HTML — PaddleOCR-VL (Baidu)

Five-Year Strategic Plan

February 2024

INTRODUCTION How to Use This Plan

This Strategic Plan is intended to be an implementation-oriented document for the development of parks and recreation facilities through the year 2028. The main purpose of this Plan is to provide the Millcreek Township Parks and Recreation Department with an accurate, usable tool to guide its actions and decisions concerning:

New parks and facilities development;

Existing facility renovations, expansions, and upgrades;

Cooperative efforts in providing recreation needs;

Possible land acquisitions;

Staff and resource planning.

The plan is organized into five major components with appendices:

Section 1: Executive Summary: Provides a summary of the planning methodology and key Recommendations. .....Page 3

Section 2: Inventory Analysis: Provides an inventory of parks, facilities, and programs, analysis of parks access, and adjacent or complementary local planning efforts.

Section 3: Community Engagement and Public Input: Assesses the .....Page 11 Millcreek Township residents' feedback on recreation programs and parks facilities, providing key findings.

Section 4: Five-Year Plan: Introduces a timeline for implementation of the goals and recommendations, including possible community leads and costs. .....Page 17

Section 5: Appendices: Detailed information supplementing the inputs .....Page 23 critical to the creation and recommendations of the Five-Year Action Plan.

Page 3 Download HTML

SECTION 1: Executive Summary

Page 4 Download HTML

SECTION 1 Executive Summary

The Planning Process and methodology included a combination of public engagement, and data analysis including:

THE PLANNING PROCESS

Public Engagement

Three (3) Public Workshops

One (1) Open House

Community Survey which was held between November 1 and November 14, 2023 with over five-hundred (500) responses

Data and Analytics

Parks and Recreation Asset and Amenity Inventory

Analysis of National Recreation and Parks Association Benchmarks

Geospatial and Walkability Analysis

Community Survey Analysis

Page 5 Download HTML

Summary of Key Findings and Recommendations

The analysis of public feedback and other key data points led to the following Key Findings, Focus Areas, Recommendations, and Measures of Success:

KEY FINDINGS	FOCUS AREAS AND RECOMMENDATIONS	MEASURES OF SUCCESS
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Some residents are not aware of all the parks and programs in Millcreek Township	Focus Area 1: Boost Marketing, Promotion, and Community Engagement Key Recommendations: 1.1: Increase Marketing, Promotion, and Community Engagement to keep a constant pulse on high demand assets and amenities of Millcreek Township Residents 1.2: Target populations which are underutilizing assets to ensure they are aware of parks and recreational assets and amenities	• Increasing Resident Participation in Township Programs and Rentals • Increasing Resident Visitation of Parks
CONNECTIVITY & WALKABILITY Residents have a strong preference for walking, running, and biking trails; yet, the majority of parks are not connected to neighborhoods by sidewalks	Focus Area 2: Promote Connectivity and Walkability to Recreational Assets Key Recommendations: 2.1: Incorporate multimodal improvements into redevelopment initiatives 2.2: Plan sidewalk and other high priority connections / improvements to parks and recreational assets	• Increasing Percentage of Residents within Walkable Distance to a Park or Green Space • Increasing Miles of Trail / Sidewalk Improved
TARGETED INVESTMENTS The Township's assets and amenities are well above the national benchmark; yet there is continued demand for programs and services	Focus Area 3: Target Investments into Centralized, High-Demand Assets and Amenities Key Recommendations: 3.1: Centralize Investments and Operations into Assets which are in high-demand from Residents. 3.2: Balance Programming Incentives to a variety of populations and ages 3.3: Conduct a Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Plan including a Capital Improvement Budgeting Plan 3.4: Assess the Feasibility of developing a centralized Community Center which incorporates high-demand programs and amenities	• Adoption and Implementation of a Capital Improvement Budgeting Process • Increased Capacity for High-Demand Programs and Amenities

ALTAIR CONSULTING GROUP

Page 6 Download HTML

SECTION 2:

Inventory Analysis

Page 7 Download HTML

SECTION 2 Inventory Analysis

Millcreek Township is home to 54,073 residents as of the 2020 U.S. Census, representing 1,644 residents per square mile. The National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) benchmarking cohort which most closely aligns with Millcreek Township's population is 50,000 to 99,999 residents. Despite being very near to the lowest population threshold for their cohort, Millcreek Township Parks and Recreation benchmarks above the median for most parks, amenities, and programs variables. Parks: Millcreek Township is home to 29 parks and green spaces, this represents 1,864 Millcreek residents per park, representing a more favorable rate than the NRPA median of 2,240 residents per park. Additionally, Millcreek boasts a rate of 11.9 park acres per 1,000 residents, higher than the cohort median of 11.2 acres. PARK ACRES

Parks: Millcreek Township is home to 29 parks and green spaces, this represents 1,864 Millcreek residents per park, representing a more favorable rate than the NRPA median of 2,240 residents per park. Additionally, Millcreek boasts a rate of 11.9 park acres per 1,000 residents, higher than the cohort median of 11.2 acres.

TOTAL AMENITIES

137 amenities

SPORTS TRAILS

43 fields & courts

16+ miles Amenities: Prevalence of outdoor amenities is higher on average in Millcreek Township than its cohort in several categories: playgrounds (3004:1), basketball courts (3,004:1), baseball diamonds (2,351:1), multi-purpose fields (5,407:1), and swimming pools (27,037:1) are all available at lower per-capita rates than cohort medians. Less-common offerings such as pickleball courts, lacrosse fields, and outdoor ice-skating place Millcreek in the top half of their cohort in those categories as well. Additionally, with more than 16 miles of trails, Millcreek Township is nearing the cohort median of 19 miles

TOTAL PARKS

29 parks / green spaces

PARK ACRES

PARKS PER CAPITA

640+ 1:1,864 acres persons

Amenities: Prevalence of outdoor amenities is higher on average in Millcreek Township than its cohort in several categories: playgrounds (3004:1), basketball courts (3,004:1), baseball diamonds (2,351:1), multi-purpose fields (5,407:1), and swimming pools (27,037:1) are all available at lower per-capita rates than cohort medians. Less-common offerings such as pickleball courts, lacrosse fields, and outdoor ice-skating place Millcreek in the top half of their cohort in those categories as well. Additionally, with more than 16 miles of trails, Millcreek Township is nearing the cohort median of 19 miles

Programs: Millcreek is among the 90%+ of parks and recreation agencies in their cohort which offer an array of team athletics, health and wellness, social recreation, and themed special event programs within a year. They are also among the 80%+ in their cohort which offer individual sports, racquet sports, aquatics, and crafts programming. While NRPA only measures the prevalence of programming, Millcreek's offerings include many of the program categories common among parks and recreation agencies within communities much larger than their own, with specific consideration towards youth and adult programming.

TOTAL PROGRAMS

30+ program categories

PARTICIPANTS

2,874 persons in 2023

CLASSES / EVENTS

2,000+ hours/year

Page 8 Download HTML

AMENITIES BY PARK

	Asbury Park	Atlantic Park	Avalon Park	Belle Valley Park	Boulevard Park	Briar Park	Bridger Park	Chestnut Hill Pool	Dave Long Complex	Edgevale Bladen Park	Highland Park	Lakewood Park	Maplewood Park	Mark Wunch Memorial Park	Millcreek Golf and Learning	Montclair Park	Richmond Park	Venice Park	Veterans Park (Cassidy Park)	Wander Park	Westbury Farms Park	William Scott Park	Zuck Park
Acreage	209.2	1.6	1.8	6.8	5.0	5.3	11.7	1.3	20.1	2.7	1.9	2.7	1.0	9.2	140.0	1.3	0.3	1.4	22.2	4.6	2.7	106.9	17.5
Baseball Field	●			●					●			●		●		●						●	●
Basketball Court	●	●		●					●			●	●	●		●	●					●
Bicycling																						●
Community Gardens
Cross Country Skiing	●
Disc Golf
Dog Park
Fishing							●												●
Fitness Equipment																						●
Hiking	●						●												●			●
Ice Skating	●
Indoor Sports Courts
Mountain Biking	●
Natural Wild Areas	●																					●
Parking	●			●			●					●		●					●			●	●
Pavilion / Picnic Area	●			●			●		●			●		●					●			●	●
Pets Allowed	●											●										●
Pickleball Courts	●
Playground	●			●							●	●	●			●						●	●
Pool				●				●
Restrooms	●			●					●										●			●	●
Scenic Views	●																	●	●			●
Shade Trees	●	●	●	●	●					●	●	●		●				●	●				●
Skate Park
Sports Field	●			●					●			●	●	●		●				●		●	●
Swimming				●				●
Tennis Courts	●								●														●
Theatre Amphitheatre
Trails	●						●												●			●	●
Volleyball Courts (sand)	●			●								●										●
Wildlife Watching	●				●	●				●								●	●				●

Page 9 Download HTML

Millcreek Township Parks Overview

1 - Asbury Park / Asbury Woods / Asbury Fields

9 - Currie Park 16 - Montclair Park

10 - Edgevale Park

17 - Richmond Park

11 - Highland Park 18 - Venice Park

4 - Belle Valley Park

12 - Lakewood Park 19 - Veterans Park

5 - Boulevard Park

13 - Maplewood Park 20 - Wander Park

6 - Briar Park

14 - Mark A. Wunch Memorial Park 21 - William L. Scott Park

7 - Bridger Park 8 - Browns Farm

15 - Millcreek Golf and Learning Center 16 - Montclair Park

22 - Zuck Park

2 - Atlantic Boulevard Park

3 - Avalon Park

8 - Browns Farm

Page 10 Download HTML

Millcreek Township Parks Access

The majority of Millcreek Township's parks are not connected by sidewalks to neighborhoods. The NRPA calls for safe and accessible routes to be in close proximity to where residents live, ideally no longer than a half of a mile (within a 10-minute walk) from where people reside. An analysis of Millcreek Township was conducted on roadways in order to measure community access via walkability to parks and amenities. The mapping below highlights the results of this analysis, and measures walkability by time in 5, 10, and 15 minute increments. From darkest to lightest – closest to furthest - the navigable distance is shown on the map from the point of the park extending outward, via public roadways, until the maximum walkable distance in 15 minutes is reached. As such, a total of 39.6% of Millcreek Township is walkable within 15 minutes to a park.

Page 11 Download HTML

FINANCIAL AND STAFFING COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

As previously noted, Millcreek Township Parks and Recreation benchmarks above the median for most parks, amenities, and programs variables including staffing levels and overall expenses.

Staffing

The department currently has only six (6) full-time employees and fifteen (15) year-round part-time employees. In peak seasons, the department brings on an additional eighty-two (82) part-time employees. The Department's average full-time equivalent (FTE) is just over twenty-four (24) employees total, year-round. Utilizing the National Recreation and Park's Association (NRPA) benchmarking, the comparative staffing by cohorts in population size and assets-managed further showcases how Millcreek Township excels in their mission while operating under a leaner model. Population: Within the 50,000 to 99,999 size cohort - which Millcreek just qualifies for at an estimated 54,073 residents (2020) - the Township falls far below the median 75.8 FTEs, and sits further below the cohort's lowest quartile of 46.0 FTEs. Even measuring against the next lowest population size cohort (20,000 to 49,999), the Township still falls below the median 32.3 FTEs. Analyzing the FTE breakdown, it appears that Millcreek operates utilizing half of the cohort's median Administrative FTEs (Cohort: 16%, Millcreek: 8%) and supplements with a higher rate of Maintenance & Operations FTEs (Cohort: 44%, Millcreek: 53%).

Population: Within the 50,000 to 99,999 size cohort - which Millcreek just qualifies for at an estimated 54,073 residents (2020) - the Township falls far below the median 75.8 FTEs, and sits further below the cohort's lowest quartile of 46.0 FTEs. Even measuring against the next lowest population size cohort (20,000 to 49,999), the Township still falls below the median 32.3 FTEs. Analyzing the FTE breakdown, it appears that Millcreek operates utilizing half of the cohort's median Administrative FTEs (Cohort: 16%, Millcreek: 8%) and supplements with a higher rate of Maintenance & Operations FTEs (Cohort: 44%, Millcreek: 53%).

Cohort: Population (50,000 to 99,999)

Cohort: Parks Maintained (20 to 49)

Parks: At 29 total parks maintained, Millcreek falls within the 20 to 49 NRPA parks cohort. The Township falls far below the median 79.3 FTEs, and further below the cohort's lowest quartile of 33.5 FTEs. Again measuring against the next lowest cohort (10 - 19 parks), the Township still falls shy of the median 28.9 FTEs. Composition-wise, Millcreek's FTEs fall below the cohort's Administrative levels (15%) and above the Maintenance & Operations levels (46%).

Analyzing total acres maintained, Millcreek falls within the broad 251 to 1000 acre cohort, at just over 640 acres. The Township falls below the median 49.4 FTEs, and above the cohort's lowest quartile of 20.7 FTEs. Still, composition-wise, Millcreek's FTEs fall below the cohort's Administrative levels (16%) and above the Maintenance & Operations levels (46%).

Page 12 Download HTML

Finance

The Parks and Recreation Department serves a critical role in driving financial return for the Township's Earned Income Tax Revenue ("EIT") and Real Estate Tax Revenues. EIT Revenues are anticipated to make up over 30% of Township Revenues in 2024. Investments in the Parks and Recreation Department can enhance the Township's ability to offer world-class recreational amenities and serve as a catalyst to attract working professionals. In addition, parks and green spaces often have a positive impact on real estate value and can positively impact the Township's Real Estate Tax Revenues. According to the Township's 2024 Budget, the Parks and Recreation Department expenses makes up only about 4.4% of the Township's planned expenses. Despite the Department's relatively small portion of expenses, making intentional increased investments as a municipal organization can be challenging.

According to the Township's 2024 Budget, the Parks and Recreation Department expenses makes up only about 4.4% of the Township's planned expenses. Despite the Department's relatively small portion of expenses, making intentional increased investments as a municipal organization can be challenging.

The Township might consider forming a non for profit organization or partnering with other non for profit organizations with the ability to receive philanthropic donations to:

Millcreek Township General Fund

Off-set some of the larger capital and operational expenses for assets such as pools and / or the golf course.

Achieve some if its development goals and implement future capital expenses.

A couple of examples of these partnerships include:

o Pittsburgh, PA - The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy: "founded in December December 1996 by a group of citizens concerned with the deteriorating conditions of Pittsburgh's historic city parks. A non-profit organization, the Parks Conservancy works closely with the City of Pittsburgh under an official public-private partnership agreement."

o Lancaster PA - John and Anna Erb Fund for Lancaster County Parks and Recreation: "This fund will forever support the betterment of parks in Lancaster County by prioritizing nursery stock of specimen trees and native plants; acquiring and preserving parks; creating accessible park experiences; and other uses that inspire exploration and use of Lancaster County parks."

o Erie, PA - Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier Park: "Frontier Park's Nonprofit Partner"

Page 13 Download HTML

SECTION 3: Community Engagement and Public Input

Page 14 Download HTML

SECTION 3: Community Engagement and Public Input

The Planning Process was driven by community engagement and public input. The process included Three (3) Public Workshops, One (1) Open House, and a Community Survey.

The Township launched the Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan Community Survey in November 2023 to help establish priorities for the future development of parks and recreation facilities, programs, and services within Millcreek Township. The survey was administered online available via physical paper-copy during the Community Engagement meetings and the responses were later uploaded. The survey, totaling twenty one (21) possible questions, received 519 responses over the course of the two weeks it was active. Of those responses, 475 respondents (91.5%) indicated that they were residents of Millcreek Township.

Results of the Community Engagement Meetings & Survey

Community Engagement

Of the 105 responses garnered during the in-person community engagement events to attendees' favored parks and places, the majority (29%) indicated Asbury Park, followed by Veterans and Scott parks, 14% and 13% respectively.

This falls in line with responses to the Favorite Ways to Move boards located at the events, which indicated that the majority of the 101 attendees who answered desire walking and hiking trails (16%) and community centers (15%) above all other amenity types. Combined interest in both outdoor and indoor fitness facilities garnered 11% of the responses, while interest in pools, outdoor and indoor combined, was 9%.

Programmatically, attendees indicated that their favorite programs were overwhelmingly in the adult fitness and wellness category, at 26% of the 34 responses. Educational programs and broadly identified interest-based seminars, cooking programs, and adult arts and crafts are represented 9% of the votes each, as did adult sports.

Page 15 Download HTML

The engagement boards also provided attendees with a chance to write in answers to the questions "I wish we had a ___ park or place" and "I wish that we had ___ activity or amenity in our parks & places". Regarding parks and places, attendees provided suggestions which varied but surfaced interest in a community center, indoor pools, additional green spaces and hiking trails, as well as more specialized sporting amenities. In regards to amenities and programs, there was markedly higher engagement that surfaced interest in both outdoor and indoor pools, community events like farmer's markets, educational programs both nature-based, skills-based, and fitness & wellness, amenities such as rentals, and fitness equipment, and general quality of life parks improvements such as trash receptacles, signage, and paving.

Community Survey

Demographically, the survey respondents skewed female, representing over 70% of responses. The 60+ and 35-to-44 age groups represented the majority, at 37% and 34% respectively. Household composition was nearly evenly split between respondents with and respondents without children in the household, 51% to 49%. Geographically, 90% of respondents reside in the 16505, 16506, and 16509 ZIP codes.

Parks & Facilities

Millcreek's Parks show the highest frequency of use among the respondents as compared to Programs, Pools, and other categories. Parks utilization was indicated at the highest range of engagement, between weekly and every few months, while program & lessons utilization fell at the ends of the spectrum, either weekly or occasionally, indicating a dedicated group of program participants and attendees of seasonal events and programs.

Responses indicated that Asbury Park is the most popular park across all age groups, visited by over 89% of respondents in the last year. Scott and Zuck Park also show consistent visitation across different age demographics, appearing in at least 45% of responses, and Veteran's Park in 33% of responses.

Q8: How often do you utilize the following services?

Page 16 Download HTML

The majority of respondents (69%) indicated that they have not visited a community pool in the last year. Of the ones who have, Chestnut Hill pool ranked higher than Belle Valley Pool, although a portion of respondents (5%) attended both pools. Respondents in age groups 35 to 44 and 60+ both indicated a higher-than-average number of pool visits, although they do represent the highest overall response rates. The data indicates that the presence of younger children in households correlates with the number of pools visits.

Q11: If you have not visited a Millcreek Township Park or Facility, what barriers keep you from visiting a Township Park or Recreation Facility?

For respondents who indicated they had not visited a Millcreek Township park or parks facility, the majority of responses indicated the reason as being too busy or choosing to spend free time in other ways. Of respondents who chose to provide an expanded answer to 'other', two main themes emerged: not being aware of all the parks in Millcreek Township / not knowing where they were located, and the desire for better pool availability both by open time and as an indoor amenity.

Amenities & Activities

The data indicates the most important amenities that residents want close to home are trails for walking, running, or biking, followed by places for children to play, exercise facilities, and areas to relax or enjoy the outdoors.

Exercise facilities are a top priority for the 60+ age group in addition to trails, while places for children to play are most important for the 35 to 44 age group. Small neighborhood parks also placed highly across all respondent categories. The data indicates that as age increases, there's a shift towards outdoor amenities and natural areas, as well as facilities that cater to community gatherings and fitness.

Q12: What is the most important opportunity to have close to home?

Page 17 Download HTML

Q13: Indicate the top five parks amenities which you would be likely to utilize?

While aligned with the overall consensus, respondents in the 35 to 44 age group display a higher affinity towards pools (indoor and outdoor) and playground amenities – this tracks with their likelihood of children present in the household. Focusing on all households with children present, pools, splash pads, and playgrounds all rank highly.

Overall responses indicated a strong preference for physical and outdoor activities among the survey participants. The most popular activity, hiking, appeared in just over 50% of the total responses. This is followed closely by trail running / walking (47%). Fitness / working out and dog walking also garnered significant interest (39% and 33% respectively). Other activities such as outdoor playgrounds, swimming, and bicycling also received notable attention, each appearing in more than 25% of the total responses.

By age group, hiking and trail running / walking remain the most common activity across all segments. Whereas 25-to-34- and 35- to 44-year-old respondents skew higher for outdoor playgrounds and swimming, the groups 45 years and above report more affinity for dog walking and fitness.

Programs

The overall analysis of the programs that residents of Millcreek Township are interested in shows a high demand for adult fitness and wellness programs (49%), followed by nature programs and youth sports (28% and 25% respectively). There is also notable interest in youth learn-to-swim programs and special community events.

Youth sports, learn-to-swim programs, summer camps, and arts and crafts are popular among the 35-44 age group, likely reflecting the interests of parents for their children. Adult fitness and wellness programs are most popular among the 60+ age group. Both the 55- to 59-year-old and 60+ cohorts showed particular interest in nature programs and special community events.

Page 18 Download HTML

A moderate majority (61%) of respondents indicated that they or someone in their household had participated in a program in the last 12 months. Households with children are slightly less likely to participate in these activities compared to households without children. However, both groups show a majority indicating participation. The respondent age groups with the highest participation are 35 to 44 and 60+ (64% and 69% respectively) while the remaining cohorts hover near 50% or below. A category for 'other' allowed respondents to submit their own reasoning, with varied responses among the 28 write-ins. The top themes which emerged were more detailed responses about time conflicts and busy schedules, and calls for expanded pool hours and indoor swim lessons.

A category for ‘other’ allowed respondents to submit their own reasoning, with varied responses among the 28 write-ins. The top themes which emerged were more detailed responses about time conflicts and busy schedules, and calls for expanded pool hours and indoor swim lessons.

Respondents' reasons for not participating in programs are varied, with the most common being a lack of interest in the programs offered and scheduling conflicts, tied with 48 responses each. Not having heard of the programs is the next highest reason, with 28 responses.

Q16: If not, why haven't you participated in any programs?

Community Center

A majority of respondents indicated that they desire fitness and wellness amenities from a local community center (66%). Almost equally, community events and educational programs were highly desired amenities as well, with 42% and 41% of respondents also indicating these needs. Athletics and leisure are both ranked closely behind.

Q18: What amenities would be ideal for you or members of your household in a community center?

The question allowed for respondents to indicate more than one ideal amenity, which spread evenly among the 35 to 44 cohort between youth programming, athletics, and fitness & wellness. Educational programs, community events, and leisure programs also all received high ratings, but these interests were higher among the 55 to 59 and 60+ cohorts. Senior-specific programming among the 60+ cohort represented their second-highest priority behind fitness and wellness.

Page 19 Download HTML

Analysis indicates that certain amenities, such as youth programming and athletics, are markedly favored by households with children (with more than 50% of respondents indicating), while fitness and wellness programs and senior-specific programming are more favored by households without children. While responses were high among both cohorts, households with children showed slightly higher interest in rental spaces as well, whereas households without children showed slightly higher interest in social gathering spaces, educational programs, and leisure programs. Community events showed a combined interest.

The question did allow respondents to write-in an answer to 'other', which garnered varied responses but surfaced more than one response indicating the desire for indoor pool amenities and a skatepark.

The majority of respondents (49%) indicated they would visit a

Q19: How frequently would you visit a community center?

community center monthly, followed by those who would visit one or more times per week (31%). Fewer respondents would visit yearly or never visit at all. Among the respondents who indicated weekly interest, the overwhelming majority were 60+ (50%). Monthly interest is split between 60+ (35%) and 35 to 44 (33%). These weekly and monthly visitors indicated fitness and wellness as the top amenity with community events as the second.

Athletic, leisure, and educational programs

all next ranked closely amongst the two groups. The largest difference amongst the two cohorts was a stronger preference for senior programming by possible weekly visitors and a stronger preference for youth programming for possible monthly visitors.

Q20: How far would you be willing to commute to a community center?

The majority of respondents (49%) indicated they would prefer to travel 5 miles or fewer for a community center. Furthermore, another 40% of respondents indicated an ideal distance of 5 to 10 miles. Regarding household size, a majority of respondents with children (45%) and without children (53%) wish to commute 5 miles or fewer. Respondents with children (41%) are slightly more willing to commute 5 to 10 miles compared to those without children (39%). For longer commutes (10 to 15 miles and 15+ miles), respondents with children were more willing to travel than those without.

Page 20 Download HTML

SECTION 4: Five-Year Action Plan

The following plan is recommended as of February 2024 and is for planning purposes only. It is recommended this plan be updated and revised annually based upon resource availability to complete recommended action items.

Page 21 Download HTML

SECTION 4: FIVE-YEAR ACTION PLAN

| [F6]

Recommendation Action Item

Focus Area 1: Boost Marketing, Promotion, and Community Engagement

1.1 Increase Marketing, Promotion, and Community Engagement to keep a constant pulse on high demand assets and amenities of Millcreek Township Residents.1.2 Target populations which are underutilizing assets to ensure they are aware of Parks & Recreational assets and amenities. Build Repository of Marketing Content.

Conduct Annual Survey.

Focus Area 2: Promote Connectivity and Walkability to Recreational Assets

Explore Marketing Partnerships and Resources.

2.1 Incorporate multimodal improvements into redevelopment initiatives.2.2 Plan sidewalk and other high priority connections / improvements to Parks & Recreational assets. Identify Multimodal Improvements to be incorporated into the Presque Isle Gateway Project and Inventory three (3) phases of Trail improvements inside of Parks.

Determine Budget and Funding Sources for First Phase of Sidewalk and Trail Improvements.

Focus Area 3: Promote Connectivity and Walkability to Recreational Assets

3.1 Centralize Investments and Operations into Assets which are in high-demand from Residents.3.2 Balance Programming Incentives to a variety of populations and ages.3.3 Conduct Comprehensive Parks & Recreation Plan including a Capital Improvement Budgeting Plan.3.4 Assess the Feasibility of developing a centralized Community Center which incorporates high-demand programs and amenities. Identify potential sites for a centralized point of operations for Parks & Recreation Programming.

Prepare Staffing Plan consistent with national benchmarks which provides an added level of service for high-demand Assets and Programs.

Identify Assets and Programs which might be candidates for a public-private-philanthropic partnership opportunity.

Revise and communicate programming incentives.

Apply to DCNR Comprehensive Parks & Recreation Planning Grant.

Perform Pre-Development Due Diligence for any prospective site for a centralized Community Center.

Begin Master Site Planning for the preferred site for a centralized Community Center, including a robust public engagement strategy.

Begin developing Acquisition and / or funding strategy for a centralized community Center.

Page 22 Download HTML

SECTION 4: FIVE-YEAR ACTION PLAN

Recommendation

Action Item

Focus Area 1: Boost Marketing, Promotion, and Community Engagement

1.1

Increase Marketing, Promotion, and Community Engagement to keep a constant pulse on high demand assets and amenities of Millcreek Township Residents.

1.2

Target populations which are underutilizing assets to ensure they are aware of Parks & Recreational assets and amenities. Build Repository of Marketing Content.

Build Repository of Marketing Content.

Conduct Annual Survey.

Focus Area 2: Promote Connectivity and Walkability to Recreational Assets

2.1

Incorporate multimodal improvements into redevelopment initiatives.

2.2

Plan sidewalk and other high priority connections / improvements to Parks & Recreational assets. Identify Multimodal Improvements to be incorporated into the Presque Isle Gateway Project and other redevelopment initiatives. Secure funding for first phase of sidewalk and trail improvements and begin design and engineering.

Identify Multimodal Improvements to be incorporated into the Presque Isle Gateway Project and other redevelopment initiatives.

Secure funding for first phase of sidewalk and trail improvements and begin design and engineering.

Determine Budget and Funding Sources for Second Phase of Sidewalk and Trail Improvements.

Focus Area 3: Promote Connectivity and Walkability to Recreational Assets

3.1

Centralize Investments and Operations into Assets which are in high-demand from Residents.

3.2

Balance Programming Incentives to a variety of populations and ages.

3.3

Conduct Comprehensive Parks & Recreation Plan including a Capital Improvement Budgeting Plan.

3.4

Assess the Feasibility of developing a centralized Community Center which incorporates high-demand programs and amenities. Develop a potential programming and operational model for a centralized Community Center.

Develop a potential programming and operational model for a centralized Community Center.

Evaluate results of revised programming incentives and make adjustments as needed.

Begin the Comprehensive Parks & Recreation Plan.

Request and secure funds for a centralized Community Center.

If feasible, implement acquisition development activities for a centralized Community Center.

Page 23 Download HTML

SECTION 4: FIVE-YEAR ACTION PLAN

Recommendation

Action Item

Focus Area 1: Boost Marketing, Promotion, and Community Engagement

1.1

Increase Marketing, Promotion, and Community Engagement to keep a constant pulse on high demand assets and amenities of Millcreek Township Residents.

1.2

Target populations which are underutilizing assets to ensure they are aware of Parks & Recreational assets and amenities. Update Repository of Marketing Content.

Update Repository of Marketing Content.

Conduct Annual Survey.

Focus Area 2: Promote Connectivity and Walkability to Recreational Assets

2.1

Incorporate multimodal improvements into redevelopment initiatives.

2.2

Plan sidewalk and other high priority connections / improvements to Parks & Recreational assets. Secure funding for second phase of sidewalk and trail improvements and begin design and engineering.

Identify Multimodal Improvements to be incorporated into the Presque Isle Gateway Project and other redevelopment initiatives.

Secure funding for second phase of sidewalk and trail improvements and begin design and engineering.

Determine Budget and Funding Sources for third Phase of Sidewalk and Trail Improvements.

Bid and begin construction for first phase of Sidewalk and Trail Improvements.

Focus Area 3: Promote Connectivity and Walkability to Recreational Assets

3.1

Centralize Investments and Operations into Assets which are in high-demand from Residents.

3.2

Balance Programming Incentives to a variety of populations and ages.

3.3

Conduct Comprehensive Parks & Recreation Plan including a Capital Improvement Budgeting Plan.

3.4

Assess the Feasibility of developing a centralized Community Center which incorporates high-demand programs and amenities. Request and Secure any initial capitalization needed to launch programming and operationalization of a centralized Community Center.

Request and Secure any initial capitalization needed to launch programming and operationalization of a centralized Community Center.

Evaluate results of revised programming incentives and make adjustments as needed.

Incorporate adopted Comprehensive Parks & Recreation Plan into a Capital Budgeting Process which includes the Community Center. Continue to Request and secure funds for a centralized Community Center. Develop and Implement Public Engagement Strategy for Design and Activation of the Community Center. Begin Architectural and Engineering for the Community Center.

Continue to Request and secure funds for a centralized Community Center.

□ Develop and Implement Public Engagement Strategy for Design and Activation of the Community Center.

Begin Architectural and Engineering for the Community Center.

Page 24 Download HTML

SECTION 4: FIVE-YEAR ACTION PLAN

Recommendation	Action Item
Focus Area 1: Boost Marketing, Promotion, and Community Engagement
1.1 Increase Marketing, Promotion, and Community Engagement to keep a constant pulse on high demand assets and amenities of Millcreek Township Residents. 1.2 Target populations which are underutilizing assets to ensure they are aware of Parks & Recreational assets and amenities.	Update Repository of Marketing Content. Conduct Annual Survey.
Focus Area 2: Promote Connectivity and Walkability to Recreational Assets
2.1 Incorporate multimodal improvements into redevelopment initiatives. 2.2 Plan sidewalk and other high priority connections / improvements to Parks & Recreational assets.	Identify Multimodal Improvements to be incorporated into the Presque Isle Gateway Project and other redevelopment initiatives. Secure funding for third phase of sidewalk and trail improvements and begin design and engineering. Determine Budget and Funding Sources for any remaining Phases of Sidewalk and Trail Improvements. Bid and begin construction for second phase of Sidewalk and Trail Improvements.
Focus Area 3: Promote Connectivity and Walkability to Recreational Assets
3.1 Centralize Investments and Operations into Assets which are in high-demand from Residents. 3.2 Balance Programming Incentives to a variety of populations and ages. 3.3 Conduct Comprehensive Parks & Recreation Plan including a Capital Improvement Budgeting Plan. 3.4 Assess the Feasibility of developing a centralized Community Center which incorporates high-demand programs and amenities.	Secure any remaining capitalization needed to launch programming and operationalization of a centralized Community Center. Evaluate results of revised programming incentives and make adjustments as needed. Incorporate recommendations from the Comprehensive Parks & Recreation Plan into an updated 5-year Strategic Plan. Continue to Request and secure funds for a centralized Community Center. Continue to Implement Public Engagement Strategy for Design and Activation of the Community Center. Begin Bid and Construction (if needed).

Page 25 Download HTML

SECTION 4: FIVE-YEAR ACTION PLAN

Page 26 Download HTML

SECTION 5: Technical Appendix

Page 27 Download HTML

SECTION 5:

Appendix

Millcreek Parks and Recreation Staffing Plan & Full Time equivalents (FTE)

Employee Type	Number	Weeks	Avg. Hours / Week	Total FTE
Permanent Full Time
Director	1	52	40	1.0
Laborers	3	52	40	3.0
Foreman	1	52	40	1.0
Clerk	1	52	40	1.0
Permanent Part-Time
Program Instructors	15	52	20	7.5
Seasonal
Laborers - 6 month	8	26	40	4.0
Laborers - 12 week	5	12	40	1.2
Life Guards	30	11	20	3.2
Concessions	5	11	20	0.5
Counselors	13	11	20	1.4
Program Instructors	21	12	5	0.6
Total				24.3

Total 24.3

Page 28 Download HTML

SECTION 5: APPENDIX 2024 Millcreek township final Budget - Page 6

ACTUAL COMPARISON EST. 2023

2023 GENERAL FUND 2023 GENERAL REVENUES & EXPENDITURES 2023 GENERAL INCREASE (DECREASE) 2024 GENERAL FUND 2025 GENERAL FUND 2026 GENERAL FUND 2027 GENERAL FUND 2028 GENERAL FUND

BEGINNING COMBINED FUND BALANCES 35,084,722 31,423,621 (3,661,101) 30,978,505 26,160,926 20,589,911 15,422,097 10,405,631

ADD REVENUES:

REAL ESTATE TAXES 13,418,271 13,555,877 137,606 13,378,114 13,499,180 13,633,156 13,768,471 13,905,140

EARNED INCOME TAX 8,700,000 10,241,632 1,541,632 9,275,000 9,460,500 9,649,710 9,842,704 10,039,558

OTHER TAXES 2,085,500 2,741,377 655,877 2,315,500 2,325,500 2,335,600 2,345,801 2,356,104

LICENSES AND PERMITS 175,300 232,467 57,167 179,300 179,300 179,300 179,300 179,300

FINES INTEREST AND RENTS 188,000 213,617 25,617 188,000 188,000 188,000 188,000 188,000

2023 GENERAL FUND 822,100 1,062,593 240,493 822,100 1,035,100 1,028,170 1,021,309 1,014,517

GRANTS 1,417,668 1,886,993 469,325 1,553,417 1,456,000 1,479,766 1,507,037 1,534,922

OTHER INCOME TOTAL 1,816,321 2,051,508 235,187 1,765,030 1,885,621 1,914,677 1,944,545 1,975,248

REVENUES 28,623,160 31,986,063 3,362,903 29,476,461 30,029,201 30,408,379 30,797,167 31,192,789

TOTAL REVENUES AND FUND

BALANCE 63,707,882 63,409,683 (298,199) 60,454,966 56,190,127 50,998,290 46,219,264 41,598,419

LESS

EXPENDITURES

INSURANCE 416,374 385,460 (30,914) 478,830 490,801 503,071 515,648 528,539

ADMINISTRATION

EXPENSES 2,733,743 2,527,459 (206,284) 2,767,532 2,898,779 2,974,610 3,055,015 3,137,853

TAX COLLECTION

EXPENSE 188,893 222,837 33,944 199,307 215,000 209,256 221,455 215,598

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY 1,845,551 1,817,634 (27,917) 1,029,583 1,036,602 1,065,801 1,097,690 1,130,730

RELATIONS & SUSTAINABILITY 754,183 706,410 (47,773) 812,926 832,910 853,450 875,659 898,506

ENGINEERING

EXPENSES 0 51,180 51,180 924,111 933,002 958,113 985,729 1,014,296

PUBLIC SAFETY

EXPENSES 15,396,581 14,743,071 (653,510) 15,494,085 15,543,004 16,020,107 16,517,839 17,034,084

PUBLIC WORKS 6,309,022 6,478,674 169,652 6,443,649 6,530,783 6,707,235 6,898,548 7,096,293

RECREATION - WAGES/EXPENSES TOTAL 1,329,195 1,424,380 95,185 1,294,782 1,326,859 1,359,883 1,395,736 1,432,651

EXPENDITURES 28,973,542 28,357,104 (616,438) 29,444,805 29,807,741 30,651,527 31,563,319 32,488,550

ENDING

ESTIMATED FUND

BALANCES 34,734,340 35,052,580 318,240 31,010,161 26,382,386 20,346,763 14,655,945 9,109,869

FUND BALANCE

RESERVED SINKING

FUND (241,215) (544,409) (352,775) (267,943) (267,943) (267,943)

FUND BALANCE-RESERVED CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT

FUNDS (3,832,860) (3,394,431) (4,505,055) (3,687,175) (3,020,920) (3,271,359)

FUND BALANCE-FIRE

DEPARTMENT (910,395) (934,645) (969,548) (961,451) (999,272)

FUND BALANCE-TRASH COLLECTION

FUND 0 0 0 0 0 0

FUND BALANCE-UNRESERVED 30,978,505 26,160,926 20,589,911 15,422,097 10,405,631 4,571,295

6|Page

Page 29 Download HTML

SECTION 5: APPENDIX

Detailed Community Survey Results

Q1: Are you a resident of Millcreek Township?

This is where select insights will appear for the detailed community survey results. Some initial questions do not produce rich insights on their own, but they will help to frame later analytic findings.

Q1 Key Insights

Of the 519 respondents to the survey, 91.5% indicated they were residents of Millcreek Township. Of the 44 respondents who indicated they were not residents of Millcreek Township, 41 were still residents of Erie County.

Page 30 Download HTML

SECTION 5: APPENDIX

Q2: What is your ZIP Code?

Q2 Key Insights

Just over 50% of all survey responses came from respondents who identified living in the 16506 ZIP code. Furthermore, over 91% of all survey responses came from respondents in the 16506, 16509, or 16505 ZIP codes.

Page 31 Download HTML

SECTION 5: APPENDIX

Q3: What is your Street Address?

Q3 Key Insights

Of the 50% of all survey respondents who reside in the 16506 ZIP code, a strong concentration come from the area of West Millcreek, nearest to Asbury Woods. Another smaller concentration appeared nearest to Zuck Park.

North of the airport, a concentration of respondents appeared near the Eaglehurst area. In the east of the township, there was a concentration of respondents west of Cherry St.

Page 32 Download HTML

SECTION 5: APPENDIX

Q4: What is your Age Group?

Q5: What is your Gender?

Q4 Key Insights

Residents aged 35 and older were the overwhelming majority of respondents, totaling 84.6% of all responses. Of those, the rates of response clustered at either end of the scale, with respondents in the 60+ age group making up nearly 37% of total responses; ages 45 – 54 making up 15.4% of responses; and 35- to 44-year-olds at just over 34%.

Q5 Key Insights

Female residents of Millcreek Township responded at over twice the rate of males, representing 72% of the total.

Page 33 Download HTML

SECTION 5: APPENDIX

Q6: How many children 10 and under reside in your household?

Q7: How many children ages 11 - 18 reside in your household?

Q6 Key Insights

The majority of respondents, over 62%, reported having no children. There is a significant drop to 16% for households with two children, followed by 14% with one child. The percentages continue to decrease as the number of children increases, with only 10 respondent households housing more than 3 children younger than ten years old.

Q7 Key Insights

A significant majority of respondent households, over 77%, have no children over the age of eleven. Around 13% have one child in this range, while 7% have two children. The percentages continue to decrease as the number of children increases, with only 10 respondent households (fewer than 2%) housing more than 3 children older than eleven years old.

Page 34 Download HTML

SECTION 5: APPENDIX

Q8: How often do you utilize the following services?

Q8 Key Insights

Parks and Programs both show the highest frequency of use among the categories, with a strong number of respondents indicating they utilize both categories weekly. Parks utilization was indicated at the highest range of engagement, between weekly and every few months, while program & lessons utilization fell at the ends of the spectrum, either weekly or occasionally, indicating a dedicated group of program attendees and attendees of events or seasonal programs. The data on Pool usage is less definitive, as the survey lacked proper delineation for seasonally affected services. Furthermore, here are insights on each service utilization based on the preceding demographic categories:

Parks: The 35 to 44 and 60+ age groups are the most likely to utilize, with the highest frequencies in categories Multiple Times a Month and Weekly. Two-child households reported utilizing parks Multiple Times a Month nearly as often as households with no children. One- and Two-child households reported utilizing the parks at half the weekly frequency as households without children.

Pools: response data suggests that pool usage decreases with age, with the '60+' age group being the least likely to use. For households, as the number of children increased there was a trend towards more frequent pool usage.

Programs: age group "60+" has the highest frequency of weekly participation in programs and lessons. Households with no children show the highest weekly participation, while households with one child 10 and under and one child aged 11 - 18 have a more varied participation frequency, with some never participating.

Rentals: age group 35 to 44 shows the highest engagement across all rental frequencies, while the 60+ group has the highest number of respondents who never utilize. Households with no children or one child have the highest number of respondents who never utilize. As the number of children increases, the frequency of never responses generally decreases, indicating that households with more children may rent facilities more often.

Page 35 Download HTML

SECTION 5: APPENDIX

Q9: Which of the following parks in Millcreek Township have you visited in the past year?

Q9 Key Insights

Responses indicate that Asbury Park is the most popular park across all age groups, visited by over 89% of respondents in the last year. Scott and Zuck Park also show consistent visitation across different age demographics, appearing in at least 45% of responses, and Veteran's Park in 33% of responses.

Park visitation patterns by age follows the general pattern, with Asbury ranking at the top. Among the second largest respondent group (35 - 44) visitation was comparatively higher to Scott and Zuck Park. Additionally, parks such as Belle Valley and Lakewood appeared more often.

Overall, the data also highlights the consistent popularity of Asbury Park across different household sizes, with 89% of non- children households and 90% of child households indicating a visit in the last year. In considering the preference of households with children, Belle Valley, Lakewood, Scott, and Zuck parks all ranked more highly in visits compared to households without children. Only Bridger Park showed a significantly higher number of visits among non-child households (10% of responses) as compared to households with children present (4% of responses).

Of the respondents who indicated 'None of the Above', the majority were from households with zero children of any age and who also do not visit any community pools. When prompted why they do not visit township parks, the majority indicated either no particular reason, or that they choose to spend time in other ways.

Page 36 Download HTML

SECTION 5: APPENDIX

Q10: Which community pools have you visited in the last year?

Q11: If you have not visited a Millcreek Township Park or Facility, what barriers keep you from visiting a Township Park or Recreation Facility?

Q10 Key Insights

The majority of respondents (69%) indicated that they have not visited a community pool in the last year. Of the ones who have, Chestnut Hill pool alone ranked higher (19% of respondents) than Belle Valley Pool (5%), although a portion of respondents (5%) attended both pools.

Respondents in age groups 35 to 44 and 60+ both indicated a higher-than-average number of pool visits, although they do represent the highest overall response rates. The data indicates that the presence of younger children in households correlates with the number of pools visits.

Q11 Key Insights

Because of an error in the survey, every respondent received Q11. As such, the answers indicating “Nothing” were overinflated by respondents who did visit Township parks but had to provide an answer. Of the respondents who indicated a different answer, the following emerged.

The majority of responses indicated being too busy or choosing to spend free time in other ways. Of respondents who chose to provide an expanded answer to ‘other’, two main themes emerged: not being aware of all the parks in Millcreek Township / not knowing where they were located, and the desire for better pool availability both by open time and as an indoor amenity.

Page 37 Download HTML

SECTION 5: APPENDIX

Q12: What is the most important opportunity to have close to home?

Q12 Key Insights

The data indicates the most important amenities that residents want close to home are trails for walking, running, or biking, followed by places for children to play, exercise facilities, and areas to relax or enjoy the outdoors.

Exercise facilities are a top priority for the 60+ age group, in addition to trails. While places for children to play are most important for the 35 to 44 age group. Younger adults (34 and below) show a balanced preference for various amenities, including places to gather and relax outdoors.

Trails for walking, running, or biking are the most valued amenity among single-person households. Whereas places for children to play are increasingly important as household size grows, peaking in households of three members.

Exercise facilities are consistently important, particularly for single-person households, and places to relax or enjoy the outdoors are also appreciated across different household sizes, with single-person households again showing the highest preference.

Page 38 Download HTML

SECTION 5: APPENDIX

Q13: Indicate the top five parks amenities which you would be likely to utilize

Q13 Key Insights

The data suggests a strong preference for amenities that promote outdoor activities, fitness, and nature experiences. Walking and hiking trails, natural areas, and fitness facilities are particularly popular among the respondents, indicating a desire for opportunities to engage in physical activity and enjoy natural surroundings within park environments. Small neighborhood parks also placed highly across all respondent categories.

While younger age groups show a preference for indoor activities and community centers, the interests diversify as the age increases, with a notable interest in community gardens, outdoor pools, and natural parks. The data indicates that as age increases, there's a shift towards outdoor amenities and natural areas, as well as facilities that cater to community gatherings and fitness.

While aligned with the overall consensus, respondents in the 34 to 45 age group display a higher affinity towards pools (indoor and outdoor) and playground amenities – this tracks with their likelihood of children present in the household. Focusing on all households with children present, pools, splash pads, and playgrounds all rank highly.

Households without children present display a higher-than-average affinity for indoor and outdoor fitness and the importance of a dedicated community center.

Page 39 Download HTML

SECTION 5: APPENDIX

Q14: Indicate the top five recreational activities you would be most likely to participate in at the parks.

Q14 Key Insights

Overall responses indicated a strong preference for physical and outdoor activities among the survey participants. The most popular activity, hiking, appeared in just over 50% of the total responses. This is followed closely by trail running / walking (47%). Fitness / working out and dog walking also garnered significant interest (39% and 33% respectively). Other activities such as outdoor playgrounds, swimming, and bicycling also received notable attention, each appearing in more than 25% of the total responses.

By age group, hiking and trail running / walking remain the most common activity across all segments. Whereas 25-to-34- and 35- to 44-year-old respondents skew higher for outdoor playgrounds and swimming, the groups 45 years and above report more affinity for dog walking and fitness.

Not surprisingly, when analyzing the results by household size, activities like hiking, bicycling, and trail running/walking were popular among both cohorts, while fitness/working out and nature watching are more favored by households without children, and outdoor playgrounds and swimming are preferred by households with children.

Page 40 Download HTML

SECTION 5: APPENDIX

Q15: Have you or any member of your household participated in any recreation programs, events, or classes, offered by Millcreek Township Parks and Recreation over the past 12 months?

Q15 Key Insights

A moderate majority (61%) of respondents indicated that they or someone in their household had participated in a program in the last 12 months.

For households with no children, 173 indicated participation, while 110 did not. In contrast, for households with children, 115 indicated participation, and 52 did not. This suggests that households with children are only slightly less likely to participate in these activities compared to households without children. However, both groups show a majority indicating participation.

The respondent age groups with the highest participation are 35 to 44 and 60+ (64% and 69% respectively) while the remaining cohorts hover near 50% or below.

Page 41 Download HTML

SECTION 5: APPENDIX

Q16: If not, why haven't you participated in any programs?

Q16 Key Insights

Respondents' reasons for not participating in programs are varied, with the most common being a lack of interest in the programs offered and scheduling conflicts, tied with 48 responses each. Not having heard of the programs is the next highest reason, with 28 responses.

A category for 'other' allowed respondents to submit their own reasoning, with varied responses among the 28 write-ins. The top themes which emerged were more detailed responses about time conflicts and busy schedules, and calls for expanded pool hours and indoor swim lessons.

Page 42 Download HTML

SECTION 5: APPENDIX

Q17: Please indicate the programs that you or members of your household have a need for or interest in being offered in Millcreek Township.

The overall analysis of the programs that residents of Millcreek Township are interested in shows a high demand for adult fitness and wellness programs (49%), followed by nature programs and youth sports (28% and 25% respectively). There is also notable interest in youth learn-to-swim programs and special community events.

Youth sports, learn-to-swim programs, summer camps, and arts and crafts are popular among the 35-44 age group, likely reflecting the interests of parents for their children. Adult fitness and wellness programs are most popular among the 60+ age group, followed by the 45-54 and 35-44 age groups. Both the 55- to 59-year-old and 60+ cohorts showed particular interest in nature programs and special community events.

Q17 Key Insights

The data indicates that households with children have a higher interest in youth-oriented programs such as youth sports and learn-to-swim programs, while adult fitness and wellness programs are more popular among households without children. Senior-specific programming is notably more in demand among households without children.

Page 43 Download HTML

SECTION 5: APPENDIX

Q18: What amenities would be ideal for you or members of your household in a community center?

A moderate majority of respondents indicated that they would desire Fitness and Wellness from a local community center (66%). Almost equally, community events and educational programs were highly desired amenities as well, with 42% and 41% also indicating these needs. Athletics and leisure are both ranked closely behind.

Q18 Key Insights

The question allowed for respondents to indicate more than one ideal amenity, which spread evenly among the 35 to 44 cohort between youth programming (99), athletics (86), fitness and wellness (83). Educational programs, community events, and leisure programs also all received high ratings, but these interests were higher among the 55 to 59 and 60+ cohorts. Senior-specific programming among the 60+ cohort represented their second-highest priority behind fitness and wellness.

Analysis indicates that certain amenities, such as youth programming and athletics, are markedly favored by households with children (with more than 50% of respondents indicating), while fitness and wellness programs and senior-specific programming are more favored by households without children. While responses were high among both cohorts, households with children showed slightly higher interest in rental spaces as well, whereas households without children showed slightly higher interest in social gathering spaces, educational programs, and leisure programs. Community events showed a combined interest.

The question did allow respondents to write-in an answer to ‘other’, which garnered varied responses but surfaced more than one response indicating the desire for indoor pool amenities and a skatepark.

Page 44 Download HTML

SECTION 5: APPENDIX

Q19: How frequently would you visit a community center?

Q19 Key Insights

The majority of respondents (49%) indicated they would visit a community center monthly, followed by those who would visit one or more times per week (31%). Fewer respondents would visit yearly or never visit at all.

Among the respondents who indicated weekly interest, the overwhelming majority were 60+ (50%). Monthly interest is split between 60+ (35%) and 35 to 44 (33%). Respondents without children in the household are more likely to visit a community center weekly compared to those with children. However, respondents with children are more likely to visit monthly.

Isolating the ideal amenities from Q18 in regards to visitation intent, both possible weekly and monthly visitors indicated fitness and wellness as the top amenity with community events as the second. Athletic, leisure, and educational programs all next ranked closely amongst the two groups. The largest difference amongst the two cohorts was a stronger preference for senior programming by possible weekly visitors and a stronger preference for youth programming for possible monthly visitors – which aligns with the age distribution previously discussed.

With over 90% of respondents in the 16505, 16506, and 16509 ZIP codes, the breakdown is as follows: respondents who indicated monthly visitation were in the majority for all ZIP codes, representing 51% of 16509 respondents and 49% of 16505 and 16506 respondents. The next highest anticipated visitation for all ZIP codes was 1 or more times a week, indicated by 32% of 16506 respondents, 30% of 16509 respondents, and 28% of 16505 respondents.

Page 45 Download HTML

SECTION 5: APPENDIX

Q20: How far would you be willing to commute to a community center?

Q20 Key Insights

The majority of respondents (49%) indicated they would prefer to travel 5 miles or fewer for a community center. Furthermore, another 40% of respondents indicated an ideal distance of 5 to 10 miles.

Among the cohort that indicated 5 miles or fewer, the majority were 60+ in age (43%), followed by 35- to 44-year-olds (29%) and 45- to 54-year-olds (15%). For the respondents who indicated 5 to 10 miles distance, 66% fell into either the 60+ or 35 to 44 category, and were evenly distributed at 33% each.

Regarding household size, responses were generally consistent among households with and without children. A majority of respondents with children (45%) and without children (53%) wish to commute 5 miles or fewer. Respondents with children (41%) are slightly more willing to commute 5 to 10 miles compared to those without children (39%). For longer commutes (10 to 15 miles and 15+ miles), respondents with children were more willing to travel than those without.

Isolating the ideal amenities from Q18 in regards to distance preference, the cohort preferring a distance of 5 miles or fewer indicated fitness & wellness programs as the most desired amenity (44%). Community Events, Educational programs, and Leisure programs were also being highly valued (>30% of responses). For respondents preferring to travel 5 to 10 miles, again fitness & wellness ranked highly, appearing in 70% of their responses, followed by athletics, education programs, and community events all appearing in more than 40% of the responses. Youth programming appeared more prominently in the 5-to-10-mile cohort's responses at 38% compared to appearing in 23% of the 5-or-less cohort – these falls in line with the higher concentration of younger respondents in that cohort.

With over 90% of respondents in the 16505, 16506, and 16509 ZIP codes, the breakdown is as follows: all three had a majority (>45% for each) indicating a desire for 5 miles or fewer, followed by 5 to 10 miles (>35% for each). The 16509 and 15605 ZIP codes showed a higher proportion of residents willing to travel 10+ miles (18% and 12% respectively).

Page 46 Download HTML

SECTION 5: APPENDIX

Q21: What additional feedback would you like to share with the Parks and Recreation Department?

Q20 Key Insights

Feedback provided to the Parks and Recreation Department highlights a few key areas for improvement and suggestions. Residents have expressed a need for more meeting and event spaces, as well as enhanced options for youth swim lessons. There is a specific mention of Asbury Park being satisfactory, but Zuck Park needing improvements.

Additionally, there is a request for indoor swim lessons and lap swimming facilities, noting that Millcreek's operation times are limited for these amenities for certain groups. Suggestions also include the provision of open pool times and the construction of an outdoor pool on the west side. These insights suggest that aquatic facilities and programming, as well as event spaces, are areas where residents are seeking enhancements and additions.

Rebuilt HTML — PaddleOCR-VL (Baidu)