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Regional Parks System Visitor Study Report <br />In 2016, the Metropolitan Council administered a survey to regional <br />park and trail visitors to provide benchmark measurement of regiona <br />park and trail visitor experiences in terms of: <br />1. Reasons for visiting and activity participation <br />2. Frequency and length of visits <br />3. Travel distances and modes of transportation <br />4. Group sizes <br />5. Quality of facilities, services and recreation opportunities and <br />sense of safety <br />6. Information behavior <br />The report authors surveyed 5,459 people including 389 people from <br />Washington County. <br />Key findings include: <br />1. Hiking, walking and biking are the most popular activities. They <br />are also the most commonly mentioned primary reason for <br />visiting a regional park or trail. <br />MW 2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE <br />DRAFT Dec14-17 <br />for review only <br />2. Visitors are either very loyal to their park or trail, or simply prefer <br />familiar surroundings. <br />3. Few gathered outside information about their destination prior to <br />visiting. <br />4. Overall, visitors are satisfied with facilities and feel safe. <br />5. Age, ethnicity and income have the most noteworthy impacts on <br />usage and experiences. <br />Primary Reason for Visit to Parks in <br />Washington County <br />Special event <br />Socializing <br />Did nothing/relaxed Socializing <br />Communting <br />Using playground 111E� <br />Picnicking <br />Fishing <br />Swimming <br />Jogging/running <br />Bicycling <br />Hiking/walking <br />� <br />6. Park users are more likely to come in groups and come from 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% <br />■ Washington County(n=389) ■ Total (n=5459) <br />longer distances, whereas trail users are more solitary and live Source: Regional Parks SystemVistbrStudyRepat <br />nearby. <br />7. Very few were limited by a physical or mental condition. Primary Factor Limiting Visits to Parks and Trails, 2016 t <br />Washington County survey data (Figure 6-1) shows that in addition <br />to hiking, bicycling and jogging, water activities such as swimming <br />and fishing are just as popular. Like the rest of the region, the number <br />one reason people didn't visit parks as often as they would like is <br />that there is not enough time (Figure 6-2). These findings suggest <br />that more people would like to participate in other activities but <br />they feel constrained by time, cost, or lack of facilities. The City can <br />help minimize these constraints by providing adequate facilities in N <br />conveniently accessed locations. <br />L.L <br />D DRA'F7"De�t'4gcf H-17 <br />forfor r RMAY► only <br />The [Park/Trail] is too crowded <br />Parking is difficult „ <br />I have no one to go with <br />I have health problems/limitations <br />I don't know enough about the [Park/Trail] <br />I don't have enough money <br />Weather/climate conditions <br />Internetiphone service not available i= <br />I have too many family obligations ` <br />[Park/Trail] is too far from my home <br />I don't have enough time <br />0% 20% 40% 60% 80% <br />■Washington County(n=30) ■Total (n=835) <br />Source: Regional Parks System VistiorStudyRepat <br />PARKS, TRAILS AND OPEN\ffPbl6E 11A <br />