COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS

Community Workshop 1

The City hosted a community workshop on October 2, 2019 at the Lolly Hansen Senior Center. The workshop consisted of a series of interactive “stations” on each of the big themes of the Plan Update - parks, recreation, and trails – as well as access to nature and parks as places to come together as a community. Following the workshop, the activities were reproduced online.

PARKS I WOULD USE PARKS MORE OFTEN IF WE HAD...

Community members would use parks more often if parks were more comfortable, with more shade and bathrooms, and felt safer, cleaner, and better lit.

WHAT AMENITIES WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE IN TRACY PARKS?

Popular responses were picnic facilities, natural play areas, and water play features. These are features that can accommodate gatherings of family and friends and appeal to people of all ages.

RECREATION WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE TIMES FOR RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES?

This set of Tracy residents tends to use park in the early morning or late afternoon on weekdays, to bring kids to the playground, walk dogs, or simply get a little exercise. Weekend activities at the park are often more social and span more of the day.

WHAT ACTIVITIES DOES TRACY NEED MORE OF?

People reported that Tracy’s recreation programming serves school-aged children best, as well as active adults. Activities that people wanted more of included yoga, teen programs, and art (“painting in the park.”)

WHAT BARRIERS KEEP YOU FROM ENJOYING THE RECREATION YOU LOVE?

Many people noted not feeling safe, or feeling uncomfortable with some of the people in the park. On another note, people also mentioned not knowing what programs the City offers and suggesting better communications.

Trails

TRAILS IN TRACY SHOULD CONNECT ME TO…

When asked to draw lines between landmarks that should be connected by trails, many people drew lines from “home” to all the other destinations. People especially want trails to connect to community parks and nearby natural areas.

TRAILS IN TRACY SHOULD INCLUDE...

Community members want trails to be accessible for all user groups and have benches and shade. They emphasized the importance of safe places to walk and bike.

TRACY + NATURE

The current parks system has a variety of recreation opportunities. One that is missing—and missed—is good access to natural places.

WHAT DO YOU WANT IN A NATURE PARK?

People noted that they want natural habitat, long, uninterrupted trails, and places to sit and enjoy the environment. Some people mentioned getting involved with the process: community planting days and other volunteer opportunities.

Tracy Together

WHAT TYPES OF PLACES AND EVENTS WOULD MAKE TRACY MORE VIBRANT?

People were enthusiastic about markets, food festivals, concerts and movies in the park. These activities could be inclusive for a wide range of age groups.

Tracy At Play

People of all ages contributed their thoughts about the state of play in Tracy parks, using post-it note and dots on inspiration images.

People noted their desire for a greater range of play areas, and perhaps less of an emphasis on team sports. In the dot exercise, participants indicated adventure play, water play, and creative activities.