CHAPTER TWO - COMMUNITY INPUT SUMMARY 2.1 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PROCESS The foundation of the Community Center Needs Analysis was a comprehensive public participation process. It was imperative that the community engagement process included participation by users and non-users of the system. As part of the Community Center Needs Analysis, there was extensive public input and participation February-May 2012. The Consulting Team also utilized a statistically-valid survey to gauge community interest and financial feasibility of a proposed facility. As part of the involvement process, the following meetings were conducted:
Key Leadership and Stakeholder Interviews – Over ten (10) interviews with key stakeholders were held to evaluate their vision for a Community Center. From these initial meetings the community values were established, strengths and challenges potentially facing the community center, recreation trends in the area, and existing level of services provided were evaluated.
Focus Group Meetings – Eight (8) focus groups were conducted that represented a wide range of stakeholders, community leaders, as well as users and non-users.
Statistically-valid Community Interest and Feasibility Survey – In the spring of 2012, a six-page household survey was mailed to a random sample of 1,500 households in Orange Township. Approximately three days after the surveys were mailed each household that received a survey also received an automated voice message encouraging them to complete the survey. The goal was to obtain a total of at least 400 completed surveys from Orange Township. This goal was far exceeded with a total of 559 surveys having been completed. The results of the random sample of 559 households have a 95% level of confidence with a precision of at least +/-4.2%.
2.2 GENERAL FINDINGS FROM FOCUS GROUPS MEETINGS 2.2.1 ADDING A COMMUNITY CENTER IN ORANGE TOWNSHIP Participants in the focus groups were somewhat split on the decision of adding a new community center in Orange Township. Those who were against the idea thought the market was oversaturated with facilities that offer recreation and social space. Another concern was the fear of rising taxes and if the center would be able to support itself over time. More people favored supporting the Community Center than those who did not support it. Participants that were in favor of developing a community center thought it would help identify Orange Township as a community of choice. They felt a community center would develop a sense of community and pride among the residents, and it would help attract and keep young families and businesses in the Township. The community center would also add economic value by increasing home values and increased revenues for the Township from visitors who visit the facility and spend money in the Township. 2.2.2 AMENITIES DESIRED AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER Different amenities desired included an indoor pool, large gym space, indoor walking track, racquetball court, saunas/hot tub, and a weight/fitness room. Participants would also like to see community rooms, outdoor event space, senior program spaces, child watch accommodations, and hospitality space with a kitchen. Also mentioned was the desire to see the existing and future trail path connect to the community center, making it easy for residents to get to and from the facility. 4