12/7/95 Agenda & Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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ITEM 10 t':�.1L.' 1J "2„:„ FROM: PARKS, RECREATION & FORESTRY STAFF DATE: OCTOBER 25, 1995 SUBJECT: COMMUNITY PROFILE AS WE KNOW IT - INFORMATION THAT IS RELATIVE TO US IN THE PROVISION OF RECREATIONAL SERVICES At the request of Councilmember Hankner, Parks, Recreation & Forestry office staff has collected data regarding the profile of youth recreation participants for the year 1995. While much of this information is collected each year, and is documented in the annual report which is distributed to the Mayor and City Council , Department Heads and office staff, Councilmember Hankner ' s request initiated the collection of additional information that is a bit more specific. The data and information has been very interesting and relative to programming objectives. Please note that this information reflects January through October data only, whereas our usual annual report information reflects the entire 12 month year. An added feature is the map (one display map only, this is not included in the packet of information) showing distribution of recreation • participation in the City of Mounds View. The Mounds View Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department staff keeps a perked ear and open eyes on a continual basis in regards to changes in community make-up especially concerning its relationship to recreation programming. Information that is especially pertinent to youth community profile includes : where they live, what schools they attend, what are their ages, the age "bulges" , preschool age children, and new families moving to the community. This information is easily accessible through the schools. More difficult information pertains to issues of low income families and unfortunately is included in data privacy restrictions. Information such as who needs assistance, who has special needs, who needs transportation, who is experiencing family crisis, and who needs services is not readily available and in fact cannot be obtained through other agencies such as the school (although we have tried) because of the restrictions of data privacy. We do our best to find out about these needs through mass publicity of services hoping that it will catch their attention, and through referrals by school counselors, principals or teachers. Once youth are registered in our programs we have the information that is needed and can help appropriately. It is those that have not come to us for services • that are the unknown, those whom we have missed. Low income families of the community come in two categories . One category is those without jobs, typically families on AFDC and