Shawano residents have high marks for the city’s parks and recreation facilities, but would still like to see some improvements, according to a recent online survey.
Trails, restrooms and playgrounds are the most used, but also the most in need of improvement, the survey found.
Playground improvements were also among the things most respondents said the city needs immediately. Other items listed as “needed now” included a toddler park, pet-friendly areas, an indoor gym, summer children’s programs, teen activities, a place for special events and a dog park.
Things residents would like to see within the next five years include an outdoor swimming pool and more parking places at the parks.
Park and Recreation Director Judy Judd said the draft 2014 budget she submitted for her department Friday includes possible improvements to the restrooms at Memorial Park, though it is too soon to say whether that line item will survive the city’s budgeting process that is just getting under way.
Other improvements suggested in the survey will get a closer look in the future and some could be worked into the city’s future capital improvements plan, she said.
The survey, which was available online during the summer at the Survey Monkey web site, is part of the process for the Shawano Park and Recreation Commission to recommend an update of its comprehensive outdoor recreation plan to the Planning Commission and the Common Council.
The city received a grant from East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission to assist in updating the plan, which will address current assessments and future needs.
In order to be eligible for Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources grants, a community must have a plan on file.
The survey results will also assist in developing a five-year capital outlay project plan for the parks.
The survey had 246 respondents, with about half — 49.2 percent — between the ages of 31 and 45.
Eighty percent of respondents said they were either somewhat or very satisfied with the city’s parks, with baseball diamonds, soccer fields and park access getting the highest marks.
Most respondents said they would be willing to pay a little more in property taxes to support parks and recreational programs, with 41 percent saying they’d go as high as an additional $20 on their tax bills. Only 15.4 percent said they would not be willing to pay additional taxes for parks and recreation.
The possibility of additional park space was discussed in July at a meeting of the ad hoc task force looking at options for future use of the Shawano Medical Center property.
City Administrator Brian Knapp said at the time that additional park space was possible if the community wants it and is willing to pay for it, but it’s not an option without additional resources.
The city maintains 25 parks and the Woodlawn Cemetery.
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