03/22/1990 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Citizens were indifferent to a pathways system connecting city parks., Forty percent saw a personal benefit in such- a system, while fifty-four percent did not. Of those who liked the idea, a combination pathway permitting both pedestrian and bicycle usage was preferred._- But, pathways do not holdthe same priority in Mounds View that is commonly found in many other suburban areas. Thirty-four percent of the community reported attending the "Festival in -the Park." Attendees were enthusiastic about the fireworks, the opportunity to meet people, and the music. While fifty-six percent felt that the September date was convenient, thirty percent did not. For future planning, the only suggested addition was more things for children to do at the site. . Fifty-three percent of the residents in Mounds View have visited Silver View Park. Usually, visitors walked, played softball, or just watched the games in progress. Most respondents 'were _'.satisfied with the facilities already in the ..Park.', -.A 'thirty-seven percent plurality favor extending the current pathway completely around the pond and constructing a pedestrian bridge; the next most popular option, at twenty-four percent, -was simply to complete the pathway around the pond. As ,for the material use in the pathway construction, opinion was divided: forty-three percent prefer woodchips, while thirty- seven percent favor asphalt. Visitors indicated that they would be most likely to use the completed pathway for hiking, ..rather than bicycling. Forty-three percent would also use skating areas on the pond, if they were provided; sixty-one percent felt it was also important that a warming house be made available. Clearly, Silver View Park has the potential of being the nexus of outdoor -recreation within the community. The optimal times for participation in recreational; activities were weekday evening and weekend afternoon. Thirty- five percent selected the former; twenty-six percent, the latter. Eleven percent of the sample also favored weekday afternoons. Programming, then, should be geared to these times. When respondents were asked to consider factors which limited their use of Mounds View facilities and recreational programming, four major reasons emerged. Fifty-seven percent cited the amount of leisure time they had available. Thirty-six percent indicated the lack of availability of information about facilities and programs. Thirty-one percent mentioned the hours during which facilities are open. Twenty-six percent felt that their lack of skill was a barrier. The City can certainly work on at least two of these considerations to increase program and facility usage among residents. The potential usage of various recreational facility additions was ascertained. Three proposals garnered significant interest. Thirty-eight percent of the sample expressed keen interest in a wildlife preserve or nature interpretive center. 5