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Use of parks and trails
About this indicator: This is a new indicator to look at utilization trends of recreation facilities and programs. Originally conceived to analyze scheduling trends of park facilities, data provided contradictions in what is understood in recreation trends. In order to report on trends a more robust analysis is required and is queued up for 2008 that will include data from public and private facility managers, and sports leagues. This data will be analyzed with multiple demographic layers to better understand what drives upward and downward trends in utilization of recreation facilities and programs.
Status: Initial findings reveal that baseball and swimming reservations at some park facilities in the county have declined from 2005 to 2007, while soccer as increased. However, the data collected is inadequate to make broader trend statements.
Influencing factors: Some influencing factors that resulted in a decrease in utilization include fee increases and poor facility conditions. Analyzing a fuller recreational inventory with broader list of recreational providers should allow us to address influencing factors and speak to trends with more confidence.
Existing DNRP response: Some efforts to improve the trend in utilization include converting athletic fields to lit synthetic turf, continuing to offer sports grant programs that improve facilities and directing capital resources to geographic areas where there are deficits in recreation facilities.
Priority new actions: In addition to continuing the efforts noted above, other actions to be taken to better understand and improve utilization rates will include working with cities and recreation providers such as the YMCA, and Boys and Girls Club to assess membership and identify hindrances to increased membership. This will result in a richer understanding of where resources should be spent to meet recreational needs. Both the Youth Sports Facility Grant and Community Partnerships and Grants Programs are likely solutions to meeting this need.