APPENDICES - Elmhurst Park District
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APPENDICES
33
APPENDIX TABLE OF CONTENTS
APPENDIX A: ENGAGE PHASE SUMMARY 41
Key Stakeholder Interviews and Focus Groups 44
Public Open Houses 46
Statistically-Valid Survey 49
Online Community Surveys 54
Park District Board of Commissioners 57
Full-Time Staff and Vision 2020 Work Group Workshops 60
Management Team Workshops 66
Management Team Interviews 68
Part-Time Staff Workshops 70
and Online Survey 70
Organizational Culture Survey 72
APPENDIX B: ANALYZE PHASE SUMMARY 77
Regional Context 78
Local Policy Context 86
Local Physical Context 89
Demographics & Socioeconomic Context 96
Park & Facility Level of Service 98
National Recreation Trends 114
Local Recreation Trends 117
Recreation Program Assessment 118
APPENDIX C: PARK AND FACILITY SCORECARDS 127
Scorecard Overview 128
Park Scorecard Summary 131
What’s Next? 133
Feature Scorecards 135
Park Scorecards 157
Facility Scorecards 207
34 | VISION 2020: FOCUS ON THE FUTURE APPENDICES
APPENDIX D: SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION 231
Project Website Information 232
Open House 1 Sign-In Sheets 234
Open House 2 Sign-In Sheets 238
Open House 3 Sign-In Sheets 240
Open House 1 Comment Cards 249
Open House 2 Comment Cards 252
Open House 3 Comment Cards 258
Stakeholder and Staff Schedules 264
Stakeholder Phone Interview Documentation 266
Focus Group Staff Sign-in Sheets 267
City of Elmhurst Zoning Map 272
City of Elmhurst Future Land Use Map 273
Level of Service - Acreage 274
Program Assessment Supplemental Information 275
Esri Sports and Leisure Market Potential 279
Envision Phase Supplemental Information 285
APPENDIX E: SURVEYS AND CROSSTABS 303
Statistically-Valid Community Survey Report Results 304
Crosstabs - Household Type 421
Crosstabs - Number of Years 495
Crosstabs - Use and Voter 567
Non-Statistical Community Survey Report Results 638
Final Online Community Survey Results 705
Organizational Cultural Survey - Overall Open Ended Comments 737
Organizational Cultural Survey 742
Organizational Culture Crosstabs by Employment Area 763
Organizational Cultural Survey Open Ended Comments by Employment Area 851
Organizational Culture Survey Crosstabs by Employment Status 854
Organizational Cultural Survey Open Ended Comments by Employment Status 941
Workgroup Survey Results 944
APPENDICES ELMHURST PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE & STRATEGIC PLAN | 35
TABLES
Table 1: Staff Workshop Values Exercise Results 62
Table 2: Vision 2020 Work Group High Priority Tactics Ranking 64
Table 3: Vision 2020 Work Group Online Survey High Priority Tactics Ranking 65
Table 4: Management Team High Priority Tactics 66
Table 5: Management Team SWOT Analysis 67
Table 6: Park and Open Space Classification 94
Table 7: Park and Open Space Inventory Matrix 95
Table 8: Park and Open Space Acreage and Benchmarking 101
Table 9: Facility Inventory 112
Table 10: Square Footage Level of Service LOS Analysis 113
Table 11: Indoor Recreation Facilities (by Type) Level of Service Analysis 113
Table 12: Summary of National Trends 114
Table 13: Local Recreation Trends 117
Table 14: Top 5 Facility/Amenity Priorities by Household Type 119
Table 15: Top 5 Program Priorities by Household Type 119
Table 16: Program Distribution 120
Table 17: Cost Recovery Classification 121
Table 18: Enterprise Area Observation 122
Table 20: Program Distribution 123
Table 19: Facility and Program PIR 123
Table 21: Cost Recovery Classification 124
Table 22: Ben Allison Park Features and Amenities 158
Table 23: Berens Park Features and Amenities 160
Table 24: Butterfield Park Features and Amenities 162
Table 25: Conrad Fischer Park Features and Amenities 164
Table 26: Crescent Park Features and Amenities 166
Table 27: Crestview Park Features and Amenities 168
Table 28: East End Park Features and Amenities 170
Table 29: Eldridge Park Features and Amenities 172
Table 30: Glos Memorial Park Features and Amenities 174
Table 31: Golden Meadows Features and Amenities 176
Table 32: Jaycee Tot Lot Features and Amenities 178
Table 33: Kiwanis Park Features and Amenities 180
Table 34: Maple Trail Woods Features and Amenities 182
Table 35: Marjorie Davis Park Features and Amenities 184
Table 36: Pioneer Park Features and Amenities 186
Table 37: Plunkett Park Features and Amenities 188
Table 38: Salt Creek Park Features and Amenities 190
Table 39: Sleepy Hollow Park Features and Amenities 192
Table 40: Van Voorst Park Features and Amenities 194
Table 41: Washington Park Features and Amenities 196
36 | VISION 2020: FOCUS ON THE FUTURE APPENDICES
Table 42: Wild Meadows Park Features and Amenities 198
Table 43: Wild Meadows Trace Features and Amenities 200
Table 44: Wilder Park Features and Amenities 202
Table 45: York Commons Features and Amenities 204
Table 46: Courts Plus Condition 208
Table 47: Dupage Medical Building Condition 210
Table 48: Butterfield Park Recreational Building Condition 212
Table 49: Crestview Park Recreational Building Condition 214
Table 50: Eldridge Park Recreational Building Condition 216
Table 51: Smalley Bath House Condition 218
Table 52: The Abbey Condition 220
Table 53: Joanne B. Wagner Community Center Condition 222
Table 54: Wilder Park Recreational Building Condition 224
Table 55: Wilder Park Former Administration Building Condition 226
Table 56: Sugar Creek Golf Maintenance Building Condition 228
Table 57: Level of Service - Acreage 274
Table 58: Revenue Breakdown by Program Area 275
Table 59: Cost Recovery Classification 276
Table 60: Lifecycle Breakdown by Program 277
Table 61: Parking Lots and Restrooms Scores 289
Table 62: Parks Prioritization 290
Table 63: Planning Areas 293
APPENDICES ELMHURST PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE & STRATEGIC PLAN | 37
FIGURES
Figure 1: Recreation Facilities PIR 51
Figure 2: Recreation Programs PIR 52
Figure 3: Wards 86
Figure 4: TIF Districts 87
Figure 5: Business Districts 87
Figure 6: Downtown District 87
Figure 7: Educational Institutions 88
Figure 8: School District Boundaries 88
Figure 9: School District Boundaries 89
Figure 10: Public Open Space 92
Figure 11: Park and Open Space Distribution 102
Figure 12: Planning Areas 102
Figure 13: Amenities LOS and Benchmarking 108
Figure 14: Indoor Square Footage / Recreation Facilities 111
Figure 15: Reasons Preventing Households from Using Parks, Recreation and Sports Facilites 119
Figure 16: Ways Respondents Most Prefer to Learn about Park District Programs and Activities 120
Figure 17: Overall Park Feature Scores 131
Figure 18: Athletic Courts Issues Observed 136
Figure 19: Athletic Fields Issues Observed 138
Figure 20: Drinking Fountains Issues Observed 140
Figure 21: Passive Greenspaces Issues Observed 142
Figure 22: Natural Areas Issues Observed 144
Figure 23: Parking Lots Issues Observed 146
Figure 24: Paths and Sidewalks Issues Observed 148
Figure 25: Playgrounds Issues Observed 150
Figure 26: Restrooms Issues Observed 152
Figure 27: Seating Areas Issues Observed 154
Figure 28: Ben Allison Feature Scores 158
Figure 29: Berens Park Feature Scores 160
Figure 30: Butterfield Park Feature Scores 162
Figure 31: Conrad Fischer Park Feature Scores 164
Figure 32: Crescent Park Feature Scores 166
Figure 33: Crestview Park Feature Scores 168
Figure 34: East End Park Feature Scores 170
Figure 35: Eldridge Park Feature Scores 172
Figure 36: Glos Memorial Park Feature Scores 174
Figure 37: Golden Meadows Park Feature Scores 176
Figure 38: Jaycee Tot Lot Feature Scores 178
Figure 39: Kiwanis Park Feature Scores 180
Figure 40: Maple Trail Woods Feature Scores 182
38 | VISION 2020: FOCUS ON THE FUTURE APPENDICES
Figure 41: Marjorie Davis Park Feature Scores 184
Figure 42: Pioneer Park Feature Scores 186
Figure 43: Plunkett Park Feature Scores 188
Figure 44: Salt Creek Park Feature Scores 190
Figure 45: Sleepy Hollow Park Feature Scores 192
Figure 46: Van Voorst Park Feature Scores 194
Figure 47: Washington Park Feature Scores 196
Figure 48: Wild Meadows Park Feature Scores 198
Figure 49: Wild Meadows Trace Feature Scores 200
Figure 50: Wilder Park Trace Feature Scores 202
Figure 51: York Commons Feature Scores 204
MAPS
Map 1: Elmhurst Natural Features 90
Map 2: Elmhurst Trails and Bikeways 91
Map 3: Inventory Map 93
Map 4: Mini Park Distribution 103
Map 5: Neighborhood Park Distribution 104
Map 6: Community Park Distribution 105
Map 7: Overall Park Distribution 106
Map 8: Trail Distribution 107
Map 9: Park Scores by Location 130
Map 10: Elmhurst Zoning 272
Map 11: Elmhurst Land Use 273
Map 12: Playgrounds Score 285
Map 13: Baseball/Softball Field Score 286
Map 14: Basketball Court Score 287
Map 15: Tennis Courts Score 288
Map 16: Inventory Map 291
Map 17: Mini Parks Priorities 294
Map 18: Neighborhood Parks Priorities 295
Map 19: Community Parks Priorities 296
Map 20: Volleyball Service Area 297
Map 21: Basketball Service Area 298
Map 22: Dog Park Feasibility at Eldridge Park 299
Map 23: Dog Park Feasibility at Salt Creek Park 300
Map 24: Dog Park Feasibility at York Commons 301
Map 25: Dog Park Feasibility at The Abbey 302
APPENDICES ELMHURST PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE & STRATEGIC PLAN | 39
40
APPENDIX A:
ENGAGE PHASE
SUMMARY
41
METHODOLOGY Project Website The project website introduced the public to the planning process and kept them apprised of the progress. The website hosted approved interim deliverables, announced dates for meetings, and linked to social media and online surveys. Key Stakeholder Interviews and Focus Groups In October 2016, the planning team facilitated three days of stakeholder interviews and focus group discussions to collect input from local business, community, and affiliate group organizations. Stakeholders who could not attend the in-person interviews provided their input via phone with the planning team. Public Open Houses The District and planning team facilitated three public open houses during this planning process. The first, held October 19, 2016, introduced the public to the planning process and gathered initial community input on interests and the direction for the future. The second, held March 1, 2017, presented an overview of initial analysis and community input results, and the third, held May 2, 2017, presented potential strategies and the gathering of input on community priorities. Statistically-valid Survey The District conducted a statistically-valid community needs assessment survey in the fall of 2016. The survey had a return rate that accurately represents a sampling of the community population and was administered both online and through the mail. A total of 328 completed surveys were returned with a 95% level of confidence and a 5.4% margin of error. Online Community Surveys Two online community surveys were facilitated during the planning process. The first was a supplement to the statistically- valid District-wide survey. A matching non-statistical survey was administered for the general population and received 374 responses. An overwhelming majority of respondents were female (74%) and were between the age of 35 and 54 (58.3%). The second online community survey was administered between May 15, 2017, and May 30, 2017. This survey was a supplement to the third public open house and provided an opportunity for the community to prioritize potential action items. Board of Commissioners Interviews and Workshop In October 2016, the Park District Board of Commissioners participated in individual interviews with the planning team to provide their input regarding parks, programs, facilities, and operations. All seven Commissioners participated in the interviews. Two additional Board workshops were held on February 13, 2017, and April 10, 2017. Full- and Part-time Staff Workshops The planning team engaged all levels of staff on multiple occasions throughout the process. In December 2016, the planning team facilitated seven focus groups with full-time staff members from all departments. In addition, each member of the management team participated in one-on-one interviews. After the initial engage process, all full-time staff participated in one additional workshop, the Vision 2020 Work Group participated in four workshops, part-time staff participated in one of three workshop opportunities, and the management team in two additional workshops. A short online survey also supplemented the part-time staff workshops and one Vision 2020 Work Group workshop. Organizational Culture Survey In addition to the public online community survey, the planning team facilitated an online full- and part-time / seasonal staff survey to gather insight into the organizational culture of the Elmhurst Park District. This survey, conducted from November through early-December of 2016, provided a snapshot of current employee opinion regarding leadership, strategic planning, customer and market focus, measurement, analysis and knowledge management, workforce focus, process management, and cultural results. 42 | VISION 2020: FOCUS ON THE FUTURE APPENDIX A
ENGAGE PHASE SUMMARY ELMHURST PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE & STRATEGIC PLAN | 43
KEY STAKEHOLDER INTERVIEWS
AND FOCUS GROUPS
Thirty-seven stakeholders participated Stakeholders were concerned about the
in the interview and focus group ability to implement a new facility in a
process. These stakeholders represented fiscally-responsible way. Some stakeholders
organizations and agencies throughout believe the Elmhurst community is missing
the Elmhurst community out on revenue opportunities by not having
including, but not limited available recreation space, but acknowledge
In preparation for the District-wide to, schools, municipalities, the implementation of new spaces needs
interest groups, and sports to be vetted thoroughly before starting on
community survey, the planning team groups. anything in the future.
facilitated a series of interviews and The planning team facilitated
focus groups with key Park District three days of interviews and SENIOR CENTER &
stakeholders. focus groups, but for those PROGRAMS
stakeholders unable to attend
in person, the planning team Nearly all stakeholders acknowledged that
conducted phone interviews to ensure all area seniors desire a new senior center and
key stakeholders had the opportunity to additional programs. However, while there
provide their input and feedback on the was consensus for additional programs,
future of the Elmhurst Park District. there was not consensus about the need
for a new facility. The existing center is
inadequate and needs improvements, but
INDOOR RECREATION stakeholders were unsure of the need for
SPACE an entirely new facility. Some stakeholders
suggest that the renovation of the newly
The most prevalent topic in all stakeholder purchased Palmer Drive facility may provide
conversations was the need for additional an opportunity for seniors. There is a large
or improved indoor recreation space. This senior population, and stakeholders agreed
might have been be due to the recently their needs should be examined closely.
completed City-Park District indoor sports
facility study but is likely also because the In terms of programming, current
community recognizes it as a growing programming is focused on social
need. Stakeholders acknowledged that opportunities, but more active, health and
a lack of indoor space is an obstacle they wellness-focused program opportunities
face for expanding programs and activities, are trending upward. Suggestions for senior
increasing partnerships, and providing programming included physical therapy
better services. Overall, there is support for and post-treatment programming for those
more indoor recreation space but the types with chronic illnesses, and seniors / active
of spaces needed varied. Spaces mentioned adult health and fitness opportunities.
included athletic space, such as gym, turf
fields, and indoor ice, and multi-purpose
space for classes and rentals.
44 | VISION 2020: FOCUS ON THE FUTURE APPENDIX APARTNERSHIPS organizations when they aren’t using it. COMMUNICATION
Most available fields are multi-use fields,
Stakeholders agreed that, particularly so soccer and baseball share space. The Communication between the Park
at the staff level, agencies within lack of dedicated soccer and baseball District and stakeholders’ respective
the Elmhurst community work well space causes scheduling conflicts. Soccer agencies received both praise and
together and have strong partnerships. organizations use baseball outfields for critiques during the interview process.
Stakeholders involved in existing soccer practice, but would like to see Edwards / Elmhurst Health, Elmhurst
partnerships are satisfied with the Park more dedicated soccer fields instead. College, and City of Elmhurst staff
District’s communication and work representatives noted that accessibility
to avoid duplication, and believe its While stakeholders were critical of field to Park District staff allows for positive
partnerships help all agencies to serve conditions, they recognize that it isn’t two-way communication between
the community to the best of their the result of a lack of trying. They noted their agencies and the District.
abilities. Stakeholders would like to see that they don’t believe the District has Communication could be improved
existing partnerships strengthened and the staff needed to maintain adequate between the District and affiliate
new partnerships established. Specific attention to the fields and suggested groups as it relates to schedules and
relationships that could be improved the need for a dedicated staff person maintenance responsibilities.
include those with the City of Elmhurst or group. Improved communication
and sports affiliates. Suggested new about responsibilities may also lead to OTHER
partnership opportunities included: improved field maintenance.
Finally, other topics and ideas that arose
»» Indoor sports facility (Edwards / during stakeholder interviews and focus
Elmhurst Healthcare (EEH), City, YOUTH PROGRAMS groups included praise for the District’s
Affiliates) strong, efficient, communicative staff;
»» Lizzadro Museum facility Stakeholders recognize that with the desire for additional running and
»» Hockey (Bensenville Park District) advent of new technologies, youth cycling trails; interest in additional
»» Swimming (Bensenville Park interests and activities are changing, and natural / passive open spaces; and local
District) they would like to see the Park District partnerships to alleviate stormwater,
»» Golf (Bensenville Park District) respond to these changes in their flooding, and drainage issues. Other
»» Senior Citizen’s Center (County, programs. While team sports are still program opportunities mentioned
EEH, City, other Park Districts) an important facet of youth offerings, include Mind & Body, Golf, Theatre, and
»» Senior programming (Elmhurst stakeholders recognize that the Park Trips.
Library, EEH) District has the opportunity to get ahead
»» Teen / Youth programming of the changing trends. The Elmhurst
(Elmhurst Library, Schools) Library, for example, is creating a maker STAKEHOLDERS
»» Adult special education space in the library basement. The
programming (Elmhurst Library) City of Elmhurst youth commission, Elmhurst senior
Library is also exploring opportunities commission, Elmhurst library, village of villa park,
»» Health and Wellness Programming for a culinary education center, as dupage county
(EEH) cooking class attendance, cook book ic catholic prep, school district 205, Elmhurst
»» Running / Walking Track (EEH) rentals, and cooking equipment rentals college
»» Environmental Education (Cool have increased in recent years. The Elmhurst chamber of commerce, Edwards / Elmhurst
Cities, Schools) School District is expanding their STEAM healthcare, active trans / Elmhurst bike club,
greenman theatre, Elmhurst symphony, Elmhurst
(Science, Technology, Engineering, chorale union, center of performing arts, Elmhurst
SPORTS FIELDS Arts, and Math) offerings. Stakeholders cool cities coalition, Crestview garden club,
encouraged the Park District to explore Elmhurst garden club, lizzadro museum, ray graham
association, people for Elmhurst parks foundation
Stakeholders were concerned with new offerings or expand successful /
popular youth offerings, including: ayso, Elmhurst eagles football, team Elmhurst,
the condition, quantity, and location Elmhurst baseball, Elmhurst youth baseball
of sports fields. They don’t think they »» Maker spaces and classes (Elmhurst
get sufficient value out of the fields Library partnership)
for what they pay. Baseball fields are »» Culinary education (Elmhurst
consistently wet / poorly drained, Library partnership)
have divots between the infields and »» Environmental education programs
outfields, and are not maintained »» Geo-caching
as well as stakeholders have seen in »» Gem collecting (Lizzadro Museum
neighboring communities. There are partnership)
also only two 90’ baseline fields available »» Sports and Fitness: Golf, Lacrosse
within Elmhurst, and one is dedicated »» Bike education
to the College; however, the College »» Career pathways courses for teens
indicated that they are open to and (Elmhurst Library and School
encourage the use of their field by other District 205 partnership)
ENGAGE PHASE SUMMARY ELMHURST PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE & STRATEGIC PLAN | 45PUBLIC OPEN HOUSES
The District and planning team Process: The planning team compiled These interactive stations included:
facilitated three public open houses a series of informational boards that »» Big Map Exercise: Attendees were
during three different phases of the explained the purpose, goals, and asked to place stickers on a large
planning process. Each open house had objectives of the comprehensive and map of the Elmhurst Park District to
a different purpose and content, but all strategic planning process. Additional identify where they lived, worked,
were facilitated in the same self-guided information on the informational boards and played.
open house format. The following included:
information summarizes the purpose, »» Today / Tomorrow Exercise:
»» Project Time-line Attendees were asked to describe
process, and findings of each meeting. »» Project Process
Overall, 107 community members parks and recreation in Elmhurst
»» Planning Team using a sticky note.
attended the three meetings. »» Overview of the Elmhurst Park
District »» Program Offerings: Attendees were
»» Topics to be Studied asked to identify, using dot stickers,
OPEN HOUSE 1 »» Community Demographic Profile programs or activities offered by
the Park District that they have
The first public open house occurred on In addition to informational display participated in. On a second board,
October 19, 2016 at The Abbey Senior boards, attendees had the opportunity they were asked to place a dot
Center. The purpose of this open house to provide their initial thoughts and sticker next to a program area they
was to provide the community with an ideas at interactive stations. wanted to see expanded.
introduction to, and overview of, the
comprehensive and strategic planning »» Comment Cards: Attendees were
process and gather feedback on initial asked to write their thoughts for
thoughts and ideas for the future. the future on a comment card.
Sixteen community members attended
this meeting.
46 | VISION 2020: FOCUS ON THE FUTURE APPENDIX AOPEN HOUSE 2 Findings: Attendance at this meeting
was the same as the first meeting, but
Following the completion of the Analyze participation in the interactive stations
and Engage phases, the planning team was limited, therefore no significant
facilitated a second public open house conclusions could be made regarding
at The Abbey Senior Center on March planning priorities; however, the
1, 2017. The purpose of this open house meeting did provide an opportunity
was to present preliminary analysis for the residents to hear a presentation
and community engagement findings. about the planning process and have
Sixteen community members, including their questions and concerns answered
two Commissioners, attended this by the planning team. Attendees did
meeting. provide thoughts and ideas via comment
cards. Key issues and opportunities
Process: The planning team compiled include:
informational display boards that
»» New amenities such as a dog park,
Each presented the Analyze and Engage
Findings which included, but were not or convention center.
open house limited to: »» New senior center facility - consider
Palmer Drive facility.
had a different »» Park Level of Service
»» Individual Park Evaluations »» Current facilities are inadequate
purpose and »» Facility Level of Service and need to look like “Future
content, but all were »»
»»
Individual Facility Evaluations
District-wide Community Survey
Ready” facilities that are adaptable
to changing trends (seniors, fitness,
facilitated in the same self- results related to park, facility, and etc.).
program priorities.
guided open house format. »» Improve the use of Berens Park.
In addition to informational display
»» New intergenerational sports
boards, attendees had the opportunity
Findings: Participation in the interactive facility.
to provide feedback on specific topics
stations was limited, therefore no from the Analyze and Engage phases at »» Park stewardship program.
significant conclusions could be made interactive stations. These interactive
regarding program participation and stations included:
expansion; however, attendees did OPEN HOUSE 3
provide their thoughts via comment »» New Amenity Map: Attendees were
cards. Key issues and opportunities asked to identify new amenities on The final public open house(s)
included: a large map of the District. occurred on May 2, 2017. Two different
»» Facility Improvement: Attendees opportunities were provided to residents
»» The need to preserve passive
were asked to provide their ideas on this day - one morning session at the
open space and provide more
regarding improvements to Wagner Community Center and one late
opportunities to connect with
existing facilities. afternoon / evening session at Courts
nature.
Plus.
»» Providing meditation opportunities »» New and Existing Facility Priorities:
and programming. Attendees were asked to place The purpose of this open house was
stickers identifying different types to gather feedback on park, facility,
»» The need for more indoor of indoor recreational spaces they and program priorities and present
recreation space. desired and where they would like various action items / scenarios to the
»» Creating public and private to see them. community. Seventy-five community
opportunities for parks and open »» Program Priorities: Attendees members participated in the two
spaces. were asked to use post-it notes sessions.
»» A new senior center and associated to provide their ideas regarding
services. potential program improvements
within three categories – Adult
»» More art programs.
Fitness and Wellness, Community
»» New amenities such as a dog Events, and Adult Continuing
park, disc golf course, bocce, and Education Programs. These
horseshoe courts. program areas were listed as the
»» Improving outdoor aquatics. highest priorities for residents
in the District-wide Community
Survey.
ENGAGE PHASE SUMMARY ELMHURST PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE & STRATEGIC PLAN | 47Process: The planning team compiled Findings: With 107 participants, there
a series of interactive workshop boards was a wealth of information to guide the
on which the community provided their remaining steps in the planning process.
feedback. These interactive stations Findings include:
included: »» Existing Park Enhancement Survey
»» Existing Park Enhancement Survey: High Priorities:
Based on the park assessments »» York Commons Park
results, 12 parks received scores of »» Crestview Park
C or lower. Attendees were asked
to identify whether improvements »» Conrad Fischer Park
were high, medium, or low »» Existing Facility Enhancement
priorities for each park site. Survey High Priorities:
»» Existing Facility Enhancement »» Wagner Community Center
Survey: Based on the facility »» Wilder Recreation Building
assessment results, all but
»» New Outdoor Nature Center Visual
one facility received a score
Preference Survey Top Five:
of C or lower. Attendees were
»» Hiking Trails
asked to identify whether park
improvements were high, medium, »» Nature-Based / Nature-
The Elmhurst Bucks activity provided
or low priorities for each facility. Themed Play
valuable insight into the priorities of
»» New Outdoor Nature Center Visual »» Open Air Shelter community residents. The majority
Preference Survey: Attendees were »» Water Feature of funds were split, almost equally,
asked to identify their top three across three categories - New Indoor
preferred amenities for an outdoor »» Gardens Facilities ($99 or 27%), Existing Parks and
nature center. »» New Dog Park Location Survey Top Amenities ($86 or 24%), and Existing
Three: Indoor Facilities ($84 or 23%). Specific
»» New Dog Park Location Survey:
»» Eldridge Park ideas in these top three categories
Attendees were asked to identify,
include:
out of six options, their preferred »» Salt Creek Park
site or strategy for a new dog park. »» New Indoor Facilities:
»» Land Acquisition
»» Indoor pool
»» New and Existing Facility Strategy »» New and Existing Facility Strategy
Preferences: A series of boards »» Indoor playground
Preferences:
presented three to six scenarios »» Senior Center: Renovate 135 »» Senior Center
for addressing the small recreation Palmer Drive and relocate
buildings, senior center, Wagner »» New Aquatic Center
senior programming
Community Center, and indoor »» Indoor basketball
sports facility. Attendees were »» New Indoor Sports Facility:
Acquire land to construct new »» Indoor hockey
asked to identify their preferred
strategy for each topic. indoor sports / recreation »» Existing Parks and Amenities:
facility. »» Baseball field improvements
»» Program Priorities: Attendees
were asked to use post-it notes »» Wagner Community Center: »» Berens and Plunkett outfield
and provide their ideas regarding Renovate and expand improvements
potential program improvements Wagner Community Center
»» Jaycee Tot Lot
within three categories. with gymnasium and multi-
purpose rooms. »» Crestview update
»» Elmhurst Bucks Activity: Attendees
»» Small Recreation Buildings: »» Pioneer Park
were given $10 in Elmhurst Bucks
and were asked to allocate their Consolidate into two satellite »» More restrooms
funds in five categories. In addition facilities (north / Wagner,
»» Update north end parks
to allocating their dollars to a south, and central).
specific category, they could write »» Existing Indoor Facilities:
Suggested new programs identified at »» Courts Plus
a specific improvement they’d like
the Program Priority activity include:
their dollar to go towards on the »» Rec Center, Snack Shop at
back if desired. Categories included »» Outdoor theatre Wagner
Existing Parks, Existing Facilities, »» Concerts in the park
»» Renovate Wagner
New Parks, New Facilities, and »» Stitching circle
Programs. »» Calligraphy »» Face-lift at Abbey Senior
»» Ballroom dance Center
»» Winter basketball
48 | VISION 2020: FOCUS ON THE FUTURE APPENDIX ASTATISTICALLY-VALID
SURVEY
ETC Institute administered a needs The scientific Community Survey and
its results will guide the Elmhurst Park
The goal was to obtain completed
surveys from at least 325 residents. The
assessment survey for the Elmhurst District in making improvements to goal was exceeded with a total of 328
existing and future parks, trails, and residents completing the survey. The
Park District during the fall of 2016. recreational programs to best serve overall results for the sample of 328
The survey was administered as the needs of residents. The survey will households have a precision of at least
also help the District better understand +/‐5.4% at the 95% level of confidence.
part of the District’s efforts to plan residents’ priorities for parks, trails, The survey is statistically-meaningful and
the future for parks and recreation recreation programs, and facilities within
the community.
valid at a 0.05 probability level.
opportunities. In addition to the statistically-valid
survey, the survey was available on the
METHODOLOGY Vision 2020 website for the general
public. These responses were collected
ETC Institute mailed a survey packet independently from the statistically-valid
to a random sample of households survey, and those results are summarized
in the Elmhurst Park District. Each in the next section of this document.
survey packet contained a cover letter,
a copy of the survey, and a postage‐ The community survey report, with
paid return envelope. Residents who all visual charts, can be found in
received the survey were given the Appendix E: Suurveys and Cross Tabs.
option of returning the survey by mail The Appendix contains:
or completing it on‐line at bit.do/ »» Charts showing the overall results
elmhurstparkdistrictsurvey. Statistical of the survey
validity was based on address points and
»» Priority Investment Rating (PIR) that
phone numbers. Email addresses were
not included as criteria for statistical identifies priorities for facilities and
validity. The survey results align with the programs
overall community demographics. »» Benchmarking analysis comparing
the District’s results to national
Ten days after the surveys were mailed, results
ETC Institute sent emails and placed
»» Tabular data showing the overall
phone calls to the households that
results for all questions on the
received the survey to encourage
survey
participation. The emails contained a link
to the on‐line version of the survey to »» A copy of the survey instrument
make it easier for residents to complete »» Open ended comments
the survey. To prevent people who
were not residents of the Elmhurst Park The major findings of the survey
District from participating, everyone are summarized below and on the
who completed the survey on‐line was following pages.
required to enter their home address
prior to submitting the survey. ETC
Institute then matched the addresses OVERALL FACILITY
that were entered on‐line with the USE
addresses that were originally selected
Overall Use: Eighty‐eight percent
for the random sample. If the address
(88%) of households surveyed indicated
from a survey completed online did not
they had visited any of the Elmhurst
match one of the addresses selected for
Park District’s parks during the past 12
the sample, the on‐line survey was not
months. The three most visited parks
counted.
ENGAGE PHASE SUMMARY ELMHURST PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE & STRATEGIC PLAN | 49were Wilder Park, Illinois Prairie Path, they participated in during the past Newspaper articles (43.2%) and from
and Berens Park. Overall, a majority 12 months. Twenty‐two (22%) of friends and neighbors (34.5%) were
of respondents (97%) indicated the respondents indicated the program or key mechanisms for Households with
condition of the parks, trails, and activity was “excellent”, 64% indicated no Children (20-64), and newspaper
facilities they have visited was either the program or activity was “good”, articles (43.6%) and Park District print
“excellent” (38%) or “good” (59%). 12% indicated they were “fair,” and 2% newsletters (41.0%) were key mechanism
Forty‐five percent (45%) of respondents indicated the program or activity they for Households with no Children 65 and
indicated they visited Elmhurst Park participated in was “poor”. older.
District parks, trails and facilities
weekly during the past year, 9% visited The majority of households participating All households prefer to continue using
daily, 30% monthly, and 16% less than in Park District programs are Households the Park District program brochure
monthly. with Children (under 10). The majority of to learn about District programs and
all household types have participated in activities.
ETC Institute estimates more than 2-3 programs / activities (41%+). Location
10,000 households in the Elmhurst Park of the program facility is the most
District have visited Wilder Park and important reason for participation for all BARRIERS TO PARK,
Illinois Prairie Path during the past year. household types. FACILITY, AND
Respondents who visited parks, trails, PROGRAM USAGE
and facilities offered by the Elmhurst
Park District during the past year were ORGANIZATIONS AND Respondents were asked from a list
asked to rate the condition of the ones FACILITIES USED of 20 potential reasons to identify
they have used. The following three FOR PARKS AND what prevents them from using parks,
parks, trails, and facilities received the recreation, and sports facilities offered
RECREATION
highest rating, based on the sum of by the Elmhurst Park District more often.
“excellent” and “good” responses: Wilder Nearly three‐quarters of respondents The top four reasons selected were:
Mansion (99%), Wilder Park (99%), Berens (72%) indicated their household uses lack of time (34%), programs are not at
Park (95%). the Elmhurst Park District for indoor convenient times (32%), fees are too high
and outdoor recreation and sports (24%), and classes are full (20%).
activities. The top three organizations,
PROGRAM not including the Elmhurst Park District, Classes full and time programs are
PARTICIPATION AND households use most often include: offered are the biggest barriers for
Households with Children (under 10).
RATINGS DuPage County Forest Preserve District
The top barrier for Households with
(35%), neighboring communities or
Overall Participation: Forty‐five Children (10-19) is that the program or
other park districts (34%), and places of
percent (45%) of households surveyed facility isn’t offered. Households with no
worship (24%).
indicated that they had participated Children (20-64) and those over 65 are
in recreation programs offered by the too busy.
Elmhurst Park District during the past 12 MARKETING AND
months. This is significantly above the COMMUNICATION AMENITY NEEDS AND
national average of 34%.
Not surprisingly, most District PRIORITIES
Use: When asked how many different households (86%) learn about the
recreation programs or activities their Amenity Needs: Respondents were
Elmhurst Park District programs and
household participated in, 22% of asked to identify if their household
activities via the Park District program
respondents who had participated in had a need for 27 recreation amenities
brochure. Other key outreach methods
a program within the past 12 months and rate how well their needs for each
include the Park District website (44.2%),
indicated they participated in one were currently being met. Based on
from friends and neighbors (40.5%), and
program, 44% participated in 2‐3 this analysis, ETC Institute was able to
newspaper articles (34.5%).
programs, 20% participated in 4‐6 estimate the number of households in
programs, and 14% participated in seven While the brochure was also the top the community that had the greatest
or more programs. Over half (69%) of communication mechanism for all “unmet” need for various amenities.
respondents indicated the reason they households, cross tabulations revealed
The three recreation amenities with the
participate is because of the location of that the website (71.3%) and from friends
the program facility, 57% indicated it was highest percentage of households that
and neighbors (57.5%) were the top 2
the cost of the program or activity, and indicated a need for the amenity were:
and 3 mechanisms for Households with
40% indicated it was because of the time walking and biking trails (76%), indoor
Children (under 10). The community
the program is offered. Respondents fitness (61%), and indoor running and
banners / signs (43.9%) and District
were then asked to indicate the quality walking tracks (47%). When ETC Institute
website (41.5%) were key mechanisms
of the recreation programs or activities analyzed the needs in the community,
for Households with Children (10-19).
50 | VISION 2020: FOCUS ON THE FUTURE APPENDIX A Indoor lap lanes for exercise swimming (PIR=101)
The chart below shows the Priority Investment Rating for each of the 27 facilities/amenities
that were assessed on the survey.
Based on the sum of respondents’
top our choices, the three most
important indoor amenities to
residents were: Indoor fitness (54%), Outdoor
indoor running and walking track
(41%), and indoor gymnasium (25%).
only one amenity, walking and biking
trails, had a need that affected more
than 12,000 households. ETC Institute
estimates a total of 12,677 of the 16,769
households in the Elmhurst Park District
have unmet needs for walking and
biking trails.
Amenity Importance: In addition
to assessing the needs for each
amenity, ETC Institute also assessed Figure 1: Recreation Facilities PIR
the importance that residents placed AMENITY NEEDS AND
Programming Needs and Priorities
on each amenity. Based on the sum of Walking and biking trails
Programming Needs.were also were alsoPRIORITIES
Respondents (PIR)had a need for
asked to identify if their household
respondents’ top four choices, the three identified30asrecreational
the mostprograms
important and amenity
rate how well their needs for each program
Households with Children were currently
(Underbeing
met.household
for all other Based on thistypes.
analysis, ETC Institute was able to estimate the number of households in the
most important amenities to residents 10)
community that had “unmet” needs for each program.
were: walking and biking trails (60%), Indoor Fitness
indoor fitness (54%), and indoor running PrioritiesThe
for Facility
three Investments:
programs with the highest percentage of households that had needs were: adult fitness
and walking tracks (41%). The Priority
and Investment Rating(62%),
wellness programs (PIR) community
was events (56%), and adult continuing education
Playground
developed by ETC(33%).
programs Institute to provide
In addition to having the highest total need, the same three programs have the
Indoor Gymnasium
Indoor Amenities. The Elmhurst Park organizations with an objective tool
Outdoor Pool
District asked its residents to indicate for evaluating the priority that should Page v
Indoor Aquatics
which indoor amenities are most be placed on Parks and Recreation
important to their household. Based investments. The Priority Investment Households with Children (10-19)
on the sum of respondents’ top four Rating (PIR) equally weights (1) the Dog Park
choices, the three most important importance that residents place on Indoor Fitness
indoor amenities to residents were: amenities and (2) how many residents
Indoor Running / Walking Track
indoor fitness (54%), indoor running have unmet needs for the amenity.
Indoor Gymnasium
and walking track (41%), and indoor
gymnasium (25%). The chart above shows the overall PIR Walking / Biking Trails
for each of the 26 facilities rated in the
Households with no Children (20-
The majority of all households (40%+), survey. Based the PIR, the following eight
64)
regardless of composition, identified facilities were rated as high priorities for
Walking / Biking Trails
indoor fitness as the most important investment:
indoor amenity for their households. »» Indoor fitness (PIR=158)
Indoor Fitness
»» Walking and biking trails (PIR=155) Indoor Running / Walking Track
Outdoor Amenities. The Elmhurst
»» Indoor running and walking track Dog Park
Park District asked its residents to
(PIR=152) Natural Area
indicate which outdoor amenities are
»» Off‐leash dog parks (PIR=142)
most important to their household. Households with no Children (65+)
»» Indoor gymnasium (PIR=116)
Based on the sum of respondents’ top Indoor Fitness
»» Outdoor nature center (PIR=107)
four choices, the three most important
»» Indoor aquatics facility (PIR=102) Walking / Biking Trails
outdoor amenities to residents were:
»» Indoor lap lanes for exercise Indoor Running / Walking Track
walking and biking trails (60%), outdoor
swimming (PIR=101) Golf
swimming pools and water parks (32%),
and playgrounds (31%). A Priority Investment Rating (PIR) was Natural Area
also completed for all households. The
Playgrounds (59.8%) and walking and results revealed the information in the
biking trails (56.3%) were identified chart to the right.
as the most important amenities for
Households with Children (under 10).
ENGAGE PHASE SUMMARY ELMHURST PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE & STRATEGIC PLAN | 51PROGRAMMING NEEDS
AND PRIORITIES
Programming Needs: Respondents
were also asked to identify if their
household had a need for 30 recreational
programs and rate how well their needs
for each program were currently being
met. Based on this analysis, ETC Institute
was able to estimate the number of
households in the community that had
“unmet” needs for each program.
The three programs with the highest
percentage of households that had
need for those programs were: adult
fitness and wellness programs (62%),
community events (56%), and adult
continuing education programs (33%).
In addition to having the highest total
need, the same three programs have
the highest unmet need among the 30
programming‐related areas that were
Figure 2: Recreation Programs PIR
assessed. ETC Institute estimates a total
of 5,433 households have unmet needs Additional Findings
for adult fitness and wellness programs, Priorities
Funding. Thefor Programming
Elmhurst PROGRAMMING
Park District asked its residents NEEDS
to indicate how they would allocate funds
3,689 have unmet needs for community Investments. The Priority Investment ANDforPRIORITIES
among seven different categories of funding available (PIR)is a
the District. The following
events, and 3,658 households have Rating (PIR)
breakdown ofwas
howdeveloped
respondentsby ETC to allocate $100:
decided
unmet needs for adult continuing Households with Children (Under
Institute to provide organizations with
education programs. Upgrade existing parks and park amenities: $18.3210)
an objective tool for evaluating the
Upgrade existing indoor facilities: $15.42 Youth learn-to-swim
priority that should be placed on Parks
Improved maintenance of existing parks and park amenities: $13.51
Program Importance. In addition and Recreation investments.ofThe Priority Adult fitness and wellness
to assessing the needs for each Improved maintenance existing indoor facilities: $7.41
Investment Rating (PIR) equally weights
Acquisition of new park land and open space: $11.11 Birthday parties
program, ETC Institute also assessed (1) the importance that residents
the importance that residents place Improve existing sports fields: place
$7.21 Early childhood
on programs and (2)
Development of how many facilities:
new indoor residents$20.02
on each program. Based on the sum have
Before- and after-school care
unmet needs for the program.
Other: $7.00
of respondents’ top four choices, the Households with Children (10-19)
three most important program areas to Residents
Based onwere then asked
the priority to indicaterating
investment the overall value they receive from the taxes that go to
residents were: adult fitness and wellness the Park District. A majority (66%) indicated the valueAdult was sports
either “excellent” (30%) or “good”
(PIR), the following three programs were
programs (44%), community events (36%). Adult fitness and wellness
rated as “high priorities” for investment:
(33%), and adult continuing education Benefits. Respondents were Programs for teens
asked to indicate how strongly they agree with various statements
»» Adult fitness and wellness
programs (20%). describing benefits that households receive from parks, trails, and
Golf lessons and nature
leaguesareas. Of the 12
programs (PIR=200)
statements the following three received the highest levels of agreement, based upon the sum of
Adult continuing education
Adult fitness and wellness programs »» Community events (PIR=142)
were the most important program for all »» Adult continuing education Households with no Children (20-
households, most likely because an adult programs (PIR=114) 64) Page viii
in the household filled out the survey. The chart above shows the overall Adult fitness and wellness
Youth sports (14.9%) was also important Priority Investment Rating (PIR) for each Adult continuing education
to Households with Children (under 10) of the 30 programs that were rated. A Community events
and adult programs for 62+ (20.5%) was Priority Investment Rating (PIR) was also
also important for Households with no Adult programs for 62 and older
completed for all households. The results
Children (65+). The other two household revealed the information in the chart to Adult sports programs
categories did not have another the right. Households with no Children (65+)
significant program area to note. Adult programs for 62 and older
Adult fitness and wellness
Golf lessons and leagues
Community events
Special events for adults only
52 | VISION 2020: FOCUS ON THE FUTURE APPENDIX AADDITIONAL FINDINGS referendum, 72% of respondents Action Items. Eighty-five percent (85%)
indicated they might vote in favor of of respondents indicated they were very
Funding. The Elmhurst Park District funding the improvement, development, or somewhat supportive of upgrading
asked its residents to indicate how they and operations most important to them. existing parks and park amenities. Other
would allocate funds among seven action items that received support
different categories of funding available Value. Residents were then asked to include upgrading existing outdoor
for the District. The following is a indicate the overall value they receive sports fields (72%) and acquire land and
breakdown of how respondents decided from the taxes that go to the Park develop parks in under-served areas
to allocate $100: District. A majority (66%) indicated the (62%).
value was either “excellent” (30%) or
»» Development of new indoor
“good” (36%).
facilities: $20.02
»» Upgrade existing parks and park Benefits. Respondents were asked
amenities: $18.32 to indicate how strongly they agree
»» Upgrade existing indoor facilities: with various statements describing
$15.42 benefits that households receive from
»» Improve maintenance of existing parks, trails, and nature areas. Of the 12
parks and park amenities: $13.51 statements, the following three received
»» Acquisition of new park land and the highest levels of agreement, based
open space: $11.11 upon the sum of “strongly agree” and
»» Improve maintenance of existing “agree” responses: improve physical
indoor facilities: $7.41 health and fitness (99%), improve the
»» Improve existing sports fields: $7.21 quality of life in Elmhurst community
»» Other: $7.00 (98%), and provide healthy recreational
This information also supported the opportunities (98%). The benefits
results of question where respondents that respondents believe are most
chose the top three action items he / she important to their household include:
would support funding with tax dollars. improve physical health and fitness,
Most respondents (52%) were willing improve the quality of life in Elmhurst
to fund upgrading existing parks and community, and preserve open space
park amenities. This was followed by and environment.
31% who supported upgrading existing
outdoor sports fields. As it related
to a question regarding a potential
The Elmhurst Park District finds
itself in a position to positively
influence the lives of a large
number of residents by focusing
their attention on adult fitness and
wellness programs, community
events, and adult continuing
education programs.
ENGAGE PHASE SUMMARY ELMHURST PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE & STRATEGIC PLAN | 53ONLINE COMMUNITY
SURVEYS
The planning team facilitated two The second and final online community the most visited park, with Berens Park
online community surveys during the survey launched May 15, 2017, and and the Illinois Prairie Path following
comprehensive and strategic planning concluded May 30, 2017. The purpose closely behind. In terms of quality, Wilder
process. The first online survey was of this survey was to supplement the Park was ranked highest, with 98.5% of
available on the Vision 2020 website final public open houses and provide respondents rating the condition of the
from late-November to the end of 2016. the general public with the opportunity park as “good” or “excellent.”
The online survey supplemented the to give their input on action items and
hard copy and emailed statistically-valid priorities. This survey received 428 Program Participation and Ratings:
survey. Unlike the statistically-valid responses. Nearly 70% (68.7%) of survey
survey, however, the online survey was respondents participated in a Park
available to all District residents and The findings of each survey are District program over the last year, with
does not represent a random sample of summarized below and the tabulated most participating in 2-3 programs per
households. results and open ended comments are in year. The overall quality of programs was
Appendix E. rated as either “good’ or “excellent” with
While the results of the online survey 89.1% responding. The top reasons for
echo those of the statistically-valid program participation are the location of
survey, they are not representative of the ONLINE SURVEY 1 the program or facility, reasonable fees,
entire District community, but are still and times program is offered. On the
important to understand and combine Overall Facility Use: The majority contrary, the top reasons that prevent
with the overall public input summary (99.7%) of survey respondents have respondents from using Park District
when looking at future decisions for the visited a Park District park in the last year, program (or facilities) were the program
District. The first online survey had 374 with most visiting parks monthly. Over or facility is not offered, program times
respondents. 93% rated the physical condition of parks are not convenient, or the class was full.
as “good” or “excellent.” Wilder Park was
54 | VISION 2020: FOCUS ON THE FUTURE APPENDIX Aamenity as their “most needed.” Outdoor Potential Action Items: If an additional
swimming pools / water parks, indoor $100 were available for Elmhurst
walking / running track, and playgrounds Park District parks, trails, sports, and
followed this amenity. recreation facilities, most respondents
would allocate their resources to
In addition to needs and importance, the development of indoor facilities ($27.8).
survey asked respondents to indicate This was followed by upgrading existing
how well their needs are being met indoor facilities or upgrading parks and
for indoor and outdoor amenities. park amenities.
Respondents indicated that for dog
parks (99%), indoor turf fields (98.9%), As the Park District explores parks and
and indoor ice arenas (96.5%) their needs recreation improvements, most survey
are being met 50% or less. Based on this respondents would be most supportive
information, combined with importance, of actions that upgrade existing parks
dog parks are a high priority with and park amenities (84.2% very or
If a voter 26.2% indicating importance and 99% somewhat supported). This was followed
indicating their needs are not being met by upgrading existing outdoor sports
referendum for this amenity. fields (69.5%). Respondents would be
was held to Program Needs and Priorities : Adult
most willing to fund upgrading existing
parks and park amenities (45.7%). This
fund improvements, fitness and wellness was listed as the was followed by acquire land and
most needed program for survey develop parks in under-served areas
developments, and respondents with 60.4% indicating a (29.7%) and upgrade existing outdoor
need. Community events (48.4%), Youth
operations, most of the sports program (30.5%), and Nature
sports fields (28.3%).
non-statistically-valid survey programs / environmental education If a voter referendum was held to
(27.8%) followed. Respondents indicated fund improvements, developments,
respondents noted they would or that, for programming, their needs and operations, most web survey
might vote in favor (82.3%). were being met 50% or less in Video respondents noted they would or might
games / virtual reality (84.6%), outdoor vote in favor (82.3%). While these results
adventure programs (83.7%), and trips are positive, it is important to note
(83.3%). Surprisingly, more than 70% of that this survey is not statistically-valid.
Organizations and Facilities used respondents indicated their needs were These results can, however, support the
for Parks and Recreation: Like the being met 50% or less for 12 of the 29 statistically-valid survey results as the
statistically-valid survey, respondents program options provided. District looks toward the future.
were asked to identify all organizations
they used for indoor and outdoor In terms of importance, community
recreation in the last year. Over 80% events and adult fitness and wellness ONLINE SURVEY 2
chose the Elmhurst Park District. This were listed as the most important.
was followed closely by neighborhood However, while these programs were As a follow-up to the May 2, 2017,
communities or other park districts, listed as “most important,” respondents’ community open house, the Vision 2020
YMCA, and private and non-profit youth needs are mostly being met by the Park Final Community Online Survey went
sports organizations followed. District. This was followed by “none live on May 15, 2017 and officially closed
chosen.” on May 30, 2017. The survey had a total
Amenity Needs and Priorities: In terms of 428 responses. There were eighteen
of importance for outdoor amenities, Additional Findings: Survey questions focused on gathering
walking and biking trails were listed as respondents provided feedback as to community feedback regarding the
the most important. Outdoor swimming the value they felt they receive from the current state of Elmhurst Park District’s
pools / water parks, playgrounds, Park District. Respondents felt that the parks and indoor facilities, as well as
and off-leash dog parks followed this top three values received by the Park potential improvements to be made in
amenity. As for indoor facilities, indoor District are physical health and fitness the future. Respondents were asked to
fitness was listed as the most important opportunities (98.6%), impact to the prioritize potential improvements on
amenity for respondents. Indoor walking quality of life in the Elmhurst community existing parks and facilities; new parks,
/ running track, indoor aquatics facility, (98.5%), and healthy recreational amenities, and facilities; and new and
and indoor gymnasium followed this opportunities (98.5%). The majority existing programs.
amenity. Overall, walking and biking (70.1%) of respondents rate the value
trails were listed as the most needed they receive from their tax dollars as Existing park improvements were ranked
amenity for survey respondents, with “excellent” or “good.” based on a time-line for implementation.
68.7% of respondents choosing the For example, if a respondent viewed a
ENGAGE PHASE SUMMARY ELMHURST PARK DISTRICT COMPREHENSIVE & STRATEGIC PLAN | 55You can also read
