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Published: August 16, 2008 09:17 pm
STEPHANIE SALTER: Got something to say about the city’s parks? Say it here
By Stephanie Salter
The Tribune-Star
TERRE HAUTE —
You know how you’re always feeling as though no one ever consults you about the things that affect your life? Well, we’re going to change that — at least for today.
You may have read in the Tribune-Star this past week that the Terre Haute Parks and Recreation Board has delayed its OK of a five-year master plan. The reason:
Participation in an online survey of citizens’ needs, wants and dreams has been so poor, the consulting company executing the survey isn’t ready to draw any meaningful conclusions. Consequently, the survey has been extended for another 30 days to attract more opinions.
This is very good news for those of us who recognize that Terre Haute’s parks are jewels to be protected. And that’s where today’s column comes in.
While thousands of Hauteans and county residents regularly use the Internet, significant numbers of folks don’t.
Because I understand the difficulty of getting one’s self to the mayor’s office or to a specific recreation center to pick up a printout of the online survey form, the Tribune-Star is providing it for you — in two different areas of today’s paper: A3 and B5. (On line readers can see the survey below or click on the link at right to the Web site)
When you’ve finished filling in the survey, cut it out and either drop it off or mail it to me at the Tribune-Star or to one of five official park locations. (See box accompanying the survey for specific information.)
The cutoff for surveys to me is Sept. 5. Then, I will forward all responses to the parks and rec people.
One qualifier: The online form adapted here does not include all existing facilities and activities, such as horseshoes, Frisbee golf, night swims, shelters or the Collett Park Pavilion. My suggestion is to write in those that matter to you in the answer space for Question 15.
Let your voice be heard.
Parks and Recreation Five-year Master Plan Survey
This is an adapted copy of the Parks and Recreation Five-year Master Plan Survey for people who do not have access to the Internet.
When it has been completed, drop it off or mail it to Stephanie Salter at the Tribune-Star, 222. S. Seventh St., Terre Haute, IN 47807. Or you may drop off this newspaper form at the main office in Fairbanks Park, the Torner Center in Deming Park, the Native American Museum or Nature Center in Dobbs Park, or mail it to the Terre Haute Parks and Recreation Department, P.O. Box 8030, Terre Haute, IN 47808.
Note: The online form does not include all existing facilities and activities, such as horseshoes, Frisbee golf, night swims, shelters or the Collett Park Pavilion. Write in those that matter to you in the answer space for Question 15.
1. How often do you and your
family visit a park in Terre Haute?
Daily
Weekly
Monthly
Several Times a Year
Yearly
Never
2. What is your age?
Under 25
26-45
46-64
Over 65
3. How close do you live to the nearest park?
Less than 5 blocks
5-10 blocks
1-2 miles
Over 2 miles
4. How many years have you lived in Terre Haute?
Less than 1 year
1-10 years
11-20 years
More than 20 years
5. How do you or your family find out about park programs or events?
(Check all that apply)
Newspapers
TV/Radio
Brochures/Fliers
Posted Signs
Word of Mouth
Internet
Direct Mailing
6. Do you feel that additional trails are needed in Terre Haute?
Yes
No
7. Do you feel safe when you visit parks in Terre Haute?
Yes
No
8. Overall, do you feel that the parks in Terre Haute are well maintained?
Yes
No
9. Should underutilized facilities be replaced with new facilities that are in demand?
Yes
No
10. Does Terre Haute need a water park aquatics center?
Yes
No
11. Would you be in favor of a bond issue to develop major park facilities?
Yes
No
12. Would you support increased user fees to improve activities you participate in?
Yes
No
13. Would you consider increased fees for seasonal and/or daily fees at the golf course?
Yes
No
14. If you had $100.00 to allocate for Parks and Recreation items, how would you divide the money (use a dollar amount):
A. Improvements to and maintenance of existing facilities
B. Improvements to the existing swimming pool
C. Construction of a Dog Park
D. Land acquisition and development of additional multi-use trails to connect parks and the community
E. A new swimming pool complex that would include amenities such as a splash pad, lazy river, etc.
F. Construction of additional athletic fields for softball, baseball, soccer.
15. What park activities do you or your family participate in?
(Circle multiple selections)
Reading Golf Swimming
Biking Playgrounds Nature Activities Concerts Festivals
Picnicking Walking/Hiking
Swim Lessons Tennis Lessons
Softball Kickball
Special Events (i.e., Easter Egg Hunt/
Haunted Halloween)
Others:
16. If offered, what park activities/facilities would you or your family utilize?
(Check all that apply)
Soccer
Football
Pickle Ball
Pre-School Photography Lessons
Others (List specifics if you have them)
17. What new recreational activities should the Agency consider offering?
18. Do you feel there are enough indoor recreation facilities in Terre Haute?
Yes
No
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