Meridian - MP Focus Group Summary 1-15-Final
Public Engagement January 26-28, 2015
Parks and Recreation
Master Plan
Meridian, Idaho
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What we’ve heard
Your input
Questions & answers
Agenda
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Focus Group Summary
Length of Meridian Residency
125 Participants in
8 Focus Groups
8 Interviews
1 Town Hall Meeting
< 5 years – 12%
5-9 years – 12%
10-19 years – 32%
20+ years – 16%
Not a resident but support or use programs – 28%
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Strengths
Family Oriented
Partnerships
Excellent Park Maintenance
Quality Programs
Quality Park Facilities
Parks well run and managed
Talented, Forward-Thinking, Cooperative Staff
Customer Service
Innovative
Unique Parks
Flexibility, responsiveness and adaptability to change
Variety/Diversity of Activities
Ability to keep up with growth
Friendly Atmosphere
Teamwork
Technology
Safety & Security
Number of Parks
Commitment to Youth
Committed Leadership
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Areas of Improvement
Disconnected Pathway System
Parking during events
Lack of Facilities (indoor/outdoor)
Marketing and Public Relations
Growing Pains – Demand and Fast Growth
Need More Youth Programs and
Facilities
Lack of Dedicated Funding for Facilities
Need Large Community/ Recreation Center
Indoor Aquatic Center, More Splash Pads
Indoor Performing Arts Center
Lack of Field Space for Diversity of Sports
No year round disc golf
Off
Leash Dog Areas/Parks
Shade and Mature Trees in Parks
Staffing too Lean to Accommodate Growth
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5 Excellent 4 Very Good 3 Good 2 Fair 1 Poor
Average Rating
3.9
Overall Quality of Current Programs Offered
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Non-Sports Activities
Aquatic Programs
Teen Programs
Outdoor Recreation and Adventure Programs
More Community-wide Special Events
Pickleball
Senior Programs
Indoor Hockey
Lacrosse
Indoor
Field House Sports
Winter Programs for Youth
Continuing Education Programs for all ages
Performing Arts Programs
Mobile Rec – Traveling Programs
Adaptive Recreation Programs
Activities for Millennials
Art
in the Park
Drop-in Programs
Improved Farmer’s Market
Additional Programs or Activities
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5 Excellent 4 Very Good 3 Good 2 Fair 1 Poor
Average Rating
4.2
Overall Quality of Existing Parks & Recreation Facilities
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5 Excellent 4 Very Good 3 Good 2 Fair 1 Poor
Average Rating
4.5
Overall Quality of Maintenance of Parks & Recreation Facilities
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Improvements To Existing Facilities
More Shade in Parks
More Pathway connectivity
Upgrade and Renovate Community Center
Better Ballfield Lighting
More Overflow Parking
Off Leash Dog Areas in Existing Parks
More Seating
(shaded) & Unreservable Tables
Pickleball markings on (School) tennis courts
More Lighting in Parks
Need Online Reservations
Concession Opportunities & Upgrades
Beautify Pathways
Repurpose any underused fields
More Flowers and Landscaping in Parks
More Dog Pick-up Bags Stations
Year-Round
Drinking Fountains
Improved Signage
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Underserved Portions Of Community
South Meridian
Teens
Aquatics
Dog Owners
Walkers/Runners
Biking Community
Adaptive – Special Needs
Seniors / Active Adults
West Meridian
Young Adults
Adventure Sports: i.e. Skateboarders,
BMX, etc.
Passive Park Users
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New Facilities/Amenities
Pathway Connectivity
Fieldhouse/Gym Space
Parks - South & West
Aquatic Center - Indoor
Softball Fields
Multipurpose Athletic Fields
Large Community Center
Dog Parks w/ Pond
Off Leash
Dog Areas
Ice Rink
Tournament Complex
Exercise Station Trail
Year-Round Disc Golf
Performing Arts Center
Convention Center
Iconic/Destination Parks
Natural Parks/Areas
More Fishing Ponds
Indoor Walking Track
Another Skate Park
More Splash Pads
Pickleball
Courts
Art Themed Park
Larger Downtown Park
Botanical Gardens
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5 Excellent 4 Very Good 3 Good 2 Fair 1 Poor
Average Rating
4.8
Overall Quality of Customer Service
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5 Excellent 4 Very Good 3 Good 2 Fair 1 Poor
Average Rating
4.4
Seeking Community Feedback
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Key Potential Partners
School District
Youth Sports Organizations
YMCA
Boys & Girls Club
Senior Center
Western Ada Recreation District
Service Clubs
Developers
Local Corporations / Business Community
Meridian
Arts Commission
Meridian Library
Children’s Theater
Irrigation Districts
Transportation Agencies
User Groups and Daily Users
Faith Based Community
Boys/Girl Scouts
State and Local Gov’t
Foundations
(Albertson’s)
Volunteers
Community Clubs
Downtown Business Assn
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Key Issues / Values
Family-Oriented #1
Connectivity
Safety
Accessibility
Sustainability
Quality
Aesthetics
Fiscally Responsible
Community
Customer Service
Develop in Underserved Areas
Convenience / Drive
Time
Growth of the System
Fun
Affordability
Identity
Active Lifestyles
Partnerships
Volunteerism
Signature Parks
Inclusive
Leadership
Balance Active and Passive
Balance Organized Sports & Unorganized Activities
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Top Priorities
Pathways
Field House/Gym Space
Land Acquisition
Recreation Center
Rectangular/Diamond Field space
Regional Park in South Meridian
New Dog Park/Areas
Develop Undeveloped Parks
Community
Center Improvements/Expansion
Online Reservations
Indoor Aquatic Center
New Neighborhood Parks in CIP
Maximize Existing Facilities
Continue Excellent Maintenance
Use More School Facilities
West Meridian Park
Staffing & Life Cycle Plans
New
Partnerships
Pickleball Courts
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Questions?
Your Project Manager
Art Thatcher, CPRP
Direct: 757-592-3103 artt@greenplayllc.com
Thank You For Your Time & Consideration!
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