Lancaster Parks & Recreation- Think Big Survey Report

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Lancaster Parks & Recreation

Community Wants/Needs Assessment 2022

Prepared by Krile Communications

The City of Lancaster successfully passed a levy in 2021, which converted a five-year renewal levy for Lancaster Parks & Recreation into a continuing, or permanent, levy The levy resulted in the generation of approximately $1 million in additional revenue each year starting January 1, 2023 Fulfilling a promise made during the levy campaign, Lancaster Parks & Recreation spent the summer season of 2022 asking members of the community to express both their wants and needs as they pertain to the city park system

Working closely with Friends of the Lancaster Parks, the Lancaster Parks & Recreation Board, and the Lancaster Parks & Recreation staff, Krile Communications launched the Think BiG! Campaign Beginning in May of 2022, the community was given access to a digital survey, easily accessible online, but also available in print form Respondents were able to submit their feedback to predetermined questions, as well as their ideas in open-ended questions In addition, the children of Lancaster were given equal opportunities to express their opinions as both future taxpayers and frequent users of the city’s parks and programs During various youth and family-oriented events throughout the summer, kids had the opportunity to cast their votes for the type of recreation facility they would most like to see built in the future . In addition, school students attending Alley Park in May or during the summer camp season also had the chance to vote in the park’s Nature Center

PROCESS

The Krile Team conducted a demographics trend analysis, an employee engagement session, on-site voting for children, and a community-wide digital (and printed) survey to evaluate both the city’s wants and needs as they relate to the parks system From these research activities, the Krile Team examined the park system’s current level of service and identified essential services .

Community input was a critical element of the assessment process to determine the most frequently used facilities and the most highly desired services/facilities for the future After synthesizing the data and considering Lancaster Parks & Recreation’s resources, mission, and best practices, the Krile Team presents the following findings in hope that they will help guide the future of the city park system .

Existing

Lancaster is in the southeastern portion of Ohio, in close proximity to the Hocking Hills region to the south and Columbus to the north Lancaster, the county seat of Fairfield County, spans 18 62 square miles and includes residential, industrial, and commercial land uses

Managing over 832 acres of public parkland, the Lancaster Parks & Recreation Department offers programming for people of all ages and abilities Programmed athletics, nature education, arts, and community events, to population-specific parks and passive recreation sites, as well as free community events, keep the park’s staff busy and occupied year-round .

Founded in 1909, Lancaster Parks & Recreation also boasts the Olivedale Senior Center, the new all-abilities, multigenerational Hunter Park, historic Rising Park, and the nine-and-a-half-mile Fairfield Heritage Trail

Under the direction of a superintendent and governed by a four-person Parks Board, the City Park System is operated by a staff of 17 full-time employees, a city forester, eight part-time employees, and 60 summer/ seasonal employees, with a 2022 proposed budget of $2 9 million https://www.ci.lancaster.oh.us/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/4931

FACILITIES

Alley Park

Firehouse Park

Hunter Building

Marten’s Park

Park Office

Tiki Pool

Cedarlen Park

Glassco Park

Keller-Kirn Park

Mary Burnham Park

Olivedale Senior Center

Utica Park

Cenci Lake

Hocking Park

Lanreco Park

Miller Park

Rising Park

Zane Square

Elmwood Park

Huffer-Durdin Park

Maher Park

Miller Pool and Skate Park

Soccer Complex

KEY DEMOGRAPHICS

THE POPULATION OF LANCASTER

40,763 MEDIAN AGE OF LANCASTER RESIDENTS

39.2

1,000

2.04 acres per 1,000 residents

6.25 - 10.50 acres per 1,000 residents

According to the American Planning Association (APA), located in California, The Quimby Act allows California jurisdictions to establish parkland dedication requirements of at least 3 0 acres per 1,000 residents There is not, however, a national standard for the ratio between recreation space and the population of a city

“Attempts have been made to establish the percentage of recreation space needed in relation to the area of the city. It has been stated that at least one-tenth of the city’s acreage should be used for recreation. This type of standard cannot be completely satisfactory, however, since it does not take into consideration the population density. No rigid formula can be prescribed; all specific standards and recommendations are subject to variations, conditions, and peculiarities of the area surrounding the recreational facility.”

https://www.planning.org/pas/reports/report194.htm

The APA also suggests there is a general agreement among city planners and recreation authorities that 30 to 50 percent of the total park and recreation land in a community should be set aside for active recreation Based on the recommended standard of one acre per 100 population, it has also been stated that from 25 to 50 percent of the total space should be developed for neighborhood use, with the remaining acreage in community, city-wide, or regional facilities

Lancaster has a population density of 2,170 people per square mile and an annual growth rate of 44% consistently over the past 10 years Since 2012, the population of Lancaster has increased by roughly 500 people per year That said, the addition of Intel in Licking County in the coming year will likely cause the Lancaster population to increase . Therefore, planning to accommodate the recreational needs of an increased number of residents is pertinent https://worldpopulationreview.com/us-cities/lancaster-oh-population. The demographic data reported in this document is sourced from the American Community Survey published by the United States Census Bureau.

LANCASTER Residents by Age

Persons age 0-5

Persons age 6-18

Persons age 19-64

Persons age 65+

16,451 households in Lancaster

57.8% households in Lancaster occupied by owners

$44,794 median household income in Lancaster

16.3% poverty level in Lancaster

Consisting of 832 acres, Lancaster City Parks’ usage ratio is:

By comparison, the National Recreation and Park Association suggests that a park system, at a minimum, be composed of a total of:

NATIONAL TRENDS

The National Study of Neighborhood Parks stated in its publication Active Parks, Healthy Cities, “Nothing increases park use and physical activity as much as programming—providing supervised activities to help people make use of the space—with each additional supervised activity leading to a 48 percent increase in park use and a 37 percent increase in physical activity.”

Park and play space design influences how much a park is used and how physically active park users will be Parks with walking loops were found to have 80 percent more users, over twice as many seniors, and 90 percent higher levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity .

With playgrounds, more is better .

The National Study of Neighborhood Parks found that for every play element added to a playground, use (and activity level) increases by 50 percent. Splash pads and spraygrounds are particularly popular But playgrounds don’t have to be just for kids Multigenerational playgrounds, as well as playgrounds with adjacent fitness zones, are an increasingly popular way for both children and their caregivers to get a positive dose of physical activity cityparksalliance.org

Multiple studies have found that there has been a sharp and continuing decline in youth sports participation

Concurrently, there also has been a steady decline in physical activity by youth The Aspen Institute’s Project Play’s State of Play 2021 report shows that before the restrictions imposed by the pandemic, participation in youth sports declined from 45 percent in 2008 to 38 percent in 2018 Most kids ages 6 to 12 playing a team sport quit by age 11, and since the pandemic, three in 10 kids who previously played say they are no longer interested in playing again . www.nrpa.org/parks-recreation-magazine/2022/january

COMMUNITY INPUT

The Think BiG! project team solicited feedback from community members of all ages, including more than 600 children, and from the team of employees at Lancaster Parks & Recreation No restrictions were in place regarding the demographics of survey participants . The survey also was made available in print and downloadable PDF formats

An online survey, accessible via a QR code and also by visiting the City Park’s website provided a lowcost, time-efficient way for a wide variety of community members to volunteer honest, timely, and relevant feedback to both multiple choice and open-ended questions .

The online survey was launched in May 2022 at the Rising Park Family Day and remained open throughout the end of September The survey was advertised in a variety of ways

Large, six-foot banners featuring the Think BiG! logo and the QR code were displayed at various parks, the public pools, and on the stage at Fountain Square throughout the summer

Employees and members of the Friends of the Park Board were given t-shirts to wear with the QR code on the back, sparking conversation and allowing more people access to the QR code

Email blasts to all city and county employees were sent, inviting people to take the survey

A few thousand postcards with the QR codes and survey information were printed and distributed throughout the community

Public service announcements were distributed to the local radio station and a series of graphics were created and scheduled to run throughout the summer on the Lancaster Parks website and the Friends of the Parks website, as well as all social media accounts

Board members and employees placed social media posts on their personal sites

Publicity was achieved through several articles in the Lancaster Eagle-Gazette, the Towne Crier, and area chamber newsletters

Children throughout the community had opportunities to express their opinions on the future of the parks by voting in a fun and interactive way Large buckets featuring images of five different types of parks were taken to various family-oriented events throughout the summer Another set of buckets was placed at Alley Park during day camps . Children voted using tokens placed in a bucket featuring the park they would most like to see be created in Lancaster in the near future

While the overall survey results should not be considered statistically valid, the findings are from a broad enough sample that they can assist in identifying common wants and needs, themes, and concerns about the future of Lancaster Parks & Recreation, and how it serves the population

Following are the actual questions asked within the Think BiG! survey .

Asking the Public to

The following pages summarize the findings of the Community Survey, made public through Google Forms online from May through September 2022 . A total of 634 adults completed the survey online In addition, a printed survey also was made available and those results, from 28 adults, have been entered into the online survey so they could be included in Google analytics

Note: There also were 381 respondents who indicated they would be willing to be contacted in the future to engage further with the City Parks Department.

WHO WE ASKED

The survey was made public and therefore, no restrictions were put upon respondents The age question was posed to be able to compare with the national trends seen regarding park usage by age

Park Usage by Age

12 and under

13 to 18

19 to 30

31 to 45

46 to 55

55 to 70

71 and older

SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS OF THE COMMUNITY SURVEY UTILIZATION:

An impressive 96 .5% of survey participants have visited a city park at least three to five times in the past year, with the remaining 3 5% stating they tend to visit a park or park facility only during special events or occasions

More than 40% of respondents said they visit a park or use a facility at least once per week, or 52 times per year . By comparison, the national average for park visitation is 29 times per year, according to the National Recreation and Park Association

According to the National City Parks Alliance, a park’s features may indicate how readily it is used For example, parks with playgrounds and walking loops are visited more frequently than other types of parks For every play element added to a playground, use (and activity level) increases by 50 percent, and parks with walking loops were found to have 80 percent more users, over twice as many seniors, and 90 percent higher levels of moderateto-vigorous physical activity

https://cityparksalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/active-parks-healthy-cities.pdf?pdf=report

In the past year, how often have you or someone in your household visited or used a park, a facility or a program offered by Lancaster Parks & Recreation?

638 responses

At least once a week

Once or twice a month

On and off, depending on the season

Around 3 to 5 times a year

Usually only during a special event/occasion

More than 40% of respondents said they visit a park or use a facility at least once per week, or 52 times per year.

SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS OF THE COMMUNITY SURVEY

WHAT THE COMMUNITY VALUES:

Over 630 people responded to this question and, while this question was designed specifically for Lancaster, the priority placed on green spaces and accessible/safe playgrounds is in line with the national findings In fact, according to The National Benefits Hub, there is “…a positive impact of as much as 20% on property values abutting or fronting” a city park In most cases, properties near parks or park facilities tended to show increases in value when compared to properties outside a park’s service www.benefitshub.ca/entry/the-impact-of-parks-on-property-values-a-review-of-empirical-evidence

Which City Park facilities are most important to you and those in your household?

636 responses

SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS OF THE COMMUNITY SURVEY WANTS AND NEEDS:

The results of this question indicated that almost two-thirds of respondents would like to see a splash pad or water recreation feature be built, in addition to the swimming facilities already operated by Lancaster Parks & Recreation Unlike swimming pools, splash pads (sometimes called spraygrounds) have no standing water, so they do not require lifeguards and are accessible to people using mobility devices In addition, they can be used by people of all ages, although the median age for usage is 12 years and under [https://recmanagement com/feature/201604FE01/4] Currently there is no interactive fountain or splash pad outside of a swimming pool in Lancaster

In addition, more than 40% of those surveyed responded that they would like to see additional walking and biking trails in Lancaster This is in keeping with the National Recreation and Park Association, which reports that nationally 51% of park-goers list walking or biking on trails as the primary reason they will visit a park .

Other areas in which residents stated they have a need included programming for youth ages 12 and under, arts opportunities, and a ninja warrior-type, obstacle-themed park.

Which of the following facilities or programs do you and your family MOST have a need for?

SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS OF THE COMMUNITY SURVEY THINKING BIG!:

At the heart of the survey was an open-ended question designed to give participants the opportunity to provide answers without suggestions That said, out of the 431 answers provided, 177 respondents used the word “splash” in their answers, 40 used the word “water,” 17 used the word “pool,” and 3 used the word “river.” Consequently, this resulted in over half of the answers given pertaining to a water feature of some type. Because this was an open-ended question, a word cloud was created to ensure each response was noted, but also to emphasize the most widely-given answers . A complete list of answers can be found at the back of this report . Application: classic.wordcouds.com

What is something NOT currently offered by Lancaster Parks and Recreation that you and your family would use if provided?

435 responses

An additional question was asked pertaining to some of the types of parks and facilities currently trending across the country and whether or not local residents would have a want or need to see similar facilities created in Lancaster Below are the responses

Would you or your family use any of the following?

607 responses

SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS OF THE COMMUNITY SURVEY

SEEKING NEARBY FACILITIES:

Survey respondents were asked about recreational facilities they used outside of Lancaster . A two-year time frame was given to accommodate the increase of park usage during the 2020 pandemic, and also the timeframe when many people returned to a normalized work routine with less free or recreational time More than two-thirds of respondents have traveled outside of the city to take advantage of a park or program not offered in Lancaster.

In the past two years, have you or someone in your household traveled to a park outside of Lancaster to use a facility or program NOT offered in our city?

628 responses

WHAT AND WHERE:

As a follow-up, respondents who replied that someone in their household had traveled outside Lancaster to utilize a recreational facility in the past two years were asked the open-ended question: If you answered YES, please tell us what you traveled to use and where it was located. There were 431 responses to this question, with the most frequent reply being some type of splash pad or water park. A word cloud was generated to include every answer while emphasizing the frequency of responses A complete list of answers can be found at the back of this report In addition, a deeper look into the operations involved in a splash pad are examined further in this document

SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS OF THE COMMUNITY SURVEY MEETING THE NEEDS:

The variety and breadth of vital programming, services, and offerings that local parks and recreation professionals provide are evident in the sheer number of people who visit parks and/or other recreation facilities every year According to the 2022 National Recreation and Parks Engagement Survey, 83 percent of survey respondents — the equivalent of 275 million people in the United States — visited a local park or recreation facility at least once during the 12-month period ending in May 2022 People engage with the City Parks in a plethora of ways, depending on both needs and offerings, as well as demographics . More than half of U S adults have personally — or have a member of their household who has — participated in a park and recreation offering in the past year Eighty-three percent of national survey respondents who report that they have personally participated — or have a member of their household who has participated — in a park and recreation program or offering within the past year did so within the three months (February 2022 to May 2022) prior to taking that survey . Because of the high level of usage, the question of how well Lancaster City Parks is meeting the needs of local community members was posed Overall, 65.6% of respondents said that Lancaster Parks & Recreation is meeting their needs at a level of four or out of five.

On a scale from 1 to 5, with five being the most positive, how well does Lancaster Parks and Recreation meet the needs of you and/or your family members?

SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS OF THE COMMUNITY SURVEY

PROGRAMMING:

Lancaster Parks & Recreation offers a variety of programming for community members of all ages and abilities This is at the core of its mission and coincides with national findings that emphasize that recreation programs in parks can change the way that people interact with their environment and that effective park programming brings many benefits to the health and well-being of residents The National Recreation and Parks Association provides the following information regarding local park programming:

THE FACTS

• Park and recreation agencies currently provide critical services for millions of seniors Today, 70 percent of park and recreation agencies offer programs targeted at senior citizens, and the average agency serves over 160 seniors annually

• Park and recreation agencies currently provide millions of Americans access to healthy and nutritious food

According to PRORAGIS, more than 50 percent of agencies administer community garden programs Nearly 25 percent of agencies administer or manage farmers’ markets, and 63 percent rent or permit space for people to grow healthy foods

• Neighborhood parks have the potential to function as a hub of neighborhood activity, where residents can gather for social events, recreational activities, and meetings about community issues, increasing social interaction Individuals realize physical activity-related health benefits Collective efficacy could affect individuals who don’t visit a park

• Neighborhood parks contribute substantially to moderate to vigorous physical activity This contribution may depend less on size and facilities than on “demand goods” – programming and activities – that draw users to a park

• Having events at the park, including sports competitions and other attractions, appears to be the strongest correlation of park use and community-level physical activity

• Park use results from a complex equation that includes not only higher quality recreation facilities, but also programming, staffing, fees, hours of operation, marketing, outreach, and perhaps a host of other human factors .

As per the NRPA’s annual agency performance review for 2021, the key programs that were offered by at least 70% of park and recreation agencies throughout the country include: Themed

SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS OF THE COMMUNITY SURVEY

The following question was posed to Think BiG! survey takers and there were close to 600 responses Overwhelmingly, the public requests the addition of more free, family-friendly events, as well as an increase in outdoor education programs. The community craves more programming such as the Broad Street concerts, Alley Park events, outdoor movie nights, cruise-ins, and the like

What programming do you think should be further developed by Lancaster Parks and Recreation?

602 responses

programming

Fitness classes for adults

Specialized sports training/lessons

Fitness classes for 12 and under

Fitness classes for seniors

Fitness classes for teens

Personal training

SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS OF THE COMMUNITY SURVEY

IMMEDIATE NEEDS:

Survey takers were asked if there existed any facility that they felt was in need of immediate attention . This question was posed in recognition that some facilities throughout the city are in need of repair or reconfiguration While Lancaster Parks & Recreation has plans to address and upgrade facilities to bring them to the highest level of safety and usage, this question ensures that priorities match the public concerns

Is there an existing City Park facility or structure you feel needs immediate attention?

590 responses

To those who responded yes, the opportunity was provided to state which facilities needed attention There were 218 responses The top four answers are below and a complete list of responses may be found at the end of this document .

1 Miller Park and the Skate Park located at Miller Park

2 Maher Park tennis courts

3 Traffic and traffic patterns/speeding in Rising Park

4 Cenci Park - patrolling and cleanliness

SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS OF THE COMMUNITY SURVEY ASKING THE FUTURE STAKEHOLDERS:

When it comes to playgrounds, it cannot be debated that the demographic using the equipment is the population ages 12 and under According to the National City Park Alliance, “The most common reason cited for going to a park is ‘taking children,‘ and 25 percent of all children’s park use takes place in play areas Not surprisingly, play areas are the most common facility in neighborhood parks Accordingly, Krile Communications partnered with volunteers from Friends of the Lancaster Parks Organization to attend family-friendly events during the 2022 summer, specifically to collect data from children A unique voting system was set up using buckets and tokens that allowed children to select one of five different parks that they would most like to see built in Lancaster In addition, another voting booth was set up at Alley Park for children attending camps and retreats In total, 687 votes were collected from children Their selections are below

590 responses

The youth voting option was opened one last time during the Fairfield County Fair . While it cannot be confirmed that all of the children voting were from Lancaster, it can be confirmed that 620 kids voted and that they overwhelmingly are looking forward to a splashpad! (These numbers were collected in October 2022 after the initial close of the survey )

EMERGING

This section describes local and national trends that will influence how Lancaster best meets the parks and recreation needs of its community . These trends are based on a review of materials prepared by the National Recreation and Park Association

• Demographics

• Health and Wellness

• Programs and Activities

• Technology

•Trail and Walking Path Development

DEMOGRAPHICS

While the population of Lancaster City has remained fairly consistent, that figure is anticipated to change with the arrival of Intel and other businesses occupying the Fairfield 33 Corridor

The City has not been able to acquire or dedicate enough parkland acreage to keep up with population growth to date if the standard of three to six acres of parkland per 1,000 residents is observed This may continue to be an issue as the population increases

With a poverty rate of around 16 percent, the presence of very-low-, low- and moderate-income households suggests a need for free and low-cost recreation services, as well as services that contribute to health and wellness

Post-pandemic, the NRPA reported that one of the strongest emerging trends is the focus on health and health equity “Recent NRPA Parks Snapshot surveys have shown that up to 60 percent of agencies are supporting food distribution, food pantries, health testing, daycare and safe places for learning ”

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

States and municipalities are experiencing rising levels of obesity and increasing rates of diabetes and heart disease As people become increasingly sedentary, the healthcare sector is exploring active living as a form of preventative healthcare to reduce healthcare costs . Meanwhile, new literature is being established, documenting the relationship between parks and recreation systems and physical activity Research has connected neighborhood park amenities and programming with an increase in physical activity Specifically, the following activities and facilities are associated with a significant increase in park use:

• Programming: Each additional supervised activity increased park use by 48% and physical activity by 37%, especially among seniors and teen girls

• Walking loops: Walking loops increase overall usage by 80%, senior activity by 100% and higher levels of exercise by 90% .

• Play areas: Every play element added to a playground increases its use by 50%

• Marketing: On-site banners, posters and signs increase use by 62%, including a 63% increase in activity

Center for Disease Control. Prevalence of Obesity Among Adults and Youth: United States, 2015–2016. October 2017. Caryn Ernst, Peter Harnik, and Linda Keenan. Active Parks, Healthy Cities. 2018.

PROGRAMMING

Cities are getting more out of their parks and public spaces by providing programming and even offering mobile recreation programs Especially in areas with limited resources, bringing programming to existing parks can help serve nearby communities

In addition to programming its parks, the city can add features to its under-used mini-parks . Rather than installing playgrounds, play elements may be more appropriate for some of the city’s small parks Social seating, art, and activities with small footprints, such as ping pong, can activate parks

TECHNOLOGY

Increasingly, park patrons expect quality Wi-Fi access in parks, and appreciate access to charging stations and downloadable content such as augmented-reality walks, games and exhibits . In addition, wifi-connected visitors are also more likely to share and post photos, videos, and messages of their time at the park to social followers, which serves as free marketing and third-party validation and can further help to increase park attendance Some parks and recreation departments are leveraging drone technology as part of their public safety strategies These nimble aircraft can offer valuable eyes in the sky along remote park trails or could enable park operators to close trail sections that are unsafe without sending staff into potentially hazardous situations to monitor conditions Some smart parks also offer on-site digital displays and mobile apps that promote park and facility features and allow people to easily register for upcoming events and activities while such offerings are top-of-mind Signage featuring QR codes, much like the ones at Hunter Park, are becoming increasingly common as well https://www.civicplus.com/blog/pr/parks-and-rec-tech-advancements

TRAILS

Trail-based activities including walking, hiking, and running are highly popular in the United States . A 2016 Outdoor Participation Study conducted by the Outdoor Foundation found that 50% of Americans over the age of six walk as a form of physical exercise, 18% run outdoors, and 13% hike Over 63 % of Think BiG! survey respondents indicated that trails were the most valued asset of the city parks

Philadelphia Park Alliance. Activating Parks & Open Spaces Through Programming. June 2015

The Outdoor Foundation. 2016 Outdoor Recreation Participation. Report. 2016.

EMPLOYEE

While the value of the public’s opinion regarding the efficiency and gaps in service of the city park system is indisputable, equally important are the opinions and observations of the internal stakeholders, namely the employees of Lancaster Parks and Recreation

To this point, an internal session was held in August of 2022 for leadership and staff . Prior to the session, attendees were given a brief selection of questions to answer or dwell upon, which were then discussed at length once the group was assembled Krile Communications facilitated the meeting and helped to engage the employees In addition, each employee also was given the option of responding anonymously to questions that they did not feel comfortable answering in front of a group, or bringing up additional concerns that had not been addressed . Fortunately, the employee group was not timid and they were engaging and informative throughout the session

Following is a summation of the session, as well as the list of questions that drove the conversation

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT FUNCTION OF THE CITY PARK SYSTEM?

The mission of Lancaster Parks and Recreation is: “To provide a quality park and recreation system that promotes the benefits of parks and recreation by providing quality facilities and programs that enrich the lives of the citizens in our community.” The employees agree with the mission statement completely and also feel the system gives the community the opportunity to engage with one another, their family members, and nature They emphasized the importance of programming and also providing opportunities and resources to the senior community A few employees remarked that they felt the park system was one way in which to provide the youth in Lancaster with positive alternatives to activities that might lead to their detriment .

WHAT ARE THE GREATEST STRENGTHS AS A PUBLIC RECREATIONAL ORGANIZATION?

Overwhelmingly, the staff named their co-workers as the greatest strength of the organization Having recently endured a pandemic, and a change in leadership, while facing economic challenges and staff shortages, they were adamant that the quality and dedication of the city park employees made the organization nearly invincible Other examples of strength that were given included positivity, problemsolving, and a positive rapport with the public “We can do anything!”

ARE OUR FACILITIES SAFE AND OF SUITABLE QUALITY? WHICH ONE(S) NEED(S) UPGRADED?

The employees are well aware that there are facilities and structures in need of updating and they have opinions of things they’d personally like to see replaced No employee felt there was an unsafe facility in use They stated that their team was qualified to make any necessary repairs and they were confident that high standards are being met

WHAT IS A FACILITY THAT WE NEED THAT WE DON’T CURRENTLY HAVE?

The City Parks staff recognizes and agrees with the public opinion that Lancaster needs an accessible splash pad/ sprayground or recreational water facility . Some on the staff feel that one large aquatic park could ultimately replace Miller Pool, and possibly Tiki pool as well They also commented on a need for an indoor recreational facility, and they hope that the General Sherman project will help fill that void

WHAT IS THE FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS FROM THE PARKS EMPLOYEES’ PERSPECTIVE?

No one is more aware of the city parks’ To Do List than the employees . Below is a list of some projects the team would place at the top of a list of priorities

• Create a walking path in Rising Park to deter pedestrians off the roadway that encircles the park

• Install additional parking lots in the widely-used parks with more handicap spots

• Erect a new and improved, enlarged workshop for maintenance, vehicles, and more This was said to be one of the highest priorities and an unmet need

• Update and relocate the Miller Skate Park

• Obtain and install new generators at Olivedale

• Install new jets in the pool at Olivedale

• Make updates to equipment in the smaller parks

• Purchase additional maintenance equipment and hire employees who have knowledgeable operating experience

WHAT IS SOMETHING WE NEED AS FAR AS PROGRAMMING THAT WE DON’T HAVE?

Initially, the staff answered this question by commenting on the need for an indoor facility . As the discussion ensued, the focus shifted to the fact that if educational and recreational programming was increased in various parks around the city, it could lead to an increase in community engagement and usage of some of the smaller parks around town In addition, there was the discussion of obtaining a mobile recreation unit that could travel into neighborhoods without an existing park, allowing more people, specifically youth, access to free recreational opportunities

This coincides with the national findings regarding the importance of youth programs in city parks In fact, according to the NRPA, parks are a “tangible reflection of the quality of life in a community . They provide identity for citizens and are a major factor in the perception of quality of life in a given community ”

• Parks and recreation services are often cited as one of the most important factors in surveys of how livable communities are

• Parks provide gathering places for families and social groups, as well as for individuals of all ages and economic status, regardless of their ability to pay for access An ongoing study by the Trust for Public Land shows that over the past decade, voter approval rates for bond measures to acquire

Lancaster Parks and Recreation staff named their co-workers as the greatest strength of the organization. Other takeaways included the need for new aquatic recreation, increasing programming, upgrades to the maintenance facility, and reaching communities around the smaller, lesserused parks.

parks and conserve open space exceeds 75% Clearly, the majority of the public views parks as an essential priority for government spending

• Parks and recreation programs provide places for health and well-being that are accessible by persons of all ages and abilities, especially to those with disabilities In a 2007 survey of Fairfax County, VA, residents 8 of 10 households rated a quality park system either very important or extremely important to their quality of life .

• Research by the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods indicates that community involvement in neighborhood parks is associated with lower levels of crime and vandalism

• Access to parks and recreation opportunities has been strongly linked to reductions in crime and to reduced juvenile delinquency

• Parks have a value to communities that transcend the amount of dollars invested or the revenues gained from fees

• Parks provide a sense of public pride and cohesion to every community .

National Recreation and Park Association For more information on the value and benefits of parks go to www.nrpa.org

ARE WE DOING A GOOD JOB SERVING THE YOUTH THROUGH THE PARKS? SENIORS? IS THERE ANY GROUP NOT BEING SERVICED WELL ENOUGH BY THE CITY PARKS?

Lancaster Parks and Recreation staff feel confident that they are doing a good job serving everyone in the community using the resources and staffing that exist That said, some felt the focus should be on preteens and teenagers

WHAT IS THE MOST IMMEDIATE NEED OF THE CITY PARK SYSTEM?

Again, the employees felt that the most immediate need for facilities was the updating of the existing “workshop” or, better yet, the creation of a brand-new maintenance facility

WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR THE FUTURE OF LANCASTER PARKS & RECREATION?

This open-ended question was posed to employees as a “the sky is the limit” question and encouraged creativity . Below are the responses .

• More employees and employees who, upon hire, are equipped with knowledge and a good work ethic

• A waterpark or splash pad

• Updates to existing swimming facilities and the skatepark

• Additional facilities, such as a new maintenance building

• Improve the dam at Alley Park

• More activities in the parks around town

• More and newer equipment

• Update current equipment and existing facility software

• All access to Alley Park

• More nature aesthetic in all parks

• Additional handicap parking

• Scanners for Olivedale

• A ropes course

• An indoor walking path

• In-house administrative duties

• Marketing and social media support for the entire City Parks system

• A dock at Alley Park

KEY TAKEAWAYS AND

The process of asking the Lancaster community about their wants and needs in regard to the City Park system, and the conversations with internal stakeholders resulted in an energetic, enlightening and engaging endeavor People offered positive remarks around the fact that their park system cared about their opinions and the opinions of their families, regardless of age and demographics

It was encouraging for the staff and volunteers to learn that the community is satisfied with the services being provided by Lancaster Parks and Recreation, and that citizens also are looking to the future in hopes of seeing even more innovation and recreational offerings

After examining national trends for city park systems, it is apparent that both the wish list of and the opportunities for Lancaster Recreation and Parks are in line with those of comparable systems across the country

Below is a summarization of key themes that emerged from Think BiG! and issues to keep in mind as Lancaster Parks and Recreation plans and prioritizes for the near future

WATER FEATURE TOPS THE WISH LIST

There certainly is no denying that the local public is anxious to see an aquatic feature of some type - splash pad, interactive fountain, sprayground or a full-blown water park - created and utilized in Lancaster As proof of their desire, many are already traveling to nearby cities to utilize similar facilities .

The Groveport Aquatic Center features a lazy river, water slides, splash fountains, and swimming pools There are zero-entry features and a toddler area It operates as a public pool with lifeguards, admission fees, and vending https://www.groveportrec.com/235/Aquatic-Center

The Splash pad in Mary Virginia Crites Hannan Park, located in Circleville, is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and features the very basics - a concrete play area with drains and large, colorful metal features that spray water The splash pad is located in a 72-acre park that includes playgrounds and a dog park This is a basic water feature and operates only a few months out of the year . https://www.ci.circleville.oh.us/facilities/facility/details/Mary-Virginia-Crites-Hannan-Park-4

The Heath City Water Park features a large pool, waterslides, and a lazy river While it was among the most often visited by survey respondents, it currently operates just four hours a day and three months out of the year This could be due to a variety of factors That said, this park has many features, such as a sprayground situated in a wading pool, that makes it appropriate for people of all ages and abilities

https://www.facebook.com/heathcitywaterpark

There are approximately 15 splash pads and fountains located in central Ohio - all of which differ from one another While a water feature in Lancaster for the community seems inevitable, it also may serve as a destination for people outside of Lancaster if it offers something different than the other water parks in central Ohio

https://www.columbusonthecheap.com/splash-pads-columbus

In regard to the operation of a water facility like a splash pad, these features use a very small body of water, around 1,000 gallons instead of the 10’s of thousand gallons used in a swimming pool Considerations should be made as to whether a recirculating system or a fresh water system is used There are pros and cons to both Splash pads tend to operate more independently than pools because lifeguards are not required . They also are accessible to people of all abilities and ages More information can be found at:

https://mysplashpad.net/pros-cons-fresh-water-recirculation-splash-pads

TRAILS AND GREEN SPACES ARE A PRIORITY

While the summer months might see Lancaster residents swarming to a new water feature, the public still holds bike and walking trails, as well as clean green spaces, in high regard As previously mentioned, over 70 percent of those surveyed placed the highest value on these resources . This is aligned with the national findings .

The National Library of Medicine posts that “Overall, compared with parks without walking loops, on average during an hourly observation, parks with walking loops had 80% more users (95% CI: 42, 139%), and levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity were 90% higher (95% CI: 49, 145%) The additional park use and parkbased physical activity occurred not only on the walking loops but throughout the park .”

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5289910

While walking amenities and open spaces encourage physical exercise, they also have an impact on property value and the local economy .

Conservation Tools Organization published the results of a plethora of economic studies, which found the following:

• Trails increase the value of nearby properties

• Trails boost spending at local businesses Communities along trails, often called trail towns, benefit from the influx of visitors going to restaurants, snack shops and other retail establishments . On longer trails, hotels, bed and breakfasts, and outdoor outfitters benefit

• Trails make communities more attractive places to live When considering where to move, homebuyers rank walking and biking paths as one of the most important features of a new community

• Trails influence business location and relocation decisions Companies often choose to locate in communities that offer a high level of amenities to employees as a means of attracting and retaining toplevel workers • Trails can make communities attractive to businesses looking to expand or relocate, both because of the amenities they offer to employees, and the opportunities they offer to cater to trail visitors

• Trails reduce medical costs by encouraging exercise and other healthy outdoor activities

• Trails revitalize depressed areas, creating a demand for space in what were once vacant buildings .

• Trails provide transportation options and cut fuel expenses, offering reliable means of transportation for short distance trips Nearly half of all car trips are less than three miles and more than a quarter are one mile or less

• Trails provide low or no-cost recreation to families with low costs relative to other recreational services that could be provided by government .

• Trails increase tax revenues in the communities in which they are located

• These benefits represent a huge economic return on the money invested into trail projects . The costs of land acquisition for trails, trail construction and maintenance are far outweighed by the economic benefits generated by trails

These findings emphasize the importance of real estate developers inside the city limits contributing to the wellbeing of Lancaster Parks and Recreation through monetary donations or the setting aside of green space .

PROGRAMMING IS ESSENTIAL TO SUSTAINING CITY PARKS

Though it was not a primary focus of the Think BiG! survey, the area of programming, and a desire for an increase in free, family-friendly programming and events, rose to the top of the findings Close to 73 percent of people surveyed said they wanted to see more free events, and close to 50 percent seek an increase in outdoor education Additionally, many staff members expressed the opinion that if programming in city parks increased and was made available in some of the neighborhood parks, the use of those parks and the benefit gained from community members would increase as well

Beyond the personal and societal benefits of recreation programming, programs are essential to sustaining the parks and recreation system Revenue generated from fee-based recreation programs represents the highest non-tax revenue source for parks and recreation departments (Source: NRPA 2018 Agency Performance Report) Programs bring people together and build community, activate public spaces, and optimize the use and benefits of the community’s investment in parks and facilities

In addition, programming in parks infuses communities with positive activity and crowd out negative, unsafe behavior “Well maintained, well programmed parks and recreation amenities activate our communities and our city, attracting positive behavior, investment in neighborhood revitalization and healthy, happy and engaged children and adults. This is also about fairness – families in every neighborhood deserve quality, safe places for play.”

- WHYY/National Public Radio in Philadelphia

Trends in programming across the country are changing, according to a report published by Mobile Alabama’s Park and Recreation Department and the National Recreation and Park Association

• Parks and recreation departments are seeing a rapid growth in interest in pickleball, especially among seniors Archery has risen in popularity, lacrosse teams are vying for field space, and interest continues for life sports - biking, kayaking, tennis, swimming, jogging/walking

• Young professional adults are participating in non-traditional sports such as kickball, dodgeball, and futsal Social interaction, co-ed, and less structured and managed opportunities are popular .

• The baby boomer generation embraces an active lifestyle and does not necessarily identify themselves as “seniors” Many of them continue to work and others enjoy rewarding volunteer experiences But social and health and wellness programs are needed for the older and more elderly seniors

• Intergenerational programming such as camping, scavenger hunts, nature discovery, and family hikes are trending, likely as an escape from busy lifestyles and urban environments

• Programs to improve the quality of life for the underserved will continue to be an important focus for parks and recreation departments Outreach activities require overcoming access, communication and affordability barriers Strategic community partnerships play important roles

• Parks and recreation departments are partnering with health agencies to develop programs to combat obesity

Finally, in a tight economy, community organizations, schools and park systems are pulling resources to provide programming year-round, indoors/outdoors, free and fee-based, and in a wider variety of locations and facilities These partnerships can reduce costs while also allowing more people access to programming Lancaster Parks and Recreation has excellent rapport with community organizations and might find even greater benefit by taking those relationships further

FIND NEW WAYS TO REACH THE PUBLIC

One final theme that surfaced during discussions with both City Parks staff and with Friends of the Parks volunteers was a need to get information about parks, programming, and events into the hands of community members more efficiently .

Currently, Lancaster Parks & Recreation is operating two websites, an online program guide, and three Facebook accounts Streamlining this process and investing in some basic marketing techniques will help this process along Currently, over 80 percent of the public gets their news and information online In fact, according to Pew Research, about two-thirds of U .S . adults say they get news at least occasionally from news websites or apps (68%) or search engines, like Google (65%) About half (53%) say they get news from social media, and a much smaller portion say they get news at least sometimes from podcasts (22%) https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2021/01/12

LARGE MAJORITY OF AMERICANS GET NEWS ON DIGITAL DEVICES

% of U.S. adults who get news from...

Source: Survey of U.S. adults conducted Aug. 31 – Sept. 7, 2020 PEW RESEARCH CENTER

As the print news subscriptions in Lancaster continue to dwindle and the community is forced to compete with all of central Ohio to access media coverage, being strategic about messaging through social media, marketing plans, and advertising is essential . In addition, collecting data, addresses, and emails of park users will continue to play a major role in sustaining support for the City Park System

THANK YOU

In closing, it was a pleasure for Krile Communications to undertake the Think BiG! project Our thanks to the entire Lancaster Parks and Recreation team - The Board Members, Friends of the Parks Board and volunteers, employees, community members, and community partners It is our hope that the findings here will have a positive impact on the future of Lancaster Parks and Recreation and our community

LIST OF RESOURCES USED IN THE THINK BIG! PROJECT AND REPORT

https://www sciencedirect com/science/article/abs/pii/S0091743519301033

https://www .ci .lancaster .oh .us/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/4931

https://www planning org/pas/reports/report194 htm

https://worldpopulationreview com/us-cities/lancaster-oh-population

Philadelphia Park Alliance Activating Parks & Open Spaces Through Programming June 2015

The Outdoor Foundation . 2016 Outdoor Recreation Participation Report . 2016 .

https://www civicplus com/blog/pr/parks-and-rec-tech-advancements

Center for Disease Control Prevalence of Obesity Among Adults and Youth: United States, 2015–2016

October 2017 Caryn Ernst, Peter Harnik, and Linda Keenan Active Parks, Healthy Cities 2018

www benefitshub ca/entry/the-impact-of-parks-on-property-values-a-review-of-empirical-evidence

www nrpa org/parks-recreation-magazine/2022/january

https://recmanagement com/feature/201604FE01/4

https://cityparksalliance org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/active-parks-healthy-cities

https://conservationtools org/guides/97-economic-benefits-of-trails

https://www ncbi nlm nih gov/pmc/articles/PMC5289910/

https://www pewresearch org/fact-tank/2021/01/12/

pdf?pdf=report

SUMMATION OF ANSWERS TO OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS

435 responses

Fire pits in parks

I think the skateboard park needs updated

A Splash Pad and Concrete Skate Park a much better skatepark for the city

Splash pad

Spraygrounds

A splash pad and a new skate park would be great!

Place to run radio controlled trucks and cars. Maybe a place to fly drones also for photography.

Splash water park

More out door things for seniors

A castle park for the community, that is NOT a school. With sunshades put up to help give shade and some protection from harmful sun rays. Fenced in with gated entrances to help keep kids from running out and encountering possible vehicle dangers.

Kayaking/canoeing/ paddleboard facilities (maybe at Alley Park?)

Soccer goals at parks for practicing

More dog friendly parks or designated dog parks in more places.

A indoor recplex with adult Rec leagues for volleyball or basketball

Splash pad on the 100 block of north broad!!!

Indoor Pool

More shelter houses for picnicking

Community Center

Splash pad

Ninja course/ obstacle course

Shuffleboard, bocce ball, horseshoes, big dog park for dogs to run(the one in Miller Park is too small)

Bike rentals

Would love to see plant and wildlife identification classes

splash pad Park on the west side near River Valley

Highlands

Beach Volleyball League/ Courts

Family center

SPLASH PAD

Splash pad

Indoor facility similar to Logan high schools center. Indoor rec during winter, indoor soccer

Splash pad

Splash Pad

Arts program or facilty for youths

Community gardens

More bathrooms PLEASE

Splash pad

Splash Pad. We were driving to Circleville

Better swim facilities, more hiking trails

More hiking/biking trails

Waterpark

Safe parks without drug dealers and other problems.

A splash pad and water park of sorts would be

awesome

Shadded playgrounds for syn sensitive kiddos

Splash pad

Wheelchair accessibility at all

Adult crafts

Pickle ball courts

A really nice swimmer

area for family’s!!

Indoor walking facility

Water park

A concrete skatepark

Splash Pad

Splash Pad

Give money back to taxpayers

Sports camps- let kids do a variety of sports to find interest, Golf for kids,

Aquatic center

Splash pad/ water feature

A splash pad and water park of sorts would be

awesome

Designated regulation pickleball courts

New pickleball courts

Drinking foutains

Splash pad

If it’s possible, but maybe a shooting range.

Programming for teens

An updated skate park

Pickleball only indoor and outdoor courts

Pickleball courts

Splash pad/water ay areas beyond swimming pools

New Pickleball courts!!

Splash pad maybe even dog friendly, bocce

A safe new pickleball area with ample courts for the growing number of players in zLancaster

Better pickleball courts

Splash pad

Splash pad

Dog park!

Splash pad

Splash pad!!!

Splash pad and Volleyball courts

A splash pad!

Splash pad

Splash Pad

Splash Pad

Splash pad/Water park

Selfie area, volunteer opportunities, activities for young adults or teens

Splash pad

Splash pad

Splash pad

Splash pad!

Splash pad

Some sort of light food options or drinks.

Splash pad

A splash pad is greatly needed and would be a huge benefit to the community.

Splash pad separate from a pool. Like Circleville

Definitely a splash pad

Splash pad

Splash pad

More benches

Splash park

Safety Patrol for the Bike Trail

Aquatic center

Splash pad

A splash pad and playground equipment

Picklebsll courts.

Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in ghe U.S. and there are NO courts in Lancaster. In the past we have used tennis courts at Maher Park but they are currently in horrible condition.

A lazy river to float on inner tubes or small rafts

A park lady like we had decades ago.they would provide organized crafts

,games and fun things for kids to do

Square dancing every other week. They do this at a park in Kentucky, charge minimal admission and it is very well attended by all ages

Indoor sports complex

Turf softball/baseball

diamonds

A decent bike trail

An improved skatepark

Splash pad

A community garden and splash pad!

Rock climbing

A botanical park!

There are a few along the bike path and old variations from the 80s, but a newer set of basic workout equipment for basic, anaerobic exercises.

Splash pad, improved soccer fields and parking, paved running trails

Rental bikes

Summer programs for teens

Skating rink, sport training facility, trampoline park, there’s not much for kids to do since everything closed during the pandemic

Splash pad

Splash parks, basketball court

Useable pickle ball courts outdoors.

A splash pad

Botanical garden

Splash pad

Adult programs and Access to mobility assistance in the park Street hockey

What is something NOT currently offered by Lancaster Parks and Recreation that you and your family would use if provided?

Splash pad. Ninja equipment/course.

Community garden.

Community garden

Splash pad

Mountain bike trail

Art show, rib fest, live renaissance shows

Splash pad

Splash pad

Nature Playscape, affordable rentable facilities

Splash Pad and Obstacle Course

More fun educational programs/Camps places to fish

An actual water park - with some slides .

Something like The city of Heath Offers

Roller Skating Rink

an indoor sport area that can be used year round

ROLLERSKATE Park

splash pad, adult women softball....not coed

Water Park

Tennis courts with lights

AND a bicycle trail that loops around the entire City with access across Memorial drive,especially

Splash Pad

Garden Exhibit, more inclusive playgrounds, more toddler friendly playgrounds

Goat yoga

Rock climbing

Better bike trails

skating rink

Bike trails. The one now goes through town with a lot of obstacles that hard to negotiate safely

Rising park should have basketball courts

affordable aquatics center

Community garden

Ability to volunteer to maintain the parks.

Community garden, cleaned up skate park, splash pad sounds great

Therapy pool for walking outside

Water Park

Splash Pad

Updated Public Pool like in Columbus ( would be willing to pay a small fee as a county resident to enter ) and Public Rock

Climbing

climbing wall, splash pad, Splash Pad

An Ice Hockey Facility

Community Garden, fishing area

Splash pad Unknown

Bike fixing stations along bike trail

water park

Outdoor Art Gallery Hiking Path

splash area

Splash pad park would be amazing!

Splash pad.

Splash pad/water park

Fitness center or classes for adults

Bike Trail connected to others (i.e. Pickerington)

Weekly organized bike ride on bike path for new riders.

Splash pad area and dog park

Ninja Course

Please bring back Aqua Zumba during the summer months.

water park

climbing wall, water sports

Splash Pad

Dredge rising park pond for ice skating..

Safety

I’d love to see a splash pad for little ones.

Something downtown, similar to the one in Easton

Botanical gardens

Splash pad - can be used by all not just kids

Pickleball courts

More trees.

I like the idea of

programs for teens - they need this.

Bike path circling the city. Bike path connecting Amanda to Lancaster , off the main roads.

Bike path connecting Pickerington Pond to Lancaster, off roads.

Completed bike/hiking trail that circles the city

ice rink

Green space that includes fields, long grassland areas. A nicer dog park attached to a community space.

A water park, check out the one in Marion Indiana Not necessarily use, but enjoy - water features, fountains, etc.

Park amphitheater

Indoor aquatic facility

an outdoor flush toilet at Alley Park

Splash pad

Pickleball Courts

Splash pads

Something that we don’t need is a natural playground that would be an accident and lawsuit waiting to happen

Safe bike trails

New/expanded bike paths

Extended bike trail

Music

Mountain bike trails. There aren’t many, if any, in Fairfield County

Water park

A botanical garden would be beautiful. Also, I love bocce ball.

Botanical garden

Park Rangers

My kids would LOVE a ninja obstacle course. Soccer fields with benches and better bathroom facilities

A natural play area with water. A place to use R/C boats and trucksEnclosed building for parties in case of bad weather with heat and a/c.

river canoeing and kayaking, cross country

skiing

splash pad & zero entry pool

Larger, more complete bike trail

Water spigots/fountains at parks. Especially the dog park.

Dog park

An expanded bike trail

Go kart, mini golf, ATV mudding or riding

Naturalist Events

Splash pad

Pickle ball

Ninja obstacle course

Pickle Ball Court

Railing is needed along the rock steps to and from the summit to Mount Pleasant to provide safe access for seniors and those with gait issues.

Wheelchair accessible paths to the gazebo and to more than only one shelter house at Rising Park.

A natural playground

indoor, or outdoor facility with turfed field

Splash pad

splash pad

Splash pad

Splash pads

An astronomy park.

Splash pad, Roller rink

skate rink

Splash pad

Batting cages

Mountain biking

water park

Splash pad

Cornhole

Lap pool

Water park

Ninja playgrounds

Archery year round

Arts and crafts at local parks for children under 15 at least once a week

splash pad with our grand kids.

Splash pads, obstacle courses, natural playgrounds

Water park

Splash pad

Splash pad, street hockey court

Better developed bike trails leading residents to use them for recreation and as alternative transportation routes.

Splash pad/water park/ ice skating

Splash pad

Water park

Botanical gardens

Splash pad or indoor playground

Splash pad

Ice skating rink

Splash pad

A splash pad!!

Splash pad

Splash pad

Water park

Definitely a splash park. Pools scare me.

Splash pad

Splash pad

Splash pad, growing/ crop share space, indoor soccer team (we would love to coach the team and build the program!)

Indoor soccer/sports complex

Nicer baseball complex / splash pad

Splash pad

Swimming complexgroveport heath

Rock Climbing Wall

Rock climbing wall

Splash pad

Story Book Trails

Splash pad

A splash pad like in circleville!

Indoor basketball facilities!

Clear areas at ponds behind the mall for fishing lo

Swimming pkqce fir dogs at one of the dog parks.

I would love to see more education on wildlife and

conservation.

HOCKEY!!!!!!!!!!

Splash pad

Indoor soccer

Pickle ball courts

Grandparents & senior friends who have never been upon the mountain...is there any possibility of taking individuals up on mountain.

Archery walk through

We love our parks!

A hockey rink

Accessible trails

Splash pad, baby/adult swing

Splash pad

Not totally aware of everything as we’ve only been here since January I think the kids around lancaster would love a water park of some sort and ninja course

A splash pad

Splash pad

Ninja course, splash pad

Splash pad

Water park with park for kids to have opportunity to play on something without water or a place for family’s to just float on tubes where no one can drift away or out to far so more fun and relaxing can be enjoyed without a lot of worrying where one another are

Splash pad

Splash park for kids

Splash pad

Splash pad

A splash pad

Splash pad

Splash pad and dog parks. Lazy river

Splash pad or water feature for small children

Hockey rink

Ice skating

kayaking area

Pickin’ in the Park

Garden/splash park/zip line/two person swing

Splash pad

Splash Pad

Indoor swim

Lazy river at a pool

Updated pools

Guided hikes

Activities for adults, other than sports (e.g. crafts, cooking, gardening)

Public Toilets

A new updated pool. Lancaster needs a new pool snd community rec center

Adult fishing at Rising Park.

Splash pad

Splash pads would be awesome climbing things in more of the parks

Splash pad for kids/ more things for teens

Water park

Splash pad

Ninja course pickle ball courts, bike pump stations

More bicycle trails...rail trails?

Splash Pad

Roller/ice skating arena, volleyball court

Solan pad, ninja course, community garden, etc.

1. Designated quiet zones in green spaces for picnics or walks, meaning no music, engines, or other loud noises (normal talking, laughing ok). 2. A natural body of water for wading, swimming, floating, or boating. 3. A dog swimming area or pool event. It happened once at Miller Pool in 2011 then never again. Work with the Fairfield Health Dept to change their mind on this.

I have great grandchildren that live near Elmwood park. This park is not taken care of and has very limited equipment for small children to play on. This park needs to be updated with new equipment for kids that live around it to play on.

Splash pad/water area apart from the current

pools

Definitely a ninja obstacle course

Splash pad!

Splash pad , climbing obstacle for toddlers

Splash pad

Splash park

Splash pads

Splash pad

Splash pad for the Community

Splash Pad

Splash pad or community garden

Splash pad

Splash pad

A splash pad

Splash pad

Splash pad

Water park/ splash pad, ninja course

Splash pad

Splash pad

Sand Volleyball , beach like environment , Outdoor cross fit equipment. Art gallery pavilion. Sculpture garden. Music venue for festivals.

We’d love a splash pad!!!

SPLASH PAD!

SPLASH PAD

Splash pad

A Splash Pad!!!

When I was growing up and my daughter was young they had summer programs in the park. They stopped doing them before my son was old enough to enjoy them. I wish they would bring this back.

Splash Pad

Splash Pad

Splash pad

Splash Pad

Splash pad and something for the teenagers

More inviting pools

Splash pad

We would love a plash park and more youth programs

Splash Pad // also family bench swings. Like ones in Easton!! They would be a huge hit! Especially down town somewhere!!

Splash pad

Splash pad for sure, and more rec leagues for other sports

Splash pad

Indoor swimming pool

Community center with art/craft/nature classes for adults

Organized volunteering

Community Center that offered classes and activities.

Wildflower area with native plants

Splash pad

Mountain Bike trails

more small parks located within neighborhoods. Places that can be accessed by walking.

Splash pad

Workout stations

Outdoor lap swimming for adults

Splash pad

A splash pad or a swimming area like the one in heath ohio.

Splash pad

Splash pad

Splash pad! Community garden!

More shelter areas for parties with restrooms

Turf fields-there are grants for this. My brother has emailed regarding this. Contact me if you would like more information

A splash pad!!!!

Community Garden

Water park

Programs and parks that are for kids who are of preschool age (3-5).

Pickleball courts

Workouts on the park

Recycling bins at the softball fields …. So MANY plastic bottles getting trashed every day at games !!

Splash pad

Our kids needs active water play

Arts facility/ community center

Splash pad/ water play for younger children, ninja sort of playground for older/ more active children, community garden

Pickleball courts

Dog water fountains at dog parks and more dog parks in our green spaces

Pickleball courts!!!

Splash Pad

Indoor rec plex like in Logan ohio

Splash pad

A splash pad. Something for children 12 and under to have a safe space

Splash pad

All abilities fishing docks

Splash pad amphitheatre

Splash Pad

Water on the hiking biking trails and additional security.

Storybook trail

Rising park tennis court lighting

SUMMATION OF ANSWERS TO OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS

628 responses

hiking trails in metro parks, bike trails in athens

So many, slate run park, three creeks park, numerous Hocking hills, Pickerington ninja park to name some

Hocking Hilo’s, hiking

A skatepark called skatopia

Heath pool

Spraygrounds in Columbus, Ohio

Splash pad in circleville.

Drone park in Columbus

Splash pad senior shuffled board games

Columbus

Kayak - S. Branch

Potomac, WV

Safe, clean, up to date playgrounds in Carroll Groveport Aquatic Center

Dog parks like in 37 towards Granville.

To Columbus Berliner park for a adult Rec volleyball league

Logan city pool

Cabins and campgrounds, marinas, mini golf

Chestnut Ridge

Ninja course

Bike rental from Athens Library

Hiking trails and nature centers various SE Ohio parks

Splashpad

Beach Volleyball League/ Courts

Hiking trails or to see a park with historic interest

Circleville splash pad and columbus for ice skating

Circleville OH for a splash pad

Splash pad circleville

Logan, Zanesville and Easton Indoor soccer

Splash pad

Splash Pad

Splash pad in circleville

We went to the Pleasantville park because they have a flat shelter house that you pay to rent. We rented this one simply because of the full kitchen and mostly because of 1 indoor retrooms that aren’t shared

Splash pad in Circleville Ohio

Splash pad, hiking trails

Circleville Splash Pad

Walnut woods dog park

Chestnut Ridge (Canal Winchester), Grove port pool, Hocking hills

Columbus Metro Parks

hiking

Additional outdoor facilities, like dining, that are offered at various Columbus Metro Parks.

Indian Lake, clean shelter houses with electric and water, clean and adequate restroom facilities

Picnic, hiking, fishing in a place where we didn’t see drug deals or had to deal with rude people, usually teens, making us uncomfortable to be there.

Splash pad, pool, more accessible area

Quarry Trails, Clear Creek, Zellar Park, Hocking Hills

Grove city pickleball

Swimming pools. Heath city pool and others around the surrounding area.

Inniswood Metro Gardens in Westerville

Vacation

Heath water park and canal Winchester pool

Newark, Columbus, Athens

Splash pad at Easton

Splash Pad - Circleville

Give money back to taxpayers

Old Man’s Cave for the beautiful scenery

Banquet facility

Groveport aquatic center

Splash pads

Columbus metro parks areas

Tennis courts in various cities and walking/hiking trails

Hocking hills

Butterfly gardenCircleville Mary Virginia

Crites Hannan Park

Trail running events

Athens skate park

Pickerington Ponds bike trail, Black Gorge bike path

Splash park in Circleville

Splash pad. Scioto mile. Splash pad Columbus location. Scioto mile has a nice walk way and swings to rest and I njoy the the scenery. That would be nice downtown or at rising around the lake. A few adult bench swings. The skate park really needs updated as well. My children would not benefit from that but so many would.

Shooting range, arts opportunities.

Pool

Columbus Mary Virginia Crites

Hannen Park in Circleville for splash pad. Glacier Ridge Metro Park for ninja course.ge Metro Park for ninja/obstacle course.

Pickleball, Chieftain Center

Pickleball tournament at Scarborough

Groveport and Columbus for pickleball

Splash pad

Splash pad on circleville

Splash pad

Circleville and grove city splash pads

Splash pad- Circleville... Volleyball- Logan

Pools and splash pads

New Lexington Ohio

Trampoline places

Circleville splash pad

Franklin Park and Conservatory

Franklin Park

Conservatory & Dawes

Arboretum

Circleville splash pad

Splash pad

Splash pad

Circleville the great park they have on 188

Columbus splash pad

Dinosaur park in Delaware Ohio

Circleville splash pad

Splash pad

Various splash pad throughout Columbus, Columbus Metro Parks for their preschool/kid programs, other parks (ex. Audoban) for unique climbing/play features (mini zip line, climbing wall, etc)

Circleville Splash Pad/ park. Once a week

Racine Ohio splash pad and park

Splash pad in columbus and circleville

Splash pad - Circleville and Obetz

Circleville splash pad, groveport pool

Hocking Hills area, Old Man’s Cave

Indoor swimming

Dawes Arboretum in Newark, OH. Cox Arboretum in Dayton, OH. Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus, OH.

Splash pad, Circleville

Splash pad at Easton, Preston’s hope playground in beachwood oh

Pickleball at Groveport and Circleville.

Soccer First (Dublin)not a public facility, but comparable to general concept.

Splash parks

Hopewell Mounds rails to trails safe biking from their parking lot.

Columbus Indianapolis turfed fields

Bike trails

Franklin Park

Conservatory

Cave tours

Hiking trails that allow dogs. Very few around Lancaster.

N/A (Not from the area, and I don’t recall where but it was for a pool)

Rock climbing

Clearcreek Metro Parkhiking and walking paths; Smeck Park in Baltimore - Walking paths; Cantwell

In the past two years, have you or someone in your household traveled to a park outside of Lancaster to use a facility or program NOT offered in our city?

If you answered YES above, please tell us what you travelled to use and where it was located.

Cliffs and Conkles Hollow in Hocking Hills - Hiking trails

Franklin park conservatory

Summer programs for teens more apealimg miller pool, a bike path that is more monitored and cleaned up so we can feel safe while walking and biking, splash pad, botanical gardens , better facilities in the parks especially for when sports are in session ex bathrooms concession stands etc

Sport training facility, Skating rink, trampoline park

Better bike trails in Pickerington and Athens.

Splash pad in Columbus and circleville

Franklin Park

Conservatory, other hiking areas, splash pads.

Splash pad

Heath splash park

Hiking trails hocking county

Ninja equipment & splash pad. Jewish community center & Columbus.

Splash pad

Splash pad in Wilmington ohio

All over Ohio

Splash pad and zerodepth entry pool in Plain City, OH

Splash pad In Columbus, Sciota Mile

Groveport to use slash pad and bike trails

Splash pad ponds that allow us to canoe/kayak, climbing walls

Nature Playscape, Dawes, Women’s outdoor event, Licking County Parks

Splash Pad in Columbus, Ohio

Splash Pad and Ninja obstacle course

NEWARK, COLUMBUS, PICKERNGTON

Worthington Parks. The splash pad and the shelter house was amazing and very clean ice skating

The city of Heath water park

We travel to Zanesville to play indoor soccer.

Blacklick woods nature center slate run

Hiking trails

city pool/water park (such as Heath, and Groveport)

Grove port rec center safer bike trail, canal winchester

I do not live in the city but love extended bike paths that extend outside of the city going from town to town or other location/s

Michigan

The large dog park in Groveport

Bicycle trails

Splash pad, better fishing area for children, roller rink

Franklin Park Conservatory

State park - Carroll / Canal Winchester

Clear Creek-Much nicer Hiking Trails, Athenslonger and nicer Bike Trail, Nature Preservesnicer Hiking Trails

Groveport Aquatic Center

Groveport/aquatic center

Pickerington skate park, circleville splash pad

Licking County

Groveport water park

Water Park and Lake Isabella (Fultonham)

Splash Pad - Circleville

Plain Township Aquatic Center, Westerville

Ice rink

Splash pad, big parks and ponds

we have went to other public pools not in our area. we have also visited other parks to participate in events offered.

Splash pad, fishing area

splash pad in Circleville Columbus, to safer bike trails for kids not on busy city street.

Groveport

Outdoor Art Gallery in Michigan

Groveport dog park

splash pad areas at various parks.

To Circleville to use their splash pad and to Pickerington to the ninja park.

Sports center, golf swing place

Circleville splash pad/ groveport aquatic center

Several of the Columbus Metro Parks for hiking and kayaking (Pickerington Ponds, Blacklick Woods, Scioto Audubon, Quarry Trails, Highbanks).

Bike paths in Pickerington and from Nelsonville to Athens

Extended bike path of Pickerington Ponds and Granville to Johnstown path. HockhockingAdena path Nelsonville to Athens, longer rides

Free splash pad in Circleville

Groveport Pool - More Items for the kids

We look for highly shaded bike trails due to summer heat.

We visit many parks in Ohio out of curiosity or for the scenery.

water park

metro parks climbing wall

Smeck park in Baltimore OH

A wooden park with splash pad, programs for teens, canoe rentals

Hiking in Michigan, bike paths in Pennsylvania

Franklin Park conservatory

Hocking Hills

Presentation on wildlife cautions. Deerassic Park better, longer bike trails

Paved bike paths that are off roads and through park like areas., such as the Three Creek Park Area.

Bike paths in Ohio

Nicer dog park, pretty wildflower fields

Water park

Family gathering

Grove City Aquatic Center

hiking trails with garden areas and art displays throughout the woods

Pickerington ponds

We have gone to pickerington for the ninjas course, and wading.

Pickerington ninja park. Splash pad Circleville area

Granville bike trail

Bike trails- Columbus Athens Newark

Bike path, Columbus

Columbus metro parks bike trails — Pickerington and walnut woods

Tar Hollow Chillicothe

Logan and Heath water parks

AW Marion Parkkayaking on the lake.

AW Marion ParkKayaking on the lake.

Water park, art programs, zoo, state park with trails, (science museum)

Smeck park farm. Field of sunflowers

amphitheater

Columbus area & Coshocton- zero entry swimming pools & splash pads

Walnut Woods dog park

Walnut Woods and Tall Pines & dog park

Pickerington Pond and Three Creeks Park

Columbus arcade Dave and busters

Hiking trails , camping , better bike trails

Licking County Bike Trail

Hilliard splash pad for kids

Bike path Columbus

Old Man’s Cave; Ash Cave; Rock House

Too many to name. We are avid hikers.

Columbus

The Natural Playgrounds at Blendon Woods in Westerville, Ohio

indoor turfed fieldLogan Chieftain Center

Redwood national Park

Splash pads- Circleville, New Lexington, bike courses-Newark, ninja courses-Pickerington

Splash pad in Circleville

Splash pad

New Lexington Ohio

splash pad

Heath Pool water park

Bike paths at metro parks in Franklin county

John Glenn Astronomy Park, Hocking Hills

Splash pad, Easton

Splash pad circleville

Baseball fields

Mountain biking, Chestnut Ridge campgrounds

Slate run and Chestnut Ridge

Hiking biking trails

Columbus metro parks

Camping logan

Bike trail

Fairfield County Parks and Metro Parks various programs

Beach. Alum creek, deer creak

Ninja course in pickerington

We went to some of the county parks because of the programming they offer.

Park of roses in Columbus ohio, Westerville. Splash pad behind library, kid events at the metro parks, etc.

Water park-groveport

Splash pad in circleville

Pickerington

Amanda, splash pad, Delaware, splash pad/ climbing/obstacle course

Juried art show.

Heath Water Park/ice skating In Cincinnati

Splash pad

Water park

Dawes Arboretum in Newark, OH

Playgrounds and walking trails around Columbus, Mary Crites park in Circleville

Splash Pad

Granville bike path

Splash pad

Splash pads in Easton, etc

Splash pad in Circleville or Hillard

Circleville, Ohio for splash pad

Circleville splash pad

Circleville splash pad

Splash pad

Splash pad in circleville

Splash pad

All surrounding splash pads, indoor soccer arena

Zanesville sports complex and Columbus for indoor sports

Baseball facilities and splash pad

Pool complex- Groveport and heath

Rock Climbing Wall at Scioto Audubon Metro Park

Rock climbing wall at Scioto Audubon metro park

Water park, Columbus

Dawes Arboretum for plant education and exercise!

Circleville and pickerington

Splash pad

The Root - Gallipolis Ohio Dog park in canal.

Climbing wall splash pad/amusement park. cedar point / kings island, circleville & surrounding areas for splash pad. public pools are too nasty, and lifeguards don’t give a crap, when someone literally craps lol.

Circleville splash pad

Zanesville field house

Walking trails

Pickerington Ponds, Delaware splash pad

Easton for Ice Skating

Hiking in hocking hills

Splash pad

Splash pad, Circleville

Bike paths...Hocking County

To the water park

Splash pad. Circleville

Circleville for splash pad

Pickerington and Circleville

Circleville Splash Pad

Sundusky for indoor water park and sea glass

hunting

Splash pad Circleville

Columbus Ohio, splash pad.

Splash pad, water park for kids under 2

Splash pad

Splash pad circleville

Circleville splash pad

Splash pad

Circleville and Groveport splash pad and lazy river

Dog parks and dog

beaches in Columbus

Roller hockey rink/ Dodge park Columbus

Columbus

Hicking trails

cabins in eastern WV SP to access trout fishing in VA

Splash pad

Groveport recreation facility

Splash Pad- New Lexington

Pickerington parks

Heath municipal pool

Canal Winchester, Heath Trails, playgrounds all over the area, pools not part of the city, and more practice fields for sports(nets, backstops, etc)

Fishing, not permitted to fish with grandkids at Rising park.

Hocking Hills State Park (Caves/Hiking)

Metro parks

Splash pad obetz

Splash pad in Circleville Ohio

Cicleville splash pad

Ninja Course in Pickerington Park, Heath City Pools Water Park

A swimming lake

Ninja course

Smeck Park trails

Mambourg Park trails

Clearcreek trails

extended biking trails - Nelsonville and Three

Creeks

Rail trails

Splash Pad

Ninja course

Pickerington, Circleville splash pad, Delaware splash pad/dinosaur park

Splash pad—Circleville, obetz, westerville, etc. ninja course— pickerington,

1. We take our dog to the Pleasantville Pool annual dog swim, and have also attended others in the Columbus area. 2. We’ve taken our dog to dogfriendly swimming areas at Alum Creek State Park and at

Franklin County Metro Parks. 3. Boating: we have used our kayak at Lake Logan State Park and rented a pontoon at Lake Hope State Park.

Splash pad

Worthington Rec Center indoor pool with lazy river

Old Man’s Cave , area

Circleville splash pad

Splash pad in circleville and Columbus

Cooler parks, splash pad. Columbus.

Splash park in New Lex

Splash pad in Circleville

Splash pad

Circleville’s Splash pad

Splash Pad in Circleville

Splash Pad. Circleville and Dublin

Splash pad circleville and Hilliard

Splash pad Columbus

Circleville and groveport and Delaware the splash pads

Grove city splash pad and Logan pool

Water park, Heath

Splash pad

Groveport pool activity center

We travel to splash pads all over Columbus.

Splash pad in groveport area

Splash pad in circleville

Splash pad

Circleville splash pad, splash pad at COSI

Circleville and Pickerington splash pad

Circleville & New Lex

Splash Pad

Splash pads in Groveport, Dublin, Delaware, and Westerville

Splash pad in circleville

Splash pad circleville

Splash Pad, Circleville

Splash pad in obetz

We have gone to Columbus for some of the playgrounds. Thry have newer equipment and are more exciting

Easton - bench swings, slate run metro park - the farm

Cicleville splash pad daily / chili for ice skating

Splash Pad, Delaware Ohio AND miracle

Leaugue basebalL, New Albany, OH

Splash pad

Circleville splash pad and park lots of hiking

Chestnut Ridge, Three Creeks, Walnut Woods

Arc of Appalachia, overnight stay and educational programming

I took pottery classes at a Franklin County community center

Veteran’s Park Splash and Play - Delaware OH

Splash pad in obetz

Canal Winchester

Gahanna and Columbus area

Columbus splash pads

We have went to the splash pads outside of town and the heath pool.

Better SKatepark

Free fishing weekends.

We usually go to the parks in dublin becauae they have a splash pad option

Zip line

Easton for their splash pad!

Athens, Columbus

Columbus for ball fields with turf. This could bring in a ton of money for the city

Splash pad and more kid

friendly pools in Logan and Circleville

Bike paths within 1 hour drive

Grove port Rec center

Columbus. Trails, sports facilities, pool/splash pad reynoldsburg

Aquatic center

Columbus group workouts

Splash pad... As far as Delaware

Delaware splash pad and park

Hiking and walking trails/ flower garden

Circleville- splash pad, Columbus- ninja park

Out of state - family reunion

Pickerington

Coldwater oh

Splash Pad in Circleville or Metro Parks outside of Lancaster

Adult soccer

Circleville splash pad

Splash pad in Pickerington

Splash pad in grove city

Splash pad Circleville

Formal gardens to walk through and learn from and birding sites

Pickerington, New Albany

Delaware, OH Splash Pad and Circleville, OH Splash Pad

Canal Winchester and Grandville Bike Hiking Trails

Storybook trail, located Chillicothe (great seal), and Dillon state park. Dog park has a shelter, toys, a water fountain for humans and pets and it’s huge & clean. This is located in Violet township in pickrington

SUMMATION OF ANSWERS TO OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS

590 responses

Bmx and skating park

Skateboard park

Miller Skate Park is outdated and run down the whole skatepark

Skate park

Utica Park, This park needs updated with newer equipment & better signage.

Skate park

Splash pad and senior shuffle board games

Rising Park. The roadway is in bad shape, the trail/ hillside is eroding, the flowerbeds are neglected & Tennis Courts need power washed.

Miller skate park, it has become a well known drug spot and not many parents want their children/teens going there do to this issue. In the early 2000’s when my brother and I would go, it was a great place to hang out and skate/ BMX. Now it’s just a drug dealer/gang area.

Rising park and Connections West for safety of playgrounds

Our community is in need of better baseball diamonds. We travel to neighboring communities all over central Ohio and Lancaster is really behind everywhere else.

Rising park security

Miller pool

More security presence at Rising Park. Patrolling Ranger

Current skate park is in dissaray. Screws sticking out, warped structures.

Trash cans on Heritage trail by OhioUni, LHS could have students clean up all of the trash on their property polluting the trail and creek

Cenci Lake in a rough area. More monitoring needed. I’ve been there when an atv is all over as well as motorized boat toys in use at high speeds.

We love rising but the trash and graffiti accumulation is ruining it Park on West Side!!

Maher Park

Rising Park shelter house and restroom facitlities, probably restrooms at all parks

Skate Park

Skate park

Rising park. Too many fast driving people

Tiki and Miller pool, soccer fields

Miller Park

Upgrade basketball courts, tennis and pickleball courts, expand adapted play areas at all parks, improved restroom facilities...

Cenci, rising, maher, olivedale walking trailer area and the walking trail in general are not safe.

Miller skate park

Cedarlen, Maher

Rising Park street surfaces, entrance into lot by playground

Maher park tennis/pickle ball courts

Pickleball courts

Miller park and pool

Miller Skatepark.

Connexion West

Give money back to taxpayers

Every park should have real �� with running water

Skate park

Fence around Hunter Park to keep chdren from running off into traffic.

Bathrooms at Alley Park

Elwood park---- Very run down. Would be a nice neighborhood park if was better taken care of and updated.

Miller Park skate park

Skate park

Maher Park tennis/ pickleball courts are in bad condition

Maher park pickleball court for this summer since new courts not built yet

Miller Skate Park

Skatepark , there is a petition currently for it as well. I walk my dogs over there in the evening when it’s empty and the screws are popping out. Rusted. Wood is bowed and it needs alot of love or rebuilt.

Repaving near the dog park near the sheriff’s office.

Miller skate park

Mahler Park

Pickleball courts

Maher Park

Mahet

Pickleball courts

Maher Park tennis/ pickleball courts

Maher Park, Miller Park

Skate park

Skate park by Miller pool

Hocking Park

Cenci park

Skate park

I saw a post about the skate park. Pretty disappointed for the kids who use it

Lancaster parks do a great job. I’m always happy when I visit.

Skate park

Skate park

Bike Trail Patrol for safety

Rising Park playground surface is hard for little ones to navigate with steep hills and big drop offs by the swings

Maher Park courts

Skateboard park by Miller Pool

The soccer complex on Main Street is in dire need of improvements. Parking, driveways and ingress/egress are all a mess. The fields are generally wellmaintained, but could be improved. Lancaster is very far behind compared to other central Ohio areas. Soccer is the most popular youth sport in America. Let’s get up to speed before investing in trendy activities.

More handicap parking at Olivedale. Seniors have trouble walking up the hill on the driveway.

Current bike trail

Skate park

Sidewalks at Firehouse Park

Skate park

Skate park and a larger city pool!

Utica Park - needs parking, bridge and connecting park need TLC/replacing, playground equipment needs updating, ball diamond needs renovation

Skate park

The parking at the soccer fields and Cenci Park

Cinci park, actuall bathrooms at parks

The pickle ball courts at Mayor Park.

Maher Park Tennis Courts

Rising bathroom by playground.

If the fence between the playground and the roadway were more solid and longer, I would be less worried about my kids running towards the road, laughing while I run to stop them.

River Valley Highlands and the undeveloped parkland on Ety Road that for some reason is being used as someone’s farm land.

Not immediate but i think most could use some work

Cinci park

Bike path bridge near 188 is too narrow

Bicycle trails

Bridge Martens Park off Cedar Hill Rd. More Shade and tables Huffer Durden

Hocking Park / Cedarlen Park

Alley Park , fallen trees over trails for months without being cleared.

skate park

Alley Park- The trails and park as a whole are not well maintained. It is a popular park for events and people to visit. It deserves much more attention. There are trees over trails that aren’t removed for months. na

Is there an existing City Park facility or structure you feel needs immediate attention?

Rising Park needs DREDGED, the skate park needs maintenance

Wyandotte park tennis courts, Cedarlen Park tennis

move the Port-O-Pot at Cedar Lynn Park Please

Utica Park

Community children’s play equipment IN water area or surrounded by a splash pad

Skate park. We do not currently use it but I did when I was younger. And I expect my children will use it in the future. It is a great place for kids to go and be active if they don’t play organized sports. It’s been open for 20 years and I know it needs some updates and repairs.

The heat needs to be replaced in the Lancaster Building. It is a great event building for spring and fall, but it needs heat and air for the other seasons.

Cenci Lake, Firehouse Park

Alley park, Rising park

Lanreco Park needs a picnic shelter. Lots of people use this park and there is no shade.

Mayer Park tennis courts

Maher park

Skate Park

Upgrade of the Firehouse playground - especially a new net for the basketball hoop, Improvements to the Dog Park including signage, Repairs to the Bike Path

Our bike path is a local benefit, and grateful for the access. However, it is showing its age and needs a re-coating, crack-fill -in. Also, where it crosses the creek/rivers we need 18” walls to keep back season over-flow. Could be timbers or rocks, and not a major wall build, but 18” would keep 90% of silt off path. And, consider a few safety retainment methods on the bike bridges.

Our pools are in need of upgrades.

The rail fences at Rising Park need to be repaired.

You need to monitor Mt. Pleasant more closely.

As stated before teens flock there at sundown during summer months. It is dangerous and there are also people who have made it their home up there.

bathrooms at Maher park

Cenci park is dirty and unsafe. There are many people doing doing drugs around the lake. I feel unsafe taking my kids or dogs here.

Rising Park tennis courts, Mayer Park tennis courts

Hocking park equipment.

Playground

Rising Park

Bike trail needs better upkeep, asphalt repair; parking lot at Martens Park on Cedar Hill needs repair of deep holes at the entrance.

Maher Park

Repaying the bike path in certain areas, due to roots and crackers in the path.

Maintenance of portions of the biking/hiking trail

Roads in Rising Park

Miller

Park plot in River Valley Highlands needs immediate development.

It is unacceptable that the largest development in Lancaster has no park nearby for residents.

a modern clean flush toilet at Alley Park near the parking lot

Lancaster Bike Trail: it is dirty (human feces and trash) and i dont feel safe using the trail

Rising park more enclosed shelter houses

Maher Park- tennis and Pickleball courts.

Skate park needs attention

Miller pool Bike path, litter and graffiti

This isn’t a concern but a congratulations: the arboretum at Rising Park is absolutely wonderful. The 100 trees idea was innovative and visionary. A true legacy. I took out of state family to see “ our” tree and they loved the idea.

Miller Park skate park

Fences along Mt. Pleasant trail to prevent hikers from cutting the trail and damaging the environment. Erosion is getting very bad in some areas.

Fences along Mt. Pleasant trail to stop erosion.

Soccer fields need more space, better parking, better bathroom facilities

Maher Park courts

If the tennis court/play area on Walnut Street is part of the system, it needs maintenance

Rising Park - roads!

roof of Alley Park lodge leaked a few weeks ago

Dog park needs water before summer

Bike path is awful. No one patrols it homeless every where

Rising Park a sidewalk on the mountain side by the tennis courts; pedestrians share the roadway with vehicles

Mount Pleasant as noted above.

Rising Park and Martens Park

Soccer complexfertilizer, aeration, rolled

Miller park

Bike path, clearing invasive plants, filling in holes in fields, treating swamp area by sycamore in Huffer Durdin, and preventing creek erosion along bike path, and in parks

Bathrooms at the pools

Risings parking lot

The skater park. Is currently in bad shape and in need of update to be safe for kids

Soccer complex parking sucks, roads around are horrible, only sports complex with out a shelter house snack area, could use real restrooms so that parents don’t have to check for drugs, needles or homeless before kids using. Please create ways to separate smokers from non-smokers so everyone can enjoy events. Bandstand is a wonderful event but the smoking makes it inaccessible for those who do not want to inhale second hand smoke.

Would love to have a shelter house at huffer park with picnic tables. Soccer and the rising park buildings

Baseball - Miller park

Exercise stations along paths.

The skate park!!

Miller Park

Trail behind mall needs to be kept in better shape and safer

Rising park. Clean restrooms, shade for slides and swings (they get too hot during the day) maintain mountain (improve steps, rails) enforce laws on Mountain (stay on trails, vandalizing) get rid of that ugly yellow metal decor in front of rising park

the old west school playground. dangerous. drug needles everywhere. Bathrooms need to be accessible

Hocking Park

Skate park

The soccer complex’s road around it.

Update and or improve Miller Pool

Rising Park big shelter house parking lot

Pickleball courts

Restroom in all the city parks

Miller pool, that entire area could be turned into a small community water park that would attract people from many counties

Huffer Durdin needs more options for play.

Pools, they need replaced.

Olivedale needs some new card tables. Some of the ones they now have do not lock securely. Some people use the table to get up (even though we tell them not to) and could seriously hurt themselves with a fall.

Na Martens Park.

Trails at Alley Park

MIller Park and Skate Park

Bike path surface, security and usage enforcement.

All tennis courts (except Rising Park).

Elmwood Park area.

Elmwood Park on Walnut Street desperately needs new playground equipment. Nothing has been updated in this park for at least the last 10 years. We have many kids in our neighborhood who would benefit from some nicer equipment

NEED MORE RESTROOMS FOR DOWNTOWN EVENTS AND TAKEN BETTER CLEANED

Utica park

All the ones littered with homeless

Security at rising park

Roads at Rising Park

Lanreco park could use a full size playground along with some more lighting

Rising park

Resurfaced road in Rising Park

I haven’t been able to go to some city parks because of the homeless people.

Miller pool needs a handrail on the steps

Mary Burnham Park

We would love a new skate park one that is cement.

Skate Park

Cut down some of the trees in front of mount pleasant, so you can see it!!!!

Hocking park ASAP

Mary Burnham Park

Keller-Kern

Rising Park- the playgrounds

Softball fields - Miller park

There needs to be trash cans along Heritage Trail behind the OU campus to the high school. There are none.

Maher park needs updated. I have taken my children and it is outdated and could use more engaging playground equipment. With all the space it would be a great spot for a ninja/ climbing spot

Maher Park

The road to the shelter house in Rising Park, if it’s not going to be replaced the holes should at least be addressed.

Maher

Areas of the bike trail are unsafe and dirty. Many spots on the trail make our city look bad.

Rising Park roads and parking lots

Miller pool, all cement needs fixed along with handrail to enter pool

Miller Park

The bike hiking trail is in need of water and improved security. Today, the homeless are setting up camp such as tents 10 yards from the trail north of Hunter Park. We went from Krogers to Hunter Park and back. I would not permit my wife or kids to be in this section alone. I did notice the refuction of weeds and growth along this section. I do believe this trail if water, public resrooms which are maintained, addressing the homeless, and in remove sections consider some cameras. This trail has the potential to support local businesses for lunch and if the trail bumps were improved cycling and trail use would improve. It is a beautiful trail and could be a major drw for Lancaster.

Dog park in miller park. Latches being broken off, doors are hard to close due to henges being broken down. Need more grassy area, starting to turn into just dirt in the entrance and the middle.

mayor park and cedar

Lynn park tennis courts

Skate park