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“attract residents” instead of to attract people to our city. Fischer stated he lives <br />in the townhome community near Pioneer Park and these residents don’t want <br />to attract more people to Pioneer. Chu noted she was surprised with the amount <br />of people who came to Canadian Days that didn’t live in the City. She explained <br />even if the goal was to attract residents other people may come as well. Horwath <br />agreed noting that people search for parks, and having people from other cities <br />come to our park would bring increased economic activity and notoriety of our <br />parks. The next survey question asked respondents what type of amenities they <br />would like to see in the wow park. Springer stated the top answer was a water <br />feature like a splash pad or pool. She said the next highest answer was “do not <br />support the wow park”. Springer showed the next answers ranked by number of <br />votes included a picnic shelter, playground, natural areas, and trails. Ray asked <br />if a splash pad could be put in at Gervais Beach. The City Administrator thought <br />that was a good idea, but there was not much space to put something like that in. <br />Kost explained Waite Park recently put in a splash pad, but they struggled at <br />first. He noted it is now a cornerstone of the community and is doing very well. <br />Kost stated it was a common investment, but it was smart because it is a popular <br />amenity and it could serve Little Canada residents who don’t have a splash pad. <br /> <br />Springer concluded that the survey went really well and showed that users were <br />satisfied with their parks, recreation service levels were good, there is a strong <br />trail system, and good partnerships with other entities. She stated the focus for <br />the future should be maintaining existing facilities, connecting trail gaps, <br />exploring new opportunities, and exploring more programming options. Kost <br />was happy with the results of the survey. He felt a good range of responses were <br />captured, and there were no sore spots. Kost was confident the survey could be <br />posted to the public and would be a good tool to use in drafting the plan. <br />Springer discussed the recurring themes that appeared in survey responses. She <br />explained respondents wanted more access through ADA compliance, changing <br />needs of the community need to continue to be addressed, the City should look <br />at how to bridge social gaps, and consider the impact of a regional presence. <br /> <br /> <br />Kost stated the 6 visioning statements found in the Parks Master Plan addressed <br />a broad range of items. He asked the Commission if the statements were still <br />relevant or if they needed to be changed. Chu asked what was meant by <br />“character” in the first question. Kost explained the statement addressed the <br />physical conditions of the park like the uniform signage, abundant green space, <br />and other related elements. Chu asked how this statement is influenced by <br />changing demographics. The Commission decided to leave the first, second, and <br />third statement as is. <br /> <br />1. Little Canada’s Park System helps to form the character of the community – <br />it is a park system that is essential to the quality of life of its residents. <br />PARKS MASTER <br />PLAN UPDATE: <br />VISION <br />STATEMENTS