the current Utica Skate Park are very recommended and an indoor skating facility would be highly Oct 12 2017 encouraged. I would even be willing to donate time and expertise if it would mean my kids get to grow up in a town that not only cares about their hobbies and interests but takes action to help.

147 05:46 PM Sep 30 2017 Please fix up the skatepark.

148 09:42 AM Sep 30 2017 When an event is scheduled please indicate best parking areas. I would love to come downtown for some of the evening events with kids but am unfamiliar with area 149 08:16 AM Need pools. Plural. Places for kids to swim in the summer. Utica needs an actual rec center or two. Ice rink, INDOOR POOL, basketball courts, tennis courts, toddler rooms, fitness area, birthday party rooms....there is no YMCA. No common place for kids and adults to go to together. We have 8months of cold weather and no indoor recreational facility? You dont need a survery, you need to look at thriving cities where FAMILIES move TO. Not just 20 year olds. You're demo is 30's and seniors. You need a safe Sep 28 2017 family place, INDOOR. Look at Boulder, CO. Fort Collins, CO.. these places thrive in the cold weather and its not because of skiing.

150 07:57 AM Sep 27 2017 Better skatepark in a better area.

151 08:04 PM There seem to exist a wide array of recreation sites and activities available for residents. However, I, along with other residents whom I have spoken, feel that some areas are unsafe. For example, the Erie Canal bike/walking trail in North Utica is a great resource, but I no longer use that path to ride, and am forced to ride the other side out by Marcy due to safety concerns.

Once these concerns have been alleviated, it would be great to see an easier access to the trails from the West Utica area. The Sep 27 2017 old Barnes Avenue would be a great place for such a connecting trail. I appreciate you taking the time to conduct this survey and hear what some residents have to say.

152 05:08 PM Some parks are neglected, looked over, or not treated with the same respect as some. Addison Miller is shit. You guys dug up the basketball court and repaved it, except that it is still uneven. City tore up the whole back to the park and left gravel. How Sep 27 2017 about utilizing the woods and the trail in there to have a walking path. Clean up the mess and clean the park. I look at proctor park and even quinn park, they have glass backboards and flat surfaces. Why does Addison get the short end of the stick.

153 04:49 PM Sep 27 2017 The skate park on sunset needs some upgrading and lights 154 04:41 PM Sep 27 2017 We just want a better skatepark , 156 12:08 PM The skatepark located in Lincoln park at one time may have been up too standards but at this point the park is out dated, worn out, and falling apart. Not too mention the city moved the park too a completely terrible neighborhood. With modern skate/bmx park technology moving forward Utica has been left severely behind with most modern cities addition of updated concrete parks from companies like, team pain skateparks, Utica is absolutely left behind. Also, with a monitored facility like the rec center at Roscoe Conkling Park having the extra open space it does, why not add a skate park too its facilities? Most of the problems with crime and vandalism at the current park are a direct result of the park being placed in an unattended park in a bad neighborhood. When at the park frequently local unattended children loiter at ther park,littering, yelling, fighting, and over all Sep 27 2017 hindering the actual use of the park. Those problems would be greatly deminished if the park were located in a supervised location. Which the city of Utica already has and already has the unused space required.

157 10:48 AM Sep 26 2017 Utica needs an improved Skatepark. Myself and friends have been using the sub-par facilities offered and need more. We would love anything Utica can offer us.

158 09:54 PM Sep 26 2017 I believe a better equipped skatepark would bring a lot of kids and adults from around the area and keep everyone active 159 09:04 PM Sep 26 2017 Fishing fishing fishing 160 08:08 PM Sep 26 2017 161 07:30 PM Sep 26 2017 162 06:43 PM

Utica needs a BMX track and a better bike park. Single track mt. Bike trails would be nice as well. Some thing for our youth to do other than the typical sports that are available.

Making new parks and maintaining old parks is a huge thing, people need to have nice and safe places for all outdoor activities, also skateparks would be a great improvement for action sports .

Utica needs a safer and much better maintained skatepark. Our youth is the future and a lot of youth are bicyclists and skateboarders. Many young talented people in our city have gone to compete in national ranked competitions and with a better facility competitions like this could be held in our city. Other states such as Colorado, Utah, New Hampshire all have nice Sep 26 2017 skateparks in almost all city’s and a very nice one in the city’s diverse in age and culture. To bring Utica into the future we need to be there for our future as well. Please think about a new skatepark.

163 06:08 PM Sep 26 2017 New skate park will open new doors for young adults to get out side and stay fit.

164 05:57 PM The skatepark definitely needs to either be redone, or needs some new features, kids wsnt to learn how to ride bikes, skateboards, scooters, and rollerblades, but the park is so small and so neutral that it's hard to learn the basics of the sport. A Sep 26 2017 nice park even if it costs an admission would be an amazing turnout here in utica, people come from all over to ride something unique!

165 05:52 PM Open-Ended Responses to Survey Question 23 Page 3 of 5

Sep 26 2017 We need to make a better and more fun activity to enjoy such as work out area, more parking lot, bathroom being open 24/7,and a working water fortune.

166 04:38 PM Sep 26 2017 Utica is in dire need of a new skatepark 167 04:32 PM Sep 26 2017 Please make an effort to improve lincoln park skatepark 168 04:20 PM The city desperately needs a better skateboard park in a safer area. I used to drive 30 minutes a few times a week to utilize the park in both locations. The first location was ok, but too small. Its current location is much bigger, but in a much less safe area. I have personally witnessed multiple robberies, assaults, and drug transactions take place at the park since moving it. The more that things like that happen, the less it gets used , and the more in disrepair it becomes. Im an adult, and i no longer feel safe enough to use the park.

Bottom line, the city needs a better facility, in a better area. My suggestion is a concrete park. Concrete is much more durable Sep 26 2017 the prefabricated ramps the city already has, making any money needed for upkeep next to nothing. Plus having a well built concrete park within the city creates tourism. People will travel clear across the country to visit a well built park.

169 04:06 PM Sep 26 2017 more bathroom 170 03:40 PM Little kids who run around are skate park and are disrespectful,etc , they destroy are ramp , they break glass ect no the stuff we Sep 26 2017 have at are park isn't really what we was looking for everything is garbage Utica didn't know what they were doing when they thought of a skate park ??

171 03:36 PM Sep 26 2017 better soccer park 172 03:34 PM Sep 26 2017 175 12:56 PM Sep 26 2017 176 11:33 AM Sep 26 2017 177 09:28 AM Sep 26 2017 178 08:35 AM Sep 26 2017 179 08:00 AM

Nothing really but the skate park issues Skatepark. Need of a bigger and better one There is plenty of space at the Utica skatepark for new ramps and improvements. Which should be run by the skateboarders ourselves, because we know what we need and can(will) use. Some of the ramps that are there now are falling apart.

We need a new skatepark. Our current one is falling apart and some of the damage could cause injury. It's also temporary, we need a concrete skatepark that will be a permanent fixture in our community.

The only skatepark in the city has multiple problems and needs attention because it is one of uticas parks that is utilized on a regular basis by people who are both from the city or people just visiting

Sep 22 2017 Need facilities in West Utica 180 08:15 AM Sep 18 2017 I have seen all kinds sports fields available accept volleyball ?? which has to be at a specifically set up. As we are Asian, we love to play it to keep healthy lifestyles. Whereas we can't play soccer anymore because of age and work.

181 10:07 PM Sep 15 2017 Publicize that the Tennis courts on the parkway are open to the public.

182 05:28 PM Sep 15 2017 We could use roller skating or roller blading trails.

183 04:18 PM Sep 15 2017 Connect Utica trails including connections to the canal trail and larger trail networks. Love the bike share and concerts at the park across from Munson!

184 09:40 AM DUE TO THE INABILITY FOR SOME OF OUR OLDER POPULATION, IT WOULD BE HELPFUL TO DEVELOP SOME FORM Sep 14 2017 OF TRANSPORTATION, IE CARRIAGE/SLEIGH RIDES, TO BE ENABLE OUR CITIZENS TO VISIT PARK SITES THAT ARE CLOSED TO VEHICLES. THIS WOULD COME WITH A USER FEE THAT COULD FUND PARK DEVELOPMENT 185 03:55 PM Sep 13 2017 we need a dog park 186 10:31 AM All you need to do to improve quality of Utica parks is: Sep 12 2017 187 08:18 AM Sep 11 2017 188 03:52 PM

clean the trash and fine those littering , stop people form parking and driving on grass and stop people from driving ATVs and dirt bikes all over the park area.

Would like to see more health/wellness/lifestyle programs geared for adults...indoor/outdoor yoga, indoor/outdoor tai chi/qigong, outdoor painting/drawing workshops, guided bike/walking tours...

Sep 11 2017 We need a modern YMCA again in the City of Utica! Preferably in downtown or Bagg's Square. Like the one that recently opened in Syracuse area.

189 02:54 PM Sep 11 2017 more hiking and biking trials 190 01:59 PM Sep 11 2017 Develop the Ski hill for year round use such as an alpine slide of Mt. Bike trail 191 01:36 PM I feel that adults have no swimming option without kids. Other places such as Saratoga State park offer the Victorian Pool. I Sep 08 2017 would say that at least 95% of the people in the city don't have a pool. I would even be willing to pay a fee for this. This could bring money into the city.

192 03:34 PM Sep 06 2017 Would love to see more done with the Roscoe Conklin Park. Clean it up more, hold events there, etc. Sometimes the gates aren't open when they should be, which is disappointing, as we frequent the park.

193 10:02 PM Sep 06 2017 More soccer fields please !!

194 09:29 PM Open-Ended Responses to Survey Question 23 Page 4 of 5

Sep 06 2017 Should definitely build a turfs soccer field so we don't kill the grass.

195 02:41 PM Sep 06 2017 Create more soccer field 196 02:39 PM Sep 06 2017 Make more outdoor turf for soccer, many kids would love it. Thank You. 197 02:34 PM Sep 06 2017 PLEASE use the green space behind the basketball courts on James St 198 02:27 PM We needed more adults soccer field. And we needed more security to take care of the soccer fields because some people Sep 06 2017 drinking alcohol during people playing soccer and they and some people eat some Burmese's food, which is extremely dirty and hard to clean. I feel sorry for the cleaner.

199 02:01 PM Sep 06 2017 It is very difficult for us teenagers to play soccer now. All the soccer fields are rented to organizations and school teams. We would get kicked out of the fields. I hope we have more open space to play soccer.

200 12:17 PM Sep 06 2017 Please don't waste time, energy, or space on any more community gardens.

201 11:51 AM The parks are a mess. The Eagle is horrible and there are times it's not mowed. The stairs at the Eagle were in bad shape and then instead of repairing them, they removed them and ruined the beauty of the overlook. The little non recreation parks are Sep 06 2017 forgotten land, like franklin square and the nurses park, and liberty park. We spent taxpayer dollars putting in fountains and flower beds and the city doesn't plant flowers and anymore and the fountains aren't be used at all anymore. It's a shame.

202 03:09 AM We are in need of more soccer fields, there thousands of immigrants live in Utica, soocer is their No 1 sport, plus growing fast Sep 05 2017 among americans, we are way to short on fields, and the ones we we have are in bad shape, they are overused bud hundreds of kids and adults using them. Thank you 203 10:57 PM Sep 05 2017 Would love to see a big dog park in Utica!

204 10:45 PM Sep 05 2017 Police Bike Patrols are needed to prevent crime. Drug dealing and weed smoking is a daily occurrence at Proctor Park.

205 10:43 PM Sep 05 2017 Please turn Seward Ave abandoned lot into a park!

206 10:18 PM Sep 05 2017 Needs more Frisbee fields and adult rec.leagues 207 04:14 PM

Open-Ended Responses to Survey Question 23 Page 5 of 5