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Trail activities are the top most desired types of recreation activities. Given the time, money <br />and transportation, walking and biking for pleasure were the top two activities chosen by <br />respondents as those they would like to do most. <br />Respondents prefer paved trails and trails that link neighborhoods or connect to other trails. <br />Based on the questionnaire, respondents are most interested in developing more trails for <br />exercise and to increase non -motorized transportation options. A lack of safe trails and <br />connections was also the top reason why respondents aren't currently using trails. <br />Recreational trails are also popular. Respondents expressed a need to provide natural <br />surface trails for mountain biking and trail running. <br />Recreation Programs and Special Events <br />There is potential to increase recreation program participation. Although 54% of all <br />respondents responded that their household had used City -sponsored recreational programs <br />last year, many respondents were unaware of current offerings. In addition, a smaller <br />percentage of respondents indicated that members of their family had used City -provided <br />recreational programs in the last year compared to the 2002 survey. <br />There is interest in special interest programs. When asked what additional City -provided <br />recreation programs should be offered or expanded, respondents indicated a need for <br />outdoor/environmental programs (37%) and fitness classes (25%). The majority of <br />respondents also indicated they would or would consider paying more for these types of <br />programs. <br />Respondents expressed a need for more opportunities for children and families. Based on the <br />open-ended responses, many respondents felt that children and families are the most <br />underserved by recreation programs. <br />Future Improvements <br />Respondents prioritized upgrading and maintaining existing parks and facilities. Based on <br />outcomes of the questionnaire, 41% of respondents indicated a need to upgrade existing <br />parks followed by maintaining existing parks and facilities (28%). Based on open ended <br />responses, examples of facilities with an expressed need for improvement include the <br />Racquet Center, city pool, tennis courts and playground equipment. <br />New trails are the top priority if funding were available. Prioritizing a citywide trail system <br />was the top ranked option according to questionnaire outcomes. <br />There is interest in a multi-purpose community facility. The second most popular response <br />for prioritization if funding were available was a multi-purpose community facility. In <br />addition, respondents preferred several types of features to include in such a facility, tennis <br />or racquet courts. <br />Though respondents value parks and natural areas, adding or developing new parks and <br />natural areas are not as prioritized. 16% for developing new parks and only 13% of <br />respondents indicated that acquiring land for future parks was a desired future <br />improvement. <br />Respondents prefer that funding and maintenance for parks and recreation is a shared <br />responsibility. Outcomes highlighted that funding should stem mostly from tax dollars and <br />some user fees. In addition, respondents prefer that private groups continue to share sports <br />field maintenance with the city. Fewer indicated that no fees should be charged or that the <br />city should develop and maintain sports fields and leagues without support. <br />Page 231 <br />Cit) n/ Ellensbwg Par" & Pe reoticn Systzm ComprEnensive Plon Update 2019 <br />