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