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HUG16015-Parks, Trails, and Open Space DRAFT Chapter 18 08/16/17 Key findings include: 1. Hiking, walking and biking are the most popular activities. They are also the most commonly mentioned primary reason for visiting a regional park or trail. 2. Visitors are either very loyal to their park or trail, or simply prefer familiar surroundings. 3. Few gathered outside information about their destination prior to visiting. 4. Overall, visitors are satisfied with facilities and feel safe. 5. Age, ethnicity and income have the most noteworthy impacts on usage and experiences. 6. Park users are more likely to come in groups and come from longer distances, whereas trail users are more solitary and live nearby. 7. Very few were limited by a physical or mental condition. In Washington County, the report notes that: 1. Visitors were more likely to have arrived in an automobile and more likely to have looked for information prior to visiting, but lower use of most outside information sources 2. Brought kids under age 18 and reported a larger average group size 3. More likely to say that quality of facilities, services and recreation opportunities is good or very good 4. Longer visit length but narrower range of activity participation 5. More likely to say they spent more time than they'd prefer and to say that no free time is the primary barrier to visiting more often Washington County survey data (Figure xx) shows that in addition to hiking, bicycling and jogging, water activities such as swimming and fishing are just as popular. Similar to the rest of the region, the number one reason people didn’t visit parks as often as they would like is that there is not enough time (Figure xx). These findings suggest that more people would like to participate in other activities but they feel constrained by time, cost, or lack of facilities. The City can help minimize these constraints by providing adequate facilities in conveniently accessed locations. Living Healthy in Washington County and the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP). The Minnesota Department of Health has been partnering with communities to support efforts to expand opportunities for active living. SHIP supports community efforts to incorporate more opportunities for residents to bike, walk, and get active. 0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80% I don’t have enough time [Park/Trail] is too far from my home I have too many family obligations Internet/phone service not available Weather/climate conditions I don’t have enough money I don’t know enough about the [Park/Trail] I have health problems/limitations I have no one to go with Parking is difficult The [Park/Trail] is too crowded Primary Factor Limiting Visits to Park/Trail Washington County(n=30)Total (n=835) 0%5%10%15%20%25%30% Hiking/walking Bicycling Jogging/running Swimming Fishing Picnicking Using playground Communting Did nothing/relaxed Socializing Socializing Special event Primary Reason for Visit Washington County(n=389)Total (n=5459)