community survey for the naperville park district · 2018. 1. 8. · gymnastics space, ice...

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COMMUNITY SURVEY FOR THE NAPERVILLE PARK DISTRICT

JUNE 2017

aQity Research & Insights

Evanston, IL

Table of Contents

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SECTION PAGEMethods 3

Sample Demographics 4

Executive Summary 6

Detailed Findings:

I. Overall Opinions of the NPD 19

II. NPD Park and Facility Usage 34

III. Springbrook and Naperbrook Golf Courses 46

IV. Levels of Interest and Unmet Needs Among NPD Indoor Facilities 50

V. Levels of Interest and Unmet Needs Among NPD Outdoor Facilities 59

VI. NPD Program/Event Participation 67

VII. Potential NPD Initiatives/Facilities 72

VIII. NPD Communications 77

IX. Other NPD Opportunities 81

APPENDICES: 88

Regional Distribution of Survey Respondents 89

Survey Topline 90

Research Methods

District-wide sample of n=512 households.

Data collection between April 15 and May 18, 2017.

Residents were given several response options:

Average survey length was approximately 14 minutes.

Sample was weighted to match updated US Census data for the city of Naperville (by region, gender, age, ethnicity, and percentage of households with children).

Assuming no sample bias, the margin of error is +/- 4.3% (at the 95% confidence level)**.

* Online survey panel providers supplied n=293 online completes (screened for adults living in Naperville).

** In addition to sampling error, question wording, respondent error, and practical difficulties in conducting surveys may introduce error or bias in any opinion poll.

ONLINE*n= 385

MAILED QUESTIONAIRE

114

PHONE INTERVIEW

13

3

Methods

Methods: Sample Demographics (based on 2015 US Census data)

Gender*

Male 47%

Female 53%

Age*

Under 35 18%

35-44 21%

45-54 28%

55-64 17%

65+ 16%

Mean (years) 16.8

Ethnicity*

White 68%

Hispanic 8%

Asian 16%

Black/African American 7%

Other 1%

Length of Residence in Area

Less than 5 years 19

5-14 years 29

15-24 years 26

25-34 years 17

35 years+ 9

Mean (years) 16.8

Children in Household*

Yes 42%

No 58%

*Weighted to 2015 Census data. Census targets used for weighting are provided in the Appendix

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Sample Demographics

Methods: Sample Demographics (based on 2015 US Census data)

Regions*Northwest 33%

Northeast 17%

Southwest 25%

Southeast 25%

*Weighted to 2015 Census data. Census targets used for weighting are provided in the AppendixNOTE: Distribution of survey respondents on the map represent those who replied to the mailed survey invitations (n=219). Online panel survey respondents are not represented. 5

Sample Demographics

6

Executive Summary: Key Findings

Overall Opinions of NPD: Esteem, Strengths, Weaknesses, Value

7

Residents on average give the District a 7.9 esteem rating (on a 0-10 scale), considered very positive. The ratio of favorable to unfavorable ratings is 17:1 (86% positive vs. only 5% negative, with 9% neutral).

These ratings are down slightly from 2012 (8.2 average) yet still higher than the 2009 survey scores (7.7 average).

NPD’s esteem rates are comparable to similar suburban park agencies* (7.8 average), and far surpass the 2013 statewide benchmark (7.2).

All groups in the community rate the NPD favorably, with the highest scores coming from newer residents and participants in District programs.

When asked what they like most about the District, residents offer a wide range of strengths, with just over half focusing on the variety and quality programs, followed by the parks (well-maintained, large number) and facilities (specific locations, and likewise well-maintained/updated facilities).

In terms of dislikes or improvement opportunities, nearly half did not offer a response (30%) or said there is nothing they dislike about the NPD (18%). The rest give a wide range of comments and suggestions, most often:

Various administrative issues (better communication, admin or management complaints, lack of policy enforcement, more organization, dislike of specific policies);

Program issues (more options for specific classes, more adult and senior programs);

Lower costs and program fees; Better access and scheduling (longer hours, seasons, closer facilities); Better parks and playgrounds (more consistent upkeep).

The NPD continues to be held in very high esteem

overall

<pg. 20>

<pg. 22>

<pg. 23>

Executive Summary

* 2013 benchmark comparisons with communities similar to Naperville in terms of population size and demographics: Fox Valley Park District (Aurora), Evanston, Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Bolingbrook, Palatine, Skokie, and Des Plaines.

<pg. 21>

<pg. 26>

Overall Opinions of NPD: Esteem, Strengths, Weaknesses, Value

8

Residents have a fairly good sense that the NPD’s share of property taxes is around five percent. Their average estimate is a little more (8.2% average share) due to a small number who guessed much higher (18% saying it is over ten percent). Most believe it is five percent or lower.

When asked the level of value this represents given the programs, parks, facilities and services offered by the NPD, the average value rating is a solid 7.5 (0-10 scale). This is consistent with the scores from the two most recent community surveys (7.7 in 2012 and 7.4 in 2009).

It is virtually identical to benchmark value ratings for comparable suburban parks agencies, and again strongly outperforms statewide numbers.

Among Naperville households, the most long-term residents tend to give lower value ratings, as do non-white adults and non-program participants. The newest residents rate the overall value very high, as do recent NPD program participants.

Likewise, residents believe the NPD represents a

good value

<pg. 30>

<pg. 31>

<pg. 32>

Executive Summary

NPD Park and Facility Usage, Satisfaction

9

Overall, 95% report using an NPD park or facility (consistent with the 2012 survey results). These visitors are most likely to have gone to:

The Riverwalk (90%) including the Café (27%) and Rubin Center (25%); Centennial Beach (44%); Nike Sports Complex and Fort Hill Activity Center (30% each); Frontier Sports Complex (23%); Springbrook (21%) and Naperbrook Golf Courses (17%); Commissioners Park (18%); Knoch Knolls Park and Nature Center (16%).

Numerous other parks and facilities are cited, but by no more than 3% each.

Satisfaction with NPD parks and facilities surpass its strong esteem ratings, all averaging scores of 8.1 or higher for overall experience, safety, cleanliness, and accessibility.

While ratings for NPD staff are slightly lower (7.7 average), these still positive scores reflect a large number who give neutral ratings (and may not have a strong opinion or experience with staff).

The relatively few complaints about our parks and facilities center around:

Lack of parking in the downtown area (Riverwalk especially); Poor maintenance (Centennial Beach and Riverwalk); Staff issues (general and across various facilities); Crowds/Heavy usage (Centennial Beach); Safety concerns/Lack of patrolling (Riverwalk).

Virtually all residents report visiting our parks or facilities in the past

year, especially the Riverwalk

<pg. 35>

<pg. 39>

<pg. 37>

Executive Summary

Awareness and Satisfaction with New/Improved Facilities

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Roughly two in three residents say they are familiar with:

Fort Hill Activity Center; The renovated Riverwalk Café; Knoch Knolls Nature Center.

In addition, roughly half are aware that some NPD programs are held at the 95th

Street Center.

Across these facilities, satisfaction among recent visitors is very high:

Both the Knoch Knolls Nature Center and Forth Hill Activity Center receive average scores of 8.1 (on a 0-10 scale).

The new Riverwalk Café and the facilities at 95th Street Center are not far behind (7.8 and 7.7, respectively).

The relatively few complaints for each facility focus mostly on:

Knoch Knolls Nature Center: Flooding problems and a need for more dynamic presentation;

Fort Hill Activity Center: Needs an indoor pool, lower fees, and some dislike the location (too far, traffic issues);

Riverwalk Café: Better service, lower cost; 95th Street Center: Too far away, outdated and limited space.

Most are aware of new or renovated facilities, and are very satisfied overall

<pg. 41>

<pg. 42>

<pg. 44>

Executive Summary

<pg. 45>

Usage and Satisfaction with NPD Golf Courses

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Overall, 24% who report golfing in the past year:

12% golfed at the NPD courses as well as outside facilities; 5% golfed at Springbrook or Naperbrook exclusively (no other courses); Only 7% golfed elsewhere exclusively (never at NPD courses).

Recent NPD golfers are very satisfied with both Springbrook and Naperbrook overall.

Both courses average 8.1 satisfaction ratings (0-10 scale), with no more than 2% dissatisfied overall.

Still, about one in five offered suggestions and improvements they’d like to see, often expressing the same needs for both courses. The top responses are:

Lower fees, especially for residents and seniors; Crowds/too many golfers at times; Food quality; Sand trap conditions (lack of sand, poor drainage).

One in four households golfed recently, usually at

either Springbrook or Naperbrook

<pg. 47>

<pg. 48>

<pg. 49>

Executive Summary

Priorities and Unmet Needs for Indoor Facilities

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In terms of indoor recreational facilities, residents express the highest levels of interest or need for:

Indoor fitness, followed closely by a walking/jogging track; An indoor pool for general use ranks third, followed by an indoor lap

pool as well as a splash/water park; Gym court space; Dance and group exercise space.

The remaining indoor amenities are of interest/need to far fewer residents:

Indoor tennis courts (16%); Gymnastics space, ice skating/hockey, or turf fields (15% each).

None of the indoor features tested represent a clear unmet need. The only items where demand appears to outpace supply (either by NPD or other sources) are indoor water features -- open pool, lap lanes, and splash park (in that order).

Indoor fitness and dance/exercise space both appear to be exceeding existing demand (sufficiently available to those interested).

When asked which indoor facility should be a top priority for the NPD, there is no consensus.

Half of the residents divide evenly between an indoor track, open pool, splash/water park, or indoor fitness as the #1 priority (13% to 15% each). No other feature garnered more than 10% support.

Demand for most indoor facilities is already been met or represents lower

priority

<pg. 51>

<pg. 55>

<pg. 57>

Executive Summary

Priorities and Unmet Needs for Outdoor Facilities

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Roughly two-thirds of Naperville residents express a need or interest in outdoor trails, and for the most part feel that the current number of trails in the area is meeting much of this demand.

The other facilities of interest include (in ranked order):

Picnic areas and shelters; An outdoor pool or aquatics park; Game fields for football, soccer, lacrosse, as well as for baseball and

softball; Community garden plots.

Only about one in ten (or fewer) households express an interest or need for:

Outdoor platform tennis courts (13%); Synthetic turf fields (10%); BMX bike trails or outdoor refrigerated ice rinks (9% each); Pickleball courts (6%); Cricket fields (3%).

Most of these outdoor features appear to already be in sufficient supply to those who express an interest (even more so than the indoor facilities tested).

In fact, the only item that represents a potential high priority opportunity are more walking and biking trails. Additional picnic areas/shelters and an outdoor pool/aquatics park are tied as a distant second.

Interest in trails remains very high; all other

outdoor facilities appear to be in sufficient supply

(low priorities).

<pg. 60>

<pg. 63>

<pg. 65>

Executive Summary

Support for Specific NPD Initiatives/Facilities

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Regardless of whether these possible improvements represent higher costs alone, or a combination of higher costs and property taxes, residents are fairly consistent in their overall support of each.

An indoor open pool (including one with lap lanes), a recreation center in south Naperville, and more land acquisition generate the highest levels of support.

Nearly as many (still a majority) support an indoor water facility with a splash park. However this receives slightly less support citywide if the prospect of higher taxes is introduced.

When higher costs alone are involved (with no tax impact mentioned), nearly half place the highest priority on some type of indoor water facility (especially an indoor splash/water park, followed by an open pool).

However, when the prospect of higher taxes is introduced, support for an indoor splash park drops, and residents shift their support to paying higher taxes for land acquisition.

Residents are fairly divided between a new rec facility in south Naperville, buying more land for parks and recreation, or an indoor

water facility.

<pg. 73>

<pg. 75>

Executive Summary

NPD Program and Event Participation

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Most often these include athletic programs (mostly for youth, some adult) and community events (beach events, outdoor concerts and movies, Riverwalk events, etc.).

Roughly one in four three report participating in some type of non-athletic NPD programs, either in general or specifically for youth or adults (8% to 9% each).

As with other NPD experiences, satisfaction with these programs and events is very strong (8.1 average rating on a 0-10 scale). Only three percent are dissatisfied, while half (50%) give nearly perfect satisfaction scores (9s and 10s).

The biggest reasons for not participating in these programs is the perception that they are geared mostly for children (or families with children).

A majority (57%) of non-participants don’t attend anything because they have no children in the household. This was also the top reason for the relatively few residents who have not visited an NPD park or facility in the past year.

Other non-participation in NPD programs is attributed to residents’ busy schedules (35%), a sense that the programs cost too much (19%), or a lack of awareness/communication of the programs (18%). Fourteen percent also find the scheduling and hours don’t work for them.

One in three households report participating in an NPD program or event in

the past year.

<pg. 68>

<pg. 70>

<pg. 71>

Executive Summary

NPD Information Sources and Other Issues

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Among other sources, word-of-mouth continues to be cited by roughly one in five residents, followed closely by:

NPD newsletters and mailings; Information at the Naperville Public Library (especially among younger

adults and Asian-Americans); City government (especially non-participants in NPD programs).

Even though the website is the channel that residents rely on most often, a majority of households (62%) still wish to have the printed program guide delivered to their homes.

After a brief description of KidsMatter’s mission and services, nearly three in four residents support making the program part of the NPD.

Overall, only 27% oppose this idea. About as many residents are “strong” supporters (26%), with another 47% who are in favor not strongly.

A majority of all subgroups (60%+) support this idea, including older and long-term residents (who tend to be slightly less in favor).

Residents rely heavily on both the NPD website and

printed program guide.

<pg. 78>

<pg. 80>

<pg. 82>

Executive Summary

Most support including the KidsMatter program in the District’s operations

and finances.

<pg. 83>

Improvement Opportunities

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Half of the respondents did not offer any suggestions in which the NPD could serve their household better. Those who did offered a variety of opportunities:

More or better facilities (25%, most often an indoor pool followed by multiple other suggestions);

Lower costs and fees (25%, including lower taxes); Better access and awareness (24%, most often a need for facilities in

south Naperville, more marketing and communication); Improved and expanded programming (23%, especially for both adults

and children K-12, followed by senior programs).

Those suggesting ideas for NPD improvements give a

wide range of ideas

<pg. 84>

Executive Summary

Implications

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In general, NPD facilities are seen as meeting community needs. Improvements generating strongest support center on:

More trails (always a top priority in resident surveys) and more land for parks and recreation; An indoor water facility, with an open pool and lap lanes deemed top priorities (followed by a splash/water park).

A recreation facility in south Naperville is supported when specifically tested, but mentioned far less often unprompted.

Overall, 7% volunteer a need for this area, or that existing facilities are too far from those south of 75th Street.

At this time, relatively few (about one in seven overall) express an interest or need for an indoor ice hockey or skating facility. Among other potential indoor improvements, only one in twenty place it as the top priority.

From a program and activity standpoint, non-child households (especially empty nesters) remain the biggest opportunity for growth. Many report that because their children are grown, they believe that the District has little of interest to them.

This target segment of non-users most likely includes active adults in their 40s and 50s.

It is less likely to include seniors (ages 65+). In fact, very few residents feel the NPD has little to offer seniors, and those who are age 65 and older tend to be most satisfied with District facilities and programs in general.

In addition to maintaining the excellent and wide variety of programs and facilities, NPD should review its activity offering, events, scheduling, and marketing/communications to identify ways to engage this active adult (empty nester) segment. For NPD information, most of them use the website as well as the program guide and local newspapers.

Note that residents in the south regions are more likely to have children under 18 than those in the north, meaning concerns about proximity to NPD facilities and programs are not isolated to empty nesters.

The key is to demonstrate that the District has something for everyone, not just families with children.

Executive Summary

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I. Overall Opinions of the Naperville Park District

Among local agencies, the NPD and local school district receive the top esteem ratings; nearly half hold each in the highest regard.

The NPDs ratio of favorable-to-unfavorable scores is 17:1, with only 5% giving negative ratings. Roughly one in ten (9%) are neutral toward the District (most likely less familiar with the NPD).

Forest preserve districts and Naperville city government are also rated very favorably; very few are unhappy with either. While forest preserves fare well, county governments overall receive lower ratings (still positive), especially from

residents in Will County. Many are neutral toward their local township and Will County government (contributing to lower average ratings).

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5%

6%

4%

6%

11%

9%

12%

9%

10%

15%

20%

22%

24%

39%

31%

20%

16%

21%

20%

23%

28%

24%

22%

20%

19%

22%

21%

21%

14%

10%

15%

46%

49%

38%

36%

29%

23%

18%

21%

Naperville Park District

Local School District

Co. Forest Preserve District (n=335 DuPage)

Co. Forest Preserve District (n=101 Will)

Naperville City Government

County Government (n=327 DuPage)

County Government (n=98 Will)

Township Government

Esteem Ratings: Local Agencies

% Negative (0-4) % Neutral (5) % Somewhat Positive (6-7) % Very Positive (8) % Highest Regard (9-10)

Avg. (mean) 0-10 Rating

7.9

7.9

7.5

7.6

7.1

6.6

6.3

6.4

Q2. Please rate your overall opinion of each group or agency in your community on a 0-10 scale (0=dislike completely, 5=neutral, 10=highest regard).Percentages under 4% are not reported.

NPD Esteem

All segments of Naperville residents are very favorable toward the NPD.

Even among those giving lower than average scores (long-term residents, non-participants in NPD programs, non-white households) still give very positive scores to the District. Note that long-term Naperville residents also tend to give lower ratings to the local school district (again, still very

favorable).

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Overall Avg. Rating (0-10) Lower Esteem Higher Esteem

Naperville Park District 7.9- Lived in area 35+ years (7.2)- Non-NPD program participants (7.6)- Non-white households (7.6)

- Lived in NPD <5 yrs. (8.5)- NPD program participants (8.3)- White adults (8.1)

Local School District 7.9- Lived in area 35+ years (7.4)- One child in HH (7.3)

- Lived in NPD < 5 yrs. (8.3) or 15-24 years (8.2)

- 2+ children in HH (8.5)

County Forest PreserveDistrict: DuPage 7.5

- NE & SE region (7.3)*- Ages 45-54 (7.1)*- Lived in area 35+ years (6.2)*

- NW region (7.8)*- Lived in area < 5 years (8.1)*

County Forest Preserve District: Will 7.6

- Ages 45-54 (7.2)* - Under age 45 (7.7)

Naperville City Government 7.1

- Under age 35 (6.8), ages 45-54 (6.9)- Non-NPD program participants (6.9)

- Ages 65+ (7.6)- NPD program participants (7.5)

County Government: DuPage 6.6

- Ages 35-44 (6.0)*- Non-NPD program participants (6.4)*

- Ages 65+ (6.9)*- NPD program participants (6.9)*

County Government:Will 6.3

- Ages 35-44 (5.5)* - Ages 55-64 (6.9)*

Township Government 6.4 <no meaningful differences> <no meaningful differences>

* Differences based on small n of cases

NPD Esteem

NPD’s overall scores have dipped slightly since 2012, but still remain higher than the 2009 benchmark.

The District’s overall esteem aligns very closely with scores for comparable suburban agencies of similar size*. It clearly outperforms the statewide benchmark.

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4%9%5%7%14%

15%9%

6%8%

16%22%

20%19%

22%

25%18%

20%24%

28%

41%36%46%49%

35%

Similar PDBenchmark (2013)

StatewideBenchmark (2013)

NPD(2017)

NPD(2012)

NPD(2009)

Highest Regard (9-10)

Very Positive (8)

Somewhat Positive (6-7)

Neutral (5)

Negative Esteem (0-4)

85% Favorable

Avg. (mean) Rating:

70% 82%

7.7 7.2 7.8

NPD Esteem Over Time and Compared to Benchmarks

Q2. Please rate your overall opinion of each group or agency in your community on a 0-10 scale (0=dislike completely, 5=neutral, 10=highest regard).* 2013 benchmark comparisons with communities similar to Naperville in terms of population size and demographics: Fox Valley Park District (Aurora), Evanston, Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Bolingbrook, Palatine, Skokie, and Des Plaines.

92% 86%

8.2 7.9

NPD Esteem

54%

29%

14%

10%

34%

25%

7%

4%

29%

14%

7%

5%

6%

Programs/Events (Net)

Number/Variety of programs

Youth programs specifically

Good programs for all ages

Parks (Net)

Clean, well-maintained

Number/Variety of parks

Walking/Biking trails

Buildings/Facilities (Net)

Specific facility

Well-maintained/updated facilities

Good variety of facilities

Good communications

Top NPD Strengths (open-ended)

Offered Feedback

93%

Nothing Positive

1%

No response

6%

Programs and events are the most cited NPD strengths, followed by its parks, and then various facilities.

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Feedback on NPD Strengths?

n = 442

Most often, residents value the wide range of programs offered by the District (especially for children), and the well-maintained parks. Those citing facilities as an NPD strength usually mention a specific location. Note that nearly a third cite well-maintained parks (23%) or facilities (7%) as a top strength.

Riverwalk (n=26), Centennial Beach (n=19), Fort Hill Activity Center (n=16), Golf Courses (n=5), Knoch Knolls (n=4)

Q3. What do you like most about the Naperville Park District, or what does it do particularly well? (most frequent multiple open-ended responses)

NPD Strengths

Sample Verbatims: NPD Strengths

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Programs/Events (51%):“A lot of variety for all age groups. Allows people to try different things for not much investment.”“Broad range of programs.”“Choices of classes for younger children”“Concerts in the park. It was very family-friendly and very enjoyable.”“Diversity of activities for all ages.”“Even though we no longer have young children, I am always pleased to see the number of adult offerings for classes, trips, etc.”“Full range of affordable activities for most residents.”“Good activities for kids, but they fill up too fast.”“Good assortment of programs for all ages.”“I only use the Park District trips service, which I really love.”“I enjoy Ribfest. We really don’t utilize any of the services.”“Lots of great activities for all ages.”“My children growing up were in classes, I myself have taken classes. Found them fun and led by great teachers.”“Provides a wide variety of programs to appeal to almost everyone and makes it easy to try new things.”“The activities offered to all ages. I’m always able to find activities for both my children at each age. They grow with them.”“They appeal to a wide generational slice of everybody. Programs for seniors, pre-schools, interactive programs at YMCA. They’re wonderful. They help sponsor the Ribfest.”“We loved it when our kids were little. They offered a lot of programs and sports for toddler through grade school for us – crafts, gymnastics, soccer, baton, T-ball, cooking.”

Parks (32%):“Active effort to improve parks.”“City parks are high quality and well-maintained.”“Clean and plentiful parks that usually allow dogs.”“Clean and safe.”“Cleanliness and quantity of parks. Particularly like the well-maintained bike/walking path from 87th St. to downtown and the recent Knoch Knolls improvements.”“Cleanliness is what stands out to me. Beautification projects have made the city aesthetically appealing.”“How beautiful they keep everything.”“I absolutely love how clean our parks are. My wife and I take our dog out daily and I absolutely love our park trails, we’ve yet to see any trash along the trails.”

NPD Strengths

Sample Verbatims: NPD Strengths (cont.)

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Parks (cont.):“I like the bike/walking paths that they have. Beautiful, well-kept scenery and places for people to have picnics.”“I love that the path at Commissioners Park is plowed in the winter as I run there 2 or 3 times per week even in the winter. Thank you!”“I think they take very good car of the parks and forest preserves in the area, without disrupting the natural cycle overmuch.”“Love the green spaces and the trails. Happy to have public restrooms on the trails.”“Really appreciate the Park District cleaning off snow from the Riverwalk sidewalks early in the morning.”“The parks are kept clean and have new/interesting equipment for kids to play on. They also have different activities to participate in.”“The parks seem very well maintained. We have been working with park staff on having a tree planted in our local park and they have been very responsive, respectful, helpful, and pleasant.”

Buildings/Facilities (27%):“Centennial Beach and the Riverwalk. LOVE the Riverwalk Café!””Continuing upgrading of facilities.”“Diversity of facilities.”“Getting modern.”“I don’t have a lot of experience within the park district but I really like the Fort Hill Center. I was just there for the first time last week and it is nice, new and great turnout of people.”“I hear the facilities at Fort Hill are beautiful.”“Public golf courses are top notch. New facility is supposed to be spectacular, however I have not utilized it yet.”“It has many different facilities and activities.”“The new Fort Hill Activity Center is a wonderful addition!”“I have really enjoyed the new fitness center that was built and offered to residents at a low price.”“Riverwalk maintenance, variety of programs/classes offered, new Fort Hill Center – very well-designed and availability of walking track to residents at no cost.”“Riverwalk, Centennial Beach, summer theater program and the new Knoch Knolls Nature Center.”“The facilities. Fort Hill recreational facility. It has wonderful staff, machines, accessibility, lockers are great, brand new. Nice walking track, exactly what community needed and didn’t have.”“We have enjoyed Centennial Beach for all the years that we have lived here. My husband and I currently are enjoying the walking track at the new Fort Hill Activity Center.”

NPD Strengths

With strong satisfaction overall, just over half offered suggestions for improvement (with little consensus).

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29%

15%

6%

4%

23%

17%

3%

19%

8%

15%

6%

5%

13%

5%

8%

6%

Staff/Administration (NET)

Staff/Management Issues

Dislike Specific Policies

Wasteful

Programs/Events (NET)

More programs

Better youth athletic programs

Costs/Fees (NET)

Lower Program Fees

Access/Availability (NET)

Limited availability (extend hours/season)

Parks/Facilities too far away

Parks/Playgrounds (NET)

Poorly maintained

Buildings/Facilities (NET)

Need community pool

Top NPD Weaknesses/Improvement Opportunities (open-ended)

Offered Feedback

52%No weaknesses, all is good

18%

No response30%

n = 271

Feedback on NPD Weaknesses?

Q4. What do you dislike most about the Naperville Park District, or what do you think it could do better? (most frequent multiple open-ended responses)

No single suggestion dominates; most themes are mentioned by less than 29% of those offering feedback.

More than one in five seeks various management or staff improvements (relaxed policies, friendlier employee experiences, better communication, etc.) or more programs. Slightly fewer suggest lower fees and better hours or locations.

Note that nearly one in five said there is nothing they dislike about NPD.

General (n=7), Indoor pool (n=7)

Specific class wanted (n=18), For adults (n=16), For seniors (n=16)

NPD Weaknesses

Poor communication (n=12), Administrative Complaints (n=11), Lack of enforcement (n=9), Poorly organized (n=5)

Sample Verbatims: NPD Weaknesses

Staff/Administration (29%):“Train school-age staff to be more customer-friendly and courteous.” “The summer 2017 Jun-Aug Program Guide has a female golfer showing a very poor golf swing. Any knowledgeable golf instructor could have shown a better picture.”“Coaches can be more focused on winning rather than getting all the kids on the team to play.”“Didn’t do more research so could have avoided flood at Knoch Knolls Park. I have lived here on the river for 21 years and it could have been avoided.”“Difficulty in getting into desired programs.”“Eliminate alcohol on the Riverwalk. Don’t waste so much money.”“Enforce the curfew laws better.”“Excessive salaries of upper management”“Fort Hill could recognize that it is difficult for women to carry their card around with them within the facility – no pockets.”“Get information out quicker for the new season.”“Hard to get into kids gymnastic classes. Not enough T-ball for little ones.”“Have someone to enforce leash laws regarding dogs – start fining the owners.”“I did not like the online registration password – searching for programs and having to enter the barcode/pin combination was a little frustrating (minor, really!) but it has improved a lot over the years.”“I think notices for Centennial Beach closings could be better published. Other than that, park district is doing a great job.”“I would like the Park District to have a single card that could be used for all activities. Currently my daughter has a premier league soccer ID and a Centennial Beach card. She should only need one card and it could be listed for any and all activities that have been purchased.”“Lack of African American employees.”“More supervision on the fitness center track. There are too many people who disregard the track rules.”“Need to police properties better.”“Online registration is now offered, but if you get the seniors discount you cannot register online and must do it in person or call.”“Premier soccer should be try-out rather than having to know a coach.”“The customer service could be just a little more friendly. They are always helpful but sometimes they seem like they are really being bothered when asked a question.”“Their website – hard to navigate and not mobile-friendly.”“They spend tax dollars extravagantly.”

27

NPD Weaknesses

Sample Verbatims: NPD Weaknesses (cont.)

Programs/Events (23%):“Better volunteer programs.”“Could have better sports and fitness for adults.”“Could offer more programs for senior citizens – trips overseas – many years ago I personally took a trip to England.”“I am a mah-jongg player. I would like to see this offered more than one day a week.”“I dislike the soccer program and the difficulty getting on a team. Having to basically sit by the phone to register to get a spot on the team... This is crazy!”“I feel over the years the choices of adult classes have become less. I’d like to see more classes for gardening, floral arranging, photography, general craft classes.”“I wish there were more summer offerings for 2-year-olds.”“I would like the district to have soccer teams for boys and girls ages 13-17”“If you don’t register right away, it is hard to get into the classes. Maybe offer more classes.”“Limited for senior citizens. Why won’t we consider dedicated pickle ball courts?”“Hours for working seniors are during work.”“Competitive try-outs for premier soccer and basketball leagues, rather than having to know a coach.”“The competitiveness to sign up for certain sports – i.e. youth soccer, etc.”“Too child-centric.”“Would like even more local park concerts.”

Access/Availability (15%):“Closes parks in early evening when it should be open for stargazing.”“Could look at new facilities south of 75th Street!”“Fort Hill is not as convenient for me as downtown.”“I wish there were timings that were better for working parents (i.e. later in the evening, on weekends).”“Leave them open after dusk.”“Poor resource allocation planning, particularly placement of Fort Hill Center with poor access for kids to ride their bikes and not centrally located.”“Not enough parking spaces.”“South Naperville lacks the range of facilities elsewhere.”“We need larger facilities in central Naperville now barn is gone.”“Would like the beach open after Labor Day for limited after school/weekend hours if the weather is nice.”

28

NPD Weaknesses

Sample Verbatims: NPD Weaknesses (cont.)

Parks/Playgrounds (13%):“Add bike paths through downtown Naperville/Riverwalk area.”“Clean up the dog [waste].”“Create more pet-friendly parks.”“I do not think they should support the gun range with all the gun violence in Chicago.”“I wish they would put more funding into developing more trails.”“Maintenance has declined. In the winter, the Riverwalk west of Eagle St. is not shoveled promptly. Through the rest of the year, the goose poop is not cleaned off the whole length of the Riverwalk as frequently as it used to be. Water fountains lose pressure all summer so by the end of summer, the dog levels have barely a trickle.”“Need more fenced dog parks around the city for free resident use instead of having to drive and pay to use County Forest Preserve facilities.”“Taking months and months for the work going on in the park across from Naperville Blvd. library.”

Buildings/Facilities (8%):“Compared to neighboring community, our golf complex(es) are second rate. Maintenance, facility, are poor.”“Build an aquatic center.”“Really wish we had a community pool and complex like most neighboring communities have.”“Lack of tennis facilities.”“I was disappointed when they didn’t build a facility with a pool in south Naperville as they were planning a few years ago.”“I’d be happier if there was an indoor pool. I use the therapy pool at Edward several times a week and swim in the kids’ pool at 7 Bridges.”“Not enough playgrounds.”“Some artificial turf baseball facilities would be nice.”“There needs to be another public pool for a city this size.”“The golf courses are difficult.”“The new building flooded.”“Need indoor water park facility besides the high school pools! Similar to Park Valley Park or Bolingbrook! Beach and my subdivision pools cover summer only!”

29

NPD Weaknesses

Residents are generally aware of the NPDs share of property taxes, giving estimates that average slightly higher than the actual proportion.

On average, they estimate that 8.3% of their property taxes goes to the Naperville Park District, slightly more than the actual 5% share.

The higher average is due to 18% who estimate much higher levels (over 10% to the NPD). In fact, a majority of residents believe it is 5% or lower.

With the top dozen outliers removed, the average drops to 7%.

30

30%

29%

23%

18%

Over 10%

6%-10%

5%

Less than 5%

Average Estimate: 8.3% of Property

Taxes Go to NPD

Correct Estimate= 5% of Property Taxes

Estimated Percent of Property Taxes Going to the NPD

NPD Value

Provided Estimate97%

No estimate

3%

Q5. About what percent of your property taxes do you think goes to the Naperville Park District?

NPD’s perceived value remains consistently strong with 2012 scores and is in line with nearby park agencies of similar size/demographics.

When informed that the District receives five percent of one’s property taxes, four out of five residents feel the NPD represents at least a good value overall (including 39% who say it is an “excellent” value overall).

This is consistent with the NPD’s 2012 value ratings and likewise is in line with benchmark data from comparably large suburban parks agencies from 2013.

It is important to note that roughly one out of ten residents feel the NPD represents a poor value given its share of property taxes.

31

10%16%9%6%7%8%

14%11%12%12%

26%

26%

20%21%26%

19%

18%

20%19%22%

37%26%

39%42%33%

Similar PDBenchmark

(2013)

StatewideBenchmark

(2013)

NPD(2017)

NPD(2012)

NPD(2009)

Excellent (9-10)

Great Value (8)

Good Value (6-7)

Neutral (5)

Poor Value (0-4)

79% Positive Value

Avg. (mean) Rating:

70% 82%

Q6. Approximately 5% of your property taxes goes to the Naperville Park District. Thinking about the programs, parks, facilities, and services that the Park District provides, please rate the overall value that the Park District represents given its share of property taxes.

7.4 6.7 7.5

Perceived Value of NPD Relative to Property Tax Share

* 2013 survey tested a 2% share to park districts as the statewide average. Benchmark comparisons with communities similar to Naperville in terms of population size and demographics: Fox Valley Park District (Aurora), Evanston, Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Bolingbrook, Palatine, Skokie, and Des Plaines.

82% 79%

7.7 7.5

NPD Value

Perceptions of NPDs value (relative to property taxes) is generally consistent district-wide, with few differences by key segments.

Not surprisingly, recent participants in NPD programs and events tend to rate our value higher than average, along with newer residents and white households.

Conversely the NPD receives lower value ratings from non-whites, non-participants and long-term residents.

However, each of these groups still give positive value scores (well above a neutral 5.0 rating).

This will be an important group to monitor going forward.

Unlike most communities, value ratings are virtually the same for households both with and without children.

32

Most Value

Least Value

• NPD programs participants (8.2)

• Lived in District < 5 yrs. (7.9)

• White residents (7.8)

• Non-white adults (7.3)

• Non-NPD program participants (7.2)

• Lived in District 35+ yrs. (6.6)

OVERALL AVERAGE = 7.5

Significant Differences: Value of Property Taxes to PD

NPD Value

NPD’s esteem and value ratings remain very positive, mostly holding from their high marks in 2012.

35%

49%46%

28% 24%

20%22%19%

8% 6% 9%7%

2%5%

2009 2012 2017

Overall NPD Esteem, Over Time

% Highest Regard (9-10)

% Very Positive (8)

% Somewhat Positive (6-7)

% Neutral (5)

% Negative (0-4)

33

Over time, we have seen dramatic improvements in these key metrics for the District between 2009 and 2012.

Since 2012, the NPDs ratings have nudged slightly lower (both esteem and value), but again remain very positive.

NPD Esteem and Value Trending

33%

42%

39%

22%

19%20%

26%21%

12% 12%11%

7%6%

9%

2009 2012 2017

NPD Value Ratings, Over Time

% Excellent Value (9-10)

% Great Value (8)

% Good Value (6-7)

% Neutral (5)

% Poor Value (0-4)

34

II. NPD Park and Facility Usage

Virtually all residents report using or visiting an NPD park/facility in the past year, most often the Riverwalk.

35

n = 472

Yes95%

No5%

Used or Visited an NPD Park or Facility in Past 12 Months?

This is fairly consistent with the 2012 findings, when 90% reported recent NPD usage or visits.

Note that the 2012 survey was asked in an open-ended format, whereas the 2017 survey included closed-ended usage questions for specific facilities.

Across all respondents, 72 unique parks and 16 facilities were cited as having been visited in the past year.

*Asked in close-ended and open-ended questions.

NPD Park/Facility Usage

Visited or Used Facility/Park in Past 12 Months

% Reporting (n=472)

Naperville Riverwalk* 92%

Centennial Beach* 44%

Nike Sports Complex* 30%

Fort Hill Activity Center* 30%

Riverwalk Café* 27%

Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center* 24%

Frontier Sports Complex* 24%

Springbrook Golf Course* 21%

Commissioners Park* 19%

Naperbrook Golf Course* 16%

Knoch Knolls Park and Nature Center 16%

Seager Park 3%

Pioneer Park 2%

Gartner Park 2%

Central Park 2%

The Riverwalk, Centennial Beach and Nike Sports Complex draw residents from across the District evenly (compared to the overall percentage).

36

Facility/Park

Region

North-west

North-east

South-west

South-east

Overall (row) % of Users (n=472) 33% 17% 25% 25%

Naperville Riverwalk 35% 17% 24% 25%

Centennial Beach 35% 17% 23% 25%

Nike Sports Complex 35% 14% 21% 29%

Fort Hill Rec Center 42% 13% 19% 26%

Riverwalk Café 29% 24% 23% 24%

Alfred Rubin Community Center 34% 17% 20% 29%

Frontier Sports Complex 18% 9% 35% 38%

Springbrook Golf Course 25% 17% 39% 20%

Commissioners Park 26% 14% 34% 26%

Naperbrook Golf Course 27% 17% 34% 22%

Knoch Knolls Park and Nature Center 11% 13% 22% 54%

Seager Park* 36% 35% 20% 9%

Pioneer Park* 8% 62% 3% 27%

Gartner Park* 40% 28% 9% 23%

Central Park* 60% 25% 7% 8%

Other key facilities tend to draw more heavily from nearby residents, including:

Fort Hill Recreation Center (from the Northwest, disproportionally);

Frontier Sports Complex (mostly residents from the south of 75th Street);

Knoch Knolls Park and Nature Center (more likely to draw Southeast residents, and relatively few from the Northwest).

Note that Springbrook Golf Course tends to draw Southwest residents disproportionately, whereas Naperbrook draws a little more evenly from all parts of the city.

= lower than average draw from this region= higher than average draw from this region* Differences based on small n of cases


In general, recent visitors/users of NPD parks and facilities are very satisfied with their experiences.

37

5%

6%

4%

7%

15%

17%

18%

18%

20%

23%

19%

20%

19%

16%

19%

55%

56%

57%

52%

40%

Overall experience

Cleanliness, maintenance, and upkeep

Safety

Access (parking, paths, entrances/ exits)

Service provided by Park District staff

Satisfaction with NPD Parks and Facilities (n=413 recent users/visitors who responded)

% Dissatisfied (0-4) % Neutral (5) % Slightly Satisfied (6-7) % Very Satisfied (8) % Completely Satisfied (9-10)


8.3

8.4

8.5

8.1

7.7

Q9. Thinking about those parks and facilities you recently visited, please rate your overall satisfaction with the following (on a 0 to 10 scale). Values under 4% are not shown.

The average satisfaction scores (on a 0-10 scale) are extremely positive. Ratings for the overall experience are down slightly from 2012 (from an 8.8 average to 8.3 currently). Most of this

drop is due to a decline in the “extremely satisfied” responses (from 65% to 55%), which spread evenly across the other ranges from “dissatisfied” through “very satisfied”.

Residents are especially satisfied with the upkeep and safety at NPD’s locations. Accessibility and service from District staff receive slightly lower ratings (though still very positive). Accessibility concerns most often concern limited parking at key facilities. (NOTE: Open-ended comments

throughout the survey offer a range of issues – limited hours/schedules, location, limited parking at specific facilities). The lower staff ratings tend to be neutral, suggesting a lack of familiarity or opportunity to engage with staff.


Satisfaction with NPDs parks and facilities is highest with both the oldest adults in the community and the newest residents to Naperville.

Note again that no one is dissatisfied as a group. Even non-participants in NPD programs are consistently very satisfied with each aspect of these parks and facilities.

Middle-aged adults (between 45 and 54) are consistently less satisfied than average.

38

Overall Avg. Rating (0-10) Lower Satisfaction Higher Satisfaction

Overall Experience 8.3

- Men (8.1)- Ages 45-54 (8.0)- Northeast (8.0)- Lived in area 5-14 yrs. (8.1)- Non-NPD program participants (8.1)

- Women (8.5)- Ages 65+ (8.9)- Southeast residents (8.7)- Lived in area < 5 yrs. (8.8)- NPD program participants (8.7)

Cleanliness, maintenance and upkeep 8.4

- Ages 45-54 (8.0)- Northeast (8.2), Southwest (8.2)- Lived in area 5-14 yrs. (8.1)

- Ages 65+ (8.8)- Southeast (8.8)- Lived in area < 5 yrs. (9.0)

Safety 8.5- Ages 45-54 (8.1) - Ages 65+ (8.8)

Accessibility 8.1- Ages 45-54 (7.4)- Lived in area 5-14 yrs. (7.7)- Non-NPD program participants (7.9)

- Ages 35-44 (8.4), 65+ (8.4)- Lived in area < 5 yrs. (8.9), 35+ yrs. (8.4)- NPD program participants (8.4)

Service from NPD staff 7.7

- Ages 45-54 (7.4)- Non-white adults (7.4)- Southwest residents (7.4)- Lived in area 5-14 yrs. (7.3)- Non-NPD program participants (7.5)

- Ages 65+ (8.1)- White adults (7.9)- Southeast residents (8.2)- Lived in area <5 yrs. (8.3)- NPD program participants (8.1)


The most common complaint about parks and facilities is the lack of parking, especially close to downtown locations.

About one in three negatives concern limited downtown parking, making it difficult to access the Riverwalk, Community Center, and other nearby locations.

Secondary issues concern cleanliness/upkeep, staff issues, and crowding, especially at Centennial Beach.

n=17

n=9

n=7

n=6

n=6

n=3

n=2

No parking, difficult to find aspot

Poorly maintained/dirty

Issues with staff (not present,rude, unqualified)

Too crowded, not enoughavailable space

Safety concerns, patrolneeded for drugs/crime

Upgrade bathrooms

Too many children, too family-oriented

Reasons for Dissatisfaction with Parks or Facilities

• Downtown locations (n=15), specifically:– Riverwalk (n=9)– Community Center (n=1)

• Kendall Park (n=1)

• Centennial Beach (n=3)• Riverwalk (n=3)• Burlington Park (n=1)

• Centennial Beach (n=3)• Riverwalk, Commissioner's Park, Nike Sports Complex (n=1)

• Centennial Beach (n=2)• Riverwalk, Fort Hill (n=1 each)

• Riverwalk (n=5)

• Riverwalk, Community Center (n=1)

• Kendall Park, Burlington Park (n=1)


39Q10. Which specific parks or facilities are you dissatisfied with, and why?

The few non-users cite their household composition and lifestyle as top reasons for not visiting NPD parks and facilities.

40

2

2

3

4

4

5

7

9

12

14

25

Use Other Facilities for Recreation/ Activities

Poor Health

Inconvenient Hours of Operation

Location Issues, Lack of Transportation

Mobility Issues

No Facilities Offered For My Age Group

Cost/Fees Too High

Unaware/Unfamiliar with Park District Offerings

Too Busy/Lack of Time

Just Not Interested (i.e. not very active)

No Children in HH

Top Reasons: Not Using/Visiting NPD Parks or Facilities in Past Year (multiple open-ended responses, n=38 cases)

n of cases

Q11. If you have not used or visited a Park District park or facility recently, why not? (multiple open-ended responses, n=38 cases)

Most often, they report that they have no children (or that their children are grown) as the top reason for not using these facilities. Their impression is that the District is more relevant to families with young children, with less to offeradults.

Note that very few cite NPD fees or facility location as a deterrent to usage.

NPD Park/Facility Non-Usage

Most residents report awareness of specific new NPD facilities and/or improvements.

53%

63%

64%

67%

Hosts some programs/classes at the 95thStreet Center

Opened Knoch Knolls Nature Center in2014

Renovated the Riverwalk Café (formerlyRiverwalk Eatery) last year

Recently opened Fort Hill ActivityCenter

Awareness of NPD Facilities/Renovations(% yes/aware)

41Q12. Are you aware that the Naperville Park District….?

Roughly two-thirds are aware of Fort Hill Activity Center, the new Riverwalk Café, and Knoch Knolls Nature Center.

Just over half also know that NPD programs are held at the 95th Street facility.

Specific NPD Facility Awareness

Recent visitors to these specific properties likewise express very strong satisfaction, especially with the Nature Center and Fort Hill facilities.

42

4%

12%

9%

15%

23%

15%

16%

18%

13%

16%

16%

26%

23%

55%

55%

38%

38%

Knoch Knolls Nature Center (n=187)

Fort Hill Activity Center (n=125)

Newly Renovated Riverwalk Café(n=115)

NPD Facilities at 95th St. Center (n=69)

Satisfaction with Specific NPD Facilities



8.2

8.1

7.8

7.7

Q15. Please rate your overall satisfaction with each facility using a 0 to 10 scale). Values under 4% are not shown.

A clear majority are “completely satisfied” with each of these facilities, and at least 86% are at least slightly satisfied overall.

The new Riverwalk Café and 95th Street facilities also receive very strong scores, again with a clear majority who are at least slightly satisfied.

Specific NPD Facility Satisfaction

Older adults are most favorable toward the new Riverwalk Café, while younger adults/households are most satisfied with the other facilities.

Note that older adults tend to be less satisfied with Fort Hill and the 95th Street Center facilities, suggesting that they see issues or lack of familiarity with these assets.

43

Overall Avg. Rating (0-10) Lower Satisfaction Higher Satisfaction

Knoch Knolls Nature Center 8.2

- Men (7.8)- Non-NPD program participants (7.9)- No children in HH (7.9)- HH with 1+ senior adults age 65+ (7.5)

- Women (8.7)- NPD program participants (8.6)- 2+ children in HH (8.7)- HH with no seniors (8.4)

Fort Hill Activity Center 8.1 - HH with 1+ senior adults age 65+ (6.4) - HH with no seniors (8.3)

Newly renovated Riverwalk Café 7.8

- Ages 45-54 (7.5) - Ages 65+ (8.7)

NPD facilities at 95th Street Center 7.7

- Men (6.9)- Ages 45-54 (6.6), 65+ (6.6)

- Women (8.1)- Under age 35 (8.9), 34-44 (8.2)

Specific NPD Facility Satisfaction

Few offer dislikes about Knoch Knolls Nature Center (mostly flooding, lack of dynamic displays) or Fort Hill (location, fees, and lack of indoor pool).

1

1

2

4

5

8

Limited hours

Staffing issues

Issues with park features

Unecessary/Poor use of $

Not very interesting, poordisplays

Poorly built/Flooding issues

Top Dislikes: Knoch Knolls Nature Center (n=21 comments)

44

2

2

3

3

3

7

8

9

Too much local traffic

More open track hours

Unecessary/poor use of $

Staffing issues

More program space

No indoor pool

Fees/Cost too high

Location/Too far away

Top Dislikes: Fort Hill Activity Center (n=40 comments)

Dislikes: Specific NPD Facilities

“Too far and doesn't offer anything for my age.”“Too far, at certain times of day, traffic.”“The cost is a little high for the lack of options they provide.”“Monthly membership cost too high – great otherwise.”“Wish it had a pool, but understand there was not room.”“Needs a pool. Locker rooms could have more amenities.”“Really disappointed there is no pool with children's play area.” “The lack of a kid-friendly pool is why we haven't purchased a membership.”“Need designated space for stretching or floor services.”“Staffing changes not easy to know.”“Staff is not knowledgeable on switching classes or doing registration.”

“It gets flooded because of poor design.”“It is already flooded…enough said.”“Great amenity, too bad it is currently closed due to flooding.”“There is really not a lot there, but a nice facility.”“The displays seem limited.”“Needs more critters!”“Waste of taxpayer money. Useless facility, a pointless and dull facility. You spend money to just spend money again. Should have used money for indoor splash or water park.”“Unnecessary to build this center and tear down the old building.”“Such an elaborate facility was not necessary.”“It seems rather disorganized inside.”

Q16. Why are you dissatisfied with this facility?

Even fewer had complaints about the Riverwalk Café (better service, lower cost) or 95th Street facilities (distance).

1

1

1

2

3

3

Limited hours

Want alcohol to be sold

Dislike that alcohol is sold

Food quality

Too expensive

Service/Staff issues

Top Dislikes: Renovated Riverwalk Café (n=11 comments)

45

1

2

2

3

Local traffic/hard to reach

Space issues

Outdated facility

Location/Too far away

Top Dislikes: NPD Facilities at 95th St. Center (n=8 comments)

Dislikes: Specific NPD Facilities

“It's too far away from my house.”“It seems like a very basic facility, not very impressive.”“Outdated.”“Squeaky floor in tai chi room.”“More dance/gymnastics options!”

“Uneven food quality and service.”“Staff rude, better training.”“Beautifully remodeled, but high prices, bad food, and poor (slow) service reflects poorly on the Park District.”“It's too expensive for what it is.”“(They) don't serve alcohol.”“I understand they now serve alcohol there. I will no longer visit the facility.”“Hours are not convenient.”

46

III. Springbrook and Naperbrook Golf Courses

One in four respondents golfed in the past year, including 17% who went to NPD courses.

Non-Golfer, 76%

Golfed NPD courses exclusively, 5%

Golfed NPD and other courses, 12%

Golfed other courses exclusively (non-NPD), 7%

Golfed in Past 12 Months, and Where?

47

Only seven percent are golfers who entirely went to other non-NPD golf courses last year.

NPD Golf Course Usage

NPD courses tend to draw the youngest golfers; the oldest adults are most likely to golf elsewhere (and not at NPD).

Overall % Most likely to be….

Golf NPD courses exclusively 5% - Under age 45 (8%), 55-64 (7%)

Golf NPD and other courses 12% - Men (18%, vs. 7% of women)

Golf non-NPD courses exclusively 7% - Ages 45-54 (11%), 65+ (11%)- Northwest residents (13%)

Non-golfers 76% - Women (85%, vs. 67% of men)- Southeast residents (85%)

Q14. In the past twelve months, how often have you played golf at…

As with other NPD facilities, those who golfed at Naperbrook or Springbrook in the past year are extremely satisfied overall.

48

19%

25%

22%

16%

19%

15%

39%

42%

Springbrook Golf Course (n=93)

Naperbrook Golf Course (n=81)

Satisfaction with NPD Golf Courses



7.7

7.6

Q15. Please rate your overall satisfaction with each facility using a 0 to 10 scale. Values under 4% are not shown.

These ratings are consistent across all demographic subgroups of recent golfers.

Note that no one is dissatisfied with Springbrook, and only 2% (n=2 cases) are unhappy with Naperbrook overall.

NPD Golf Course Satisfaction

The top dislike is course fees (golfers want bigger resident and senior discounts); all other issues are cited with less frequency.

6

2

2

3

6

Other (dress code, locker/restrooms,gen'l maintenance, big NPD expense)

Flooding/sand traps flooded

Crowded

Food quality

Cost/Too expensive

Top Dislikes: Springbrook Golf Course(n=19 comments)

49

3

2

2

2

2

6

Other issues (food, gen'lmaintenance, dress code)

Big expense for NPD

Dislike course, general

Flooding/sand traps flooded

Crowded

Cost/Too expensive

Top Dislikes: Naperbrook Golf Course Center (n=17 comments)

“A driver’s license should be good enough to earn a senior rate.”“Greens fees for seniors too high.”“Too expensive.”“Need better food services/choices.”“Too crowded.”“The sand traps do not drain well and need SAND.”“Ladies' locker room/restroom left much to be desired.”“Keep improving 19th hole like the Arrowhead Golf Course in Wheaton.”“It is too difficult/long for me; I like to walk for 9 holes.”“I think it would be nice to have a restaurant/banquet facilities for lunch or weddings at Springbrook Gold Course.”

“Seems expensive for residents.”“Residents should get better breaks.”“Senior resident fees should be less and NOT require a membership.”“We prefer Springbrook; Naperbrook hardly has any trees, so gets really hot in the summer.”“Very boring course.”“Too much money spent on golf.”“The sand traps need sand. After a heavy rain, drainage is a problem.”

Dislikes: NPD Golf Courses

Q16. Why are you dissatisfied with this facility?

50

IV. Levels of Interest and Unmet NeedsAmong NPD Indoor Facilities

Roughly half of all Naperville residents express a need for/interest in indoor fitness facilities and walking tracks.

Indoor water facilities for general pool activities are of interest to 37% of households, and at least one in four express a need or use for lap lanes (30%) or an indoor splash park (26%).

Gym courts and space for dance and group exercise are likewise mentioned by one in four households.

Young adults tend to consistently express strongest interest in each feature, especially fitness options (indoor fitness, lap lanes). Women and households with children voice strong interest in an indoor pool and/or splash park. (see next page).

The remaining indoor facilities generated less demand (no more than 16% each).

51

48%

47%

37%

30%

27%

26%

25%

16%

15%

15%

15%

Indoor fitness

Walking/Jogging track

Indoor pool for general use*

Indoor lap pool

Gym courts for basktball/volleyball/pickleball

Indoor splash park/water park

Dance/Group exercise space

Indoor tennis courts

Gymnastics space

Indoor ice skating/hockey

Indoor turf fields for soccer/lacrosse

Indoor Facilities of Interest/Need Among Residents (% “Yes”)

*Swim lessons, warm water activities for seniors, group exercise

Need/Interest in Indoor Facilities

Q19. Below, please indicate if you or any household member uses or has a need or interest in each indoor recreationalfacility – whether it is provided by the Naperville Park District or any other source.Then, on a scale of 1 to 5, please select how well each of those needs or interests is being met.

Significant Differences: Interest/Need/Use of Indoor Facilities

52

Overall Most Likely to Express Interest/Need/Use

Indoor fitness 48% - Under age 35 (59%)- NPD program participants (59%, vs. 43% of non-participants)

Walking/Jogging track 47% - Northwest residents (53%), Southeast residents (51%)- NPD program participants (55%, vs. 43% of non-participants)

Indoor pool for general use* 37%

- Women (49%, vs. 25% of men)- Ages 34-44 (58%)- Southeast residents (49%)- Lived in area <15 yrs. (45%)- NPD program participants (54%, vs. 30% of non-participants)- HH with one children (45%) or 2+ children (55%)

Indoor lap pool 30%

- Under age 35 (42%), 45-54 (34%)- Northwest residents (36%)- NPD program participants (40%, vs. 25% of non-participants)- Children in HH (38%, vs. 25% of those without children)

Gym courts 27%

- Under age 44 (43%)- Northwest residents (33%), Southeast residents (31%)- Lived in area <14 yrs. (35%)- NPD program participants (35%, vs. 24% of non-participants)- 1-2 children in HH (32%), 3+ children (74%)

Indoor splash park/water park 26%

- Women (34% vs. 18% of men)- Under age 35 (38%), 35-44 (42%)- Southeast residents (32%)- Lived in area <15 yrs. (34%)- NPD program participants (39%, vs. 20% of non-participants)- HH with 2 children (33%) or 3+ children (83%)

Dance/Group exercise space 25%

- Women (38%, vs. 9% of men)- Under age 35 (36%), 35-44 (31%)- NPD program participants (37%, vs. 19% of non-participants)- HH with 2+ children (34%)



Significant Differences: Interest/Need/Use of Indoor Facilities (cont’d)

53


Indoor tennis courts 16%

- Ages 45-54 (21%)- Northwest residents (23%)- Lived in area 5-14 yrs. (23%)- NPD program participants (23%, vs. 12% of non-participants)

Gymnastics space 15%

- Women (18%, vs. 11% of men)- Under age 35 (25%), 35-44 (34%)- Asian-Americans (27%)*- Southeast residents (19%)- Lived in area <5 yrs. (29%, 5-14 yrs. (19%)- NPD program participants (28%, vs. 8% of non-participants)- HH with 1-2 children (25%) and 3+ children (42%)

Indoor ice skating/hockey 15%

- Under age 35 (32%)- Northwest residents (23%)- Lived in area 25-34 years (20%)- NPD program participants (22%, vs. 12% of non-participants)

Indoor turf fields 15%

- Under age 34 (18%), 35-44 (26%), 45-54 (18%)- Northwest residents (18%), Southeast residents (21%)- NPD program participants (28%, vs. 10% of non-participants)- 2 children in HH (32%), 3+ children (55%)

* Small n of cases


Respondents who report use or interest in each type of facility were also asked how well needs are currently being met. Using a 1-5 scale, a score of “4” means their needs are mostly met, and a “5” means they are completely met.

The results are reported on the following pages using a scatter plot that shows both: The overall demand for each facility (vertical axis) based on the % of respondents who indicate usage or interest; And the % who report that this “need” is currently being met (horizontal axis) using the 1-5 scale.

In the example below, facilities A and C in the upper right quadrant are in high demand and sufficient supply, whereas facilities E and G in the upper left represents opportunity (high demand that is not currently being met). Facilities to the bottom (B, D, and F) are in lower demand.

54

Quadrant Analysis: Determining if Demand for Facilities is Being Met

Facility A

Facility B

Facility C

Facility D

Facility E

Facility F

Facility G

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Exceeding Demand:Meeting low demand

Level of Demand (% Currently Using/Interested

In Using)

Degree of Meeting Demand/Need: % Saying Need is Being Met (on a 1-5 scale)

Meeting High Demand:High demand is being met

High Priority Needs: High demand not met

Low Priority Needs:Low demand not being met

Quadrant Analysis: District Amenities

55

No indoor facility needs represent a high priority for the NPD. In fact, indoor fitness and dance/exercise space appear to be in sufficient supply.

Indoor Fitness

Walking/Jogging TrackPool for General Activities*

Lap PoolGym CourtsSplash/Water

Park Dance/Group Exercise Space

Tennis Courts

Turf FieldsIndoor IceGymnastics

Space

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

High Priority Needs

Exceeding Demand

Dem

and

(% C

urre

ntly

U

sing

/Inte

rest

ed in

Usi

ng)

Meeting Demand: % Saying Need is Mostly/Completely Being Met (scores of 4+ on a 1-5 scale)

Meeting High Demand

Low Priority Needs

Leve

l of D

eman

d

Degree of Meeting Demand/Needs


Quadrant Analysis: Indoor Facilities

Most of those interested in indoor fitness and dance/exercise space feel their needs are already mostly/completely met. All other amenities represent low priority needs. The top opportunities in this group comprise indoor water (open pool,

lap pool, splash park.

56

Even when focusing on whether demand for any feature is being completely met, none of these indoor amenities represent strong gaps.

Low Priority Needs

Indoor FitnessWalking/Jogging Track

Pool for General Activities*Lap Pool Gym Courts

Splash/Water ParkDance/Group Exercise Space

Tennis Courts

Turf FieldsIndoor Ice Gymnastics Space

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

High Priority Needs

Exceeding Demand

Dem

and

(% C

urre

ntly

U

sing

/Inte

rest

ed in

Usi

ng)

Meeting Demand: % Saying Need is COMPLETELY Being Met (score of 5 on a 1-5 scale)

Meeting High Demand

Leve

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While those who are interested in indoor fitness and walking/jogging tracks feel their needs are mostly being met, fewer half feel they are completely being meet.

Again, indoor water facilities rank as the next highest opportunities for possibly unmet needs (though still lower priority).

Quadrant Analysis: Indoor Facilities

There is little consensus in new indoor facilities that represent a top priority for the NPD.

57

15%

14%

14%

13%

10%

9%

8%

6%

6%

3%

1%

Walking/Jogging Track

Pool for General Acitivities*

Splash/Water Park

Fitness

Gym Courts

Lap Pool

Turf Fields

Indoor Ice

Dance/Group Exercise Space

Tennis Courts

Gymnastics Space

Top Priority: Most Important Indoor Facility/Amenity For NPD To Provide/Expand/Improve

“Exceeding Current Need” (based on % mostly/completely met)

Q19. Of those indoor amenities and facilities, which one do you think should be a top priority for the Park District to provide, add or improve?

Top Indoor Priority


However, combining responses for an open pool, lap pool, and splash park, a total of 37% cite one of these indoor water facilities as being the top priority.

Note that while indoor fitness ranked among the top four priorities, it was also deemed in sufficient supply already based on the quadrant analysis.

Older residents tend to place an indoor track as the top priority; younger residents are more focused on an indoor splash park.

Women tend to place indoor water as a top priority, while men are more interested in fitness facilities.

58


Walking/Jogging track 15%

- Ages 55+ (28%)- Northwest (23%)- Lived in area 15-34 years (20%), 35+ yrs. (28%)- No children in HH (21%)

Pool for general activities* 14% - Women (20%, vs. 6% of men)- Lived in area <5 yrs. (23%), 25-34 years (21%)

Splash/Water park 14% - Ages 35-44 (30%)- 3+ children in HH 952%)

Fitness 13% - Men (20%, vs. 7% of women)- No children in HH (19%)

Gym courts 10% - Northwest (13%), Northeast (16%)- Non-NPD program participants (13%, vs. 5% of participants)

Lap pool 9% - Southeast residents (13%)

Turf fields 8%

- Ages 35-54 (13%)- Northwest residents (12%), Southeast residents (11%)- NPD program participants (15%, vs. 5% of non-participants)- HH with 2 children (17%), 3+ children (24%)

Indoor ice 6% <no meaningful differences>

Dance/Group exercise space 6%- Under age 35 (13%)- Lived in area 15-24 yrs. (11%)- No children in HH (9%)

Tennis courts 3% <no meaningful differences>

Gymnastics space 1% <no meaningful differences>


Top Indoor Priority

59

V. Levels of Interest and Unmet NeedsAmong NPD Outdoor Facilities

Among outdoor facilities tested, residents express the greatest interest in walking and biking trails, with picnic facilities a distant second.

One in three offer a need or interest in outdoor water facilities.

Sports fields are of interest to roughly one in five residents, as are community garden plots. All other outdoor amenities are of interest to roughly one in ten (or fewer) households.

60

69%

43%

31%

22%

18%

18%

13%

10%

9%

9%

6%

4%

Walking/Biking trails

Picnic areas/shelters

Outdoor pool/aquatics park

Game fields for soccer/lacrosse/football

Base-/Softball fields

Community garden plots

Platform tennis courts

Outdoor synthetic turf fields

BMX bike trails/bike tracks

Outdoor refrigerated ice rinks

Outdoor pickleball courts

Cricket fields

Outdoor Facilities of Interest/Need Among Residents (% “Yes”)

Need/Interest in Outdoor Facilities

Q21. Please indicate below if you or any household member uses or has a need or interest in each outdoorrecreational facility – whether it is provided by the Naperville Park District or any other source.Then, on a scale of 1 to 5, please select how well each of those needs or interests is being met.

Trails are of interest to all adults, especially somewhat older residents.

Younger adults (ages 35-44) tend to express the greatest need or interest in most other areas, with the exception of garden plots (more popular among households with seniors).

61


Walking/Biking Trails 69%

- Ages 45-54 (78%), 55-64 (75%)- White adults (73%, vs. 62% of non-whites)- Lived in area 15-24 yrs. (77%)- NPD program participants (80%, vs. 64% of non-participants)

Picnic areas/shelters 43%- Ages 35-44 (56%)- Asian-Americans (57%)*- HH with 2 children (58%), 3+ children (68%)

Outdoor pool/aquatics park 31%

- Ages 35-44 (49%)- Southeast residents (41%)- Lived in area 5-14 yrs. (39%), 25-34 (36%)- NPD program participants (54%, vs. 21% of non-participants)- HH with 2 children (47%) or 3+ children (54%)

Game fields for soccer/lacrosse/football 22%

- Under age 45 (28%)- Northwest residents (29%)- NPD program participants (39%, vs. 15% of non-participants)- HH with 2+ children (46%)

Base-/Softball fields 18%

- Ages 35-44 (33%)- Northwest residents (20%), Southeast residents (23%)- NPD program participants (30%, vs. 12% of non-participants)- HH with 2 children (27%) or 3+ children (62%)

Community garden plots 18%- Asian-Americans (25%)*- Northwest residents (22%), Southeast residents (22%)- Lived in area 35+ yrs. (26%), 2+ seniors age 65+ in HH (26%)

* Small n of cases


62


Platform tennis courts 13%

- Ages 35-44 (20%)- Northwest residents (17%), Southeast residents (16%)- Lived in area <14 yrs. (17%)- NPD program participants (22%, vs. 8% of non-participants)- HH with 1-2 children (21%)

Outdoor synthetic turf fields 10%

- Ages 35-54 (14%)- Northwest residents (12%), Southeast residents (13%)- NPD program participants (18%, vs. 6% of non-participants)- Households with 2 children (28%)

BMX bike trail/bike tracks 9%- NPD program participants (16%, vs. 5% of non-participants)- HH with children (15%)

Outdoor refrigerated ice 9%- NPD program participants (16%, vs. 6% of non-participants)

Outdoor pickleball courts 6%

Cricket fields 4%- Under age 35 (12%)- Asian-Americans (19%)*

* Small n of cases

Significant Differences: Interest/Need/Use of Outdoor Facilities (cont’d)


Low Priority Needs

63

While there is greater demand for outdoor amenities than indoor facilities overall, no outdoor improvement represents a high unmet need.

Walking/Biking Trails

Picnic Areas/Shelters

Pool/Aquatics Park

Game Fields*Community Garden Plots

Base-/Softball FieldsPlatform Tennis

Synthetic Turf Fields

BMX Bike Trails/Tracks

Refrigerated Ice Rink

Pickleball Courts Cricket Fields0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

High Priority Needs

Exceeding Demand

Dem

and

(% C

urre

ntly

U

sing

/Inte

rest

ed in

Usi

ng)

Meeting Demand: % Saying Need is Mostly/Completely Being Met (scores of 4+ on a 1-5 scale)

Meeting High Demand

Leve

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*For soccer, lacrosse, football

Quadrant Analysis: Outdoor Facilities

In fact, a majority of those interested in most outdoor features feel their need is at least mostly being met, including trails (the top area of need/demand). Among the lower unmet needs, only an outdoor water facility comes anywhere close to representing a higher priority.

64

None of these outdoor facilities are in sufficient supply to completely meet demand, but again most remain lower priorities.

Low Priority Needs



Pool/Aquatics Park

Base-/Softball Fields

Game Fields*

Community Garden Plots

Platform Tennis


PickleballCourts

Refrigerated Ice Rink


Cricket Fields0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

High Priority Needs

Exceeding Demand

Dem

and

(% C

urre

ntly

U

sing

/Inte

rest

ed in

Usi

ng)

Meeting Demand: % Saying Need is COMPLETELY Being Met (score of 5 on a 1-5 scale)

Meeting High Demand

Leve

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*For soccer, lacrosse, football

Quadrant Analysis: Outdoor Facilities

The public’s seemingly insatiable appetite for more trails represents the only area of remaining need. More picnic facilities and again an outdoor pool or water park are the only other features that approach being higher priority gaps.

Trails likewise dominate as the single top priority for the NPD. Outdoor water and picnic features are tied as a distant second.

65

47%

14%

12%

4%

4%

3%

3%

3%

3%

2%

2%

2%


Outoor Pool/Aquatics Park


Baseball/Softball Fields

Community Garden Plots


Game Fields for Soccer/Lacrosse/Football

Outdoor Refrigerated Ice Rink

Platform Tennis


Cricket Fields

Pickleball Courts

Top Priority: Most Important Outdoor Facility/Amenity For NPD To Provide/Expand/Improve

“Exceeding Current Need” (based on % mostly/completely met)

Q22. Of those outdoor amenities and facilities, which one do you think should be a top priority for the Park District to provide, add or improve?

“Meeting Current Need” (based on % mostly/completely met)

Note that virtually all of the top five priorities are seen as already being mostly or completely met, with the exception of an outdoor pool/aquatic park.

Trails are especially important to older residents, while an outdoor pool is of greatest interest to somewhat newer Naperville residents (see next page).

Top Outdoor Facility Priority

Significant Differences: Top Outdoor Facility Priority

66


Walking/Biking trails 47%- Ages 55+ (62%)- Lived in area 15-34 yrs. (60%), 35+ yrs. (53%)- No children in HH (62%)

Outdoor pool/Aquatics park 14% - Lived in area 5-14 yrs. (23%)- NPD program participants (23%, vs. 9% of non-participants)

Picnic areas/shelters 12% <no meaningful differences>

Base-/Softball fields 4% <no meaningful differences>

Community garden plots 4% - Ages 65+ (8%)- Lived in area 35+ yrs. (12%)

Synthetic turf fields 3% - Men (6% vs. 1% of women)

Game fields for soccer/lacrosse/football 3% <no meaningful differences>

Outdoor refrigerated ice rink 3% <no meaningful differences>

Platform tennis 3% <no meaningful differences>

BMX bike trails/bike tracks 2% <no meaningful differences>

Cricket fields 2% <no meaningful differences>

Pickleball courts 2% <no meaningful differences>


Top Outdoor Facility Priority

67

VI. NPD Program/Event Participation

28%

5%

2%

3%

7%

8%

9%

9%

12%

26%

38%

Events

Other Programs

Seniors Programs

Preschool/Early Childhood

Day camps

Youth Programs (non-athletics)

Adult Programs (non-athletics)

Non-athletic Programs (age notspecified)

Adult Athletics

Youth Athletics

Athletics Program (age notspecified)

Recent NPD Program/ Event Participation

One third report that someone in their household participated in NPD programs or events in the past year.

68Q24. Please list any/all Naperville Park District programs or events your household participated in the past year. (multiple responses)

Yes32%No

68%

Any household member participated in NPD

program/event in past year?

n = 145

(e.g., beach events (7%), outdoor concerts/movies (4%), Christmas events (4%), Riverwalk events (2%), day trips (2%), other (9%))

(e.g., soccer, golf, dance, martial arts)

This is down from 44% to 46% self-reported participation in the 2009 and 2012 surveys.

Most often, survey respondents participated in NPD athletics programs, with non-sports events ranking far behind (especially for youth).

(e.g., gymnastics, youth soccer, youth softball)

(e.g., gardening, cooking classes, bridge lessons)

NPD Program Participation

NPDs athletic programs are clearly reported far more often than non-sports programs (regardless of whether there are children in the home).

69

40%

4%

2%

6%

0%

12%

1%

11%

21%

3%

28%

22%

6%

4%

0%

10%

7%

11%

8%

8%

37%

42%

Events

Other Programs

Preschool/Early Childhood

Seniors Programs

Day camps

Adult Programs (non-athletics)

Youth Programs (non-athletics)

Non-athletic Programs (age not specified)

Adult Athletics

Youth Athletics

Athletics Program (age not specified)

Recent NPD Program/ Event Participation

HH With Children

HH Without Children

NPD Program Participation

Note that households without children are also far more likely to report attending NPD events in the community than those with children.

Very strong satisfaction among NPD program/event participants

70

3% 8% 17% 21% 50%Overall Program/EventSatisfaction

Dissatisfied (0-4) Neutral (5) Slightly Satisfied (6-7) Very Satisfied (8) Completely Satisfied (9-10)

Avg. 0-10 Score

8.1

Q25. How would you rate your overall satisfaction with these Park District programs or events? (on a 0 to 10 scale)

Satisfaction with NPD Programs and Events(n=149 recent program/event participants)

The highest satisfaction scores tend to come from participants in the Northwest region (8.7). Residents throughout the rest of the district give slightly below average ratings (all around 7.9).

NPD Programs/Events: Satisfaction

Non-users of NPD programs again tend to cite the lack of children in their household as the top reason.

6%

9%

9%

9%

12%

14%

18%

19%

35%

57%

Location issues, Lack of Transportation

No Programs Offered For My Age Group

Just Not Interested (i.e. not very active)

Use Other Facilities for Recreational Programs

Poor Health/Mobility Issues

Inconvenient Scheduling/Hours of Operation

Unaware/Unfamiliar with Park District Offerings

Cost/Fees Too High

Too Busy/Lack of Time

No Children in HH

Top Reasons: Not Participating in NPD Programs or Events(multiple open-ended responses, n=342 cases)

Q27. If you have not participated in an NPD program or event recently, why not?

As with non-users of NPD parks and facilities, there is a strong sense that these programs and events are geared more toward households with children.

Possibly related to this, nearly one in five report a lack of familiarity with the programs and events that the District offers.

Likewise, nearly one in five (19%) also feel the NPD’s fees for its programs are too high, and nearly as many (14%) find that the timing does not align with their schedules.

Reasons for Non-Usage of NPD Programs

71

72

VII. Potential NPD Initiatives/Facilities

Support is strongest for an indoor pool, land acquisition, and a facility in south Naperville.

47%

40%

36%

38%

34%

33%

31%

35%

34%

30%

53%

60%

64%

62%

66%

67%

69%

65%

66%

70%

Indoor Pool with Splash/Water Park: Higher Taxes

Indoor Pool with Splash/Water Park: Higher Costs

Indoor Pool With Lap Lanes: Higher Taxes

Indoor Pool With Lap Lanes: Higher Costs

Recreation Facility in S-Naperville: Higher Taxes

Recreation Facility in S-Naperville: Higher Costs

Buy More Land for More Parks/Recreation: Higher Taxes

Buy More Land for More Parks/Recreation: Higher Costs

Indoor Pool for General Activities: Higher Taxes

Indoor Pool for General Activities: Higher Costs

Support Levels for Potential NPD Initiatives (split halves: “higher costs” vs. “higher taxes”

Overall Oppose Overall Support73

Roughly half of the respondents were asked if they support possible NPD improvements knowing that they would mean “higher costs”; the other half were asked about the same improvements if each meant “higher costs and taxes”. In general, there were few differences in the strong support levels between the two groups.

Regardless of the wording, residents support an indoor pool, land acquisition by the NPD, and a recreation center in south Naperville by at least 2:1.

An indoor pool with lap lanes registers nearly as much support, but including a splash park divides residents if it means a tax hike.

Buy More Land for Parks/Recreation If it Means:

Indoor Pool for General Activities* If it Means:

Recreation Facility in S-Naperville If it Means:

Indoor Pool with Lap Lanes If it Means:

Indoor Pool with Splash/Water Park If it Means:


Split Halves: Support/Oppose Potential Initiatives

There is a slight shift from “strong” to “not strong” support for each initiative when the prospect of higher taxes is introduced.

74

18% 16%22% 21% 24%

16% 15% 12% 15%23%

43% 46%40% 43%

30%23% 23% 26%

21% 23%

Indoor Pool -General Activities*

More Land forParks/Recreation

Rec Facility in S-Naperville

Indoor Lap Pool IndoorSplash/Water park

Strong Oppose Oppose Support Strong Support

8% 13% 13% 13% 16%22% 22% 20%

25% 24%

44%39% 37% 40%

30%26% 26%

30%22%

30%

Indoor Pool -General Activities*

More Land forParks/Recreation

Rec Facility in S-Naperville

Indoor Lap Pool IndoorSplash/Water park

Strong and Not Strong Support/Opposition for NPD Initiatives (split halves: “higher cost” vs. “higher taxes”

Level of support: “Knowing that these initiatives could mean HIGHER COSTS…” (n=261)

Level of support: “Knowing that these initiatives could mean HIGHER TAXES…” (n=246)

The results below show more detailed levels of “strong” vs. “not strong” support and opposition for each potential improvement, given the prospect of higher costs vs. higher taxes.

Those informed of higher taxes for each proposal not only shift slightly from “strong” to “not strong” support, but there is also a marginal shift from “not strong” opposition to being “strongly” opposed. Still, as reported on the previous page, the overall levels of support do not change significantly based on the question wording.



When improvements are positioned as having higher costs (no reference to higher taxes), half support some type of indoor water facility.

32%

31%

29%

21%

16%

15%

14%

24%

9%

9%

Top Priority: Higher Costs & Taxes

Top Priority: Higher Costs

Top Support for NPD Initiative(split halves: “higher costs” vs. “higher taxes”

Recreation Facility in S-Naperville Buy More Land for Parks/RecreationIndoor Pool for General Activities* Indoor Pool with Splash/Water ParkIndoor Pool with Lap Lanes

75

When the prospect of a tax increase is introduced (along with higher costs), residents are more evenly divided between indoor water facilities vs. buying land vs. a rec facility for south Naperville.

The water feature that receives less support with higher taxes is an indoor splash/water park. As a result, residents are more likely to pay higher taxes to acquire land for parks and recreation.


48% Indoor Water combined

39% Indoor Water combined


An indoor pool for general activities generates the most interest among older adults; younger residents (and women) tend to favor a splash park.

Older residents also tend to favor buying more land for parks and recreation, even if it means higher property taxes.

Not surprisingly, support for a new recreation facility is strongest among those south of 75th street (especially in the Southwest region).

76

Higher Costs Higher Taxes and Costs

Overall Most Likely to Choose as Top Priority Overall Most Likely to Choose as Top

Priority

Recreation facility in S-Naperville 31%

- Southwest (55%) and Southeast residents (41%, vs. 7% of those in the Northwest and 20% of those in the Northeast)

- Lived in area 15-24 yrs. (49%)

32%

- Under age 35 (43%), ages 55-64 (45%)- Southwest (55%) and Southeast residents

(40%, vs. roughly 18% of Northwest/ Northeast residents)

Buy more land for parks/recreation 21%

- Ages 55-64 (33%)- No children in HH (30%) 29%

- Ages 65+ (39%)- White adults (34%, vs. 16% of non-whites)- Northwest residents (38%)- Lived in area 25+ yrs. (41%)

Indoor pool for general activities* 15%

- Ages 55-64 (27%), 65+ (35%)- Northeast residents (31%)- Lived in area 35+ yrs. (52%)- No children in HH (21%)

16%

- Women (23%, vs. 8% of men)- Ages 65+ (32%)

Indoor pool with splash/water park 24%

- Women (30%, vs. 18% of men)- Under age 45 (41%)- Northwest residents (36%)- Lived in area <5 yrs. (32%), 5-14 yrs. (35%)- NPD program participants (36%, vs. 18% of

non-participants)- HH with children (45%)

14%

- Women (19%, vs. 8% of men)- Under age 35 (28%)- Lived in area < 5 yrs. (31%)

Indoor pool with lap lanes 9%

- Northeast and Southeast residents (14%)9%

- Northwest residents (15%)


77

VIII. NPD Communications

Residents rely primarily on the NPD website and program guide for information on District programs, events, and facilities.

The website is especially relied upon by:

Young adults (under age 35); New residents (moved in the past five years); Households with 3+ children; Current NPD program participants.

Older adults (ages 45+) tend to depend on the program guide, as do:

Women; Longer-term residents (25-34 years in Naperville); Likewise, NPD program participants.

The NPD’s newsletter and other mailings are cited by one in five residents, as are:

Word of mouth information; The Public Library (especially ages 35-44 and

Asian-Americans*); City government (most likely mentioned by non-

participants in NPD programs).

The oldest adults (ages 55+) and those without children tend to go to local newspapers for info.

78

68%

55%

23%

20%

19%

17%

12%

11%

10%

3%

NPD website

NPD's quarterly program guide/brochure

Word of mouth from friends/neighbors

Other NPD mailings/newsletter

Naperville Public Library

City government

Local newspaper (print or online)

Social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)

Call the NPD main office or facility

Other source(s)

Q31. From what sources do you get information about the Naperville Park District and its programs, parks, facilities or services? Please select all that apply. (multiple responses)

Most Used Current Sources for Park/Recreation Information

Current NPD Information Channel Sources

* Small n of cases

The most preferred source is the NPD website, followed by the program guide.

In terms of top NPD information preference, residents differ largely by age.

Younger adults (under age 35), those living in Naperville under five years, and households with 3+ children are clearly most likely to favor the NPD website.

Older adults (ages 55-64) and 25-to 34-year residents are more likely to rely on the printed brochure.

The remaining information sources are never cited by more than 5% of households.

79

43%

31%

5%

5%

4%

4%

3%

3%

1%

2%

NPD website

NPD quarterly program guide/brochure

Local newspaper(s)

City government

Other NPD mailings/newsletters

Naperville Public Library

Word of mouth forfamily/neighbors/friends

Social media

Call NPD main office or facility

Other source(s)

Q32. What is your preferred source of information about the Park District?

Preferred Sources for NPD Information

Preferred NPD Information Channel

Three in five households wish to continue having the NPD program guide delivered to their home.

Yes, 62%

No, 38%

Still Want to Receive NPD Program Guide by Mail?

80

Q33. Knowing that the Naperville Park District program guide is available on the web and at these facilities, do you want to continue to receive a copy by mail?

This is virtually unchanged from the 2012 NPD survey, when 59% of residents likewise wanted to continue receiving the printed guide.

Even among residents who prefer going to the NPD website for information, nearly half (45%) still want the hard copy sent to their home.

NPD Program Guide Delivery

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IX. Other NPD Opportunities

After a brief description, three in four residents support having the NPD include the KidsMatter program as part of its operations and finances.

Strong Support,

27%

Support, 47%

Oppose, 13%

Strong Oppose,

13%

Support/Oppose KidsMatter Becoming Park to NPD?

82

74% Total Support

26% Total Oppose

Most of the support is “not strong” (most likely due to limited awareness of the organization or this possible arrangement). Still, the proportion of “strong” supporters (27%) is about as large as the total number of opponents (26%), reflecting fairly widespread community support.

NPD and KidsMatter

Q30. The Naperville Park District recently entered into a strategic partnership with the KidsMatter program, which is a self-funded non-profit providing physical and emotional wellness programs to help children make good life decisions, and also provides support programs to parents in the community. Currently the Naperville Park District provides free office space and helps raise awareness of KidsMatter programs. Would you oppose or support the KidsMatter program becoming part of the Naperville Park District so that its operations and expenses are covered by the District’s current finances? n=500

Older adults are more likely to have reservations about KidsMatter becoming part of the NPD.

Still a majority (60% or more) of all subgroups voice overall support for this arrangement (including older and long-term NPD residents).

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Strongly Support 27%- Southwest residents (32%), Southeast residents (30%)- Current NPD program participants (34%, vs. 23% of non-participants)- HH with 3+ children (56%)

Support 47% - Under age 35 (60%)

Oppose 13% - Ages 55-64 (27%)- Northeast residents (24%)

Strongly Oppose 13% - Ages 65+ (20%)- Lived in area 25-34 yrs. (21%), 35+ yrs. (26%)


NPD and KidsMatter

Yes49%

No Suggestions

51%

Half were unable to offer any suggested improvement from the NPD. The rest were divided between facilities, fees, availability, and programming.

84

5%

8%

3%

4%

5%

11%

4%

7%

8%

23%

6%

9%

10%

24%

7%

13%

25%

9%

13%

25%

Technology (cardreaders/website)

Miscellaneous - NET

More/ bigger outdoor pools

More/ better trails

More/ better parks

More/Better Parks - NET

More senior programs

More/ better programs for K-12

More adult prog. (non-athletic)

More/ Better Programs - NET

Access (parking, hours, location)

Better marketing/ awareness

More facil./parks in S-Naperville

Usage/ Awareness - NET

Taxes are too high/ lower taxes

Lower fees / don't charge so much

Cost - NET

Specific new/ improve faciltity

Indoor Pool

More/ Better Facilities - NET

n = 243

Can NPD Better Serve Your Household?

Q34. What could the Naperville Park District do to better serve you and your household? (multiple open-ended responses)

Suggestions to Serve Households Better(top multiple responses)

Suggested Improvement Opportunities

(kayak rentals, mini golf, outdoor volleyball, lighted fields, etc. (n=1 each)

Among expanded facilities, indoor water was the most frequent response.

Cost and fees (and taxes, to a lesser extent) are the top concern to one in four residents.

One in ten adults specifically seek more facilities in south Naperville, followed by better marketing and easier access (usually more parking).

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Sample Verbatims: Suggested Improvements

More/ Better Facilities (25%)“Our household could really use an indoor track.”

“Rent kayaks Knoch Knolls or other areas besides quarry. Mini golf course.”

“Anything for seniors. Love the warm water therapy pool at Edwards. Wish more facilities had them.”

“Build an indoor water park for use during the winter months.”

“Like the lap pool idea.”

“For the size of this city, we have always felt the Park District does NOT offer same facilities that smaller towns have (indoor fitness, walking track, pools, racquetball, paddle tennis). The one new center isn't enough and isn't well located. Certain areas have much better access to walking/biking trails than others. Accessing the DuPage River trail from the West is difficult and enjoyable (i.e. riding/ walking along Naperville/ Plainfield and crossing at 95th) why couldn't Ashbury Greenway be extended East under the wires?”

“Build that indoor waterpark/pool Fox Valley and Bolingbrook have and kids are going there for parties. Ideally centrally located? Old K-Mart locations? Defunct stores, mall outskirts? Beach and Naper Settlement are far but only Mom Day to Labor Day.”

“Extend the summer season at the beach. It closes too early.”

“Neuqua Valley Softball Fields are generally poorly maintained/prioritized by the Park District, causing necessary game cancellations following weather events (when other local fields and games are not impacted).”

“The one thing you don't offer is any space to play basketball. We had to go to Wheatland or girls/boys have to go to travel teams. Maybe even offer court space for teams to practice or for kids to play a pickup game?”

“Would love to see more facilities and more programs offered in the Southern Naperville area, and an indoor pool would be really nice. The membership fees for Fort Hill are the same as for the YMCA (or, they were last August when I joined), but the Y has an indoor pool. I still plan on sticking with Fort Hill because it is sooo much less crowded, but that does irk me. Also, please bring back Beachside Yoga during the week in the summers, not just on Sunday mornings! Thanks!.”

“I support another indoor Rec Center, but when you say South do you mean Rt. 59 and 111th?? This I do NOT support. I would like a central area that kids can access via bike. A central location would be 75th and Gartner or 87th and NaperPlainfield. The Rec Center should be attached to the outdoor water park with outdoor space with park and basketball courts as well. Even the old Barn location would have been ideal, who needs a service garage right dead center in town!!! Put that in the outskirts. Again poor use of allocated space. Additionally port a potties should be accessible at the playgrounds year round. Added basketball courts to existing parks would be welcomed as well.”


86

Sample Verbatims: Suggested Improvements (cont’d)

Cost (25%)“Significantly reduce costs to the taxpayer. Charge those who use the programs, facilities, etc. but not the taxpayer. Park district should be PARKS (e.g., Riverwalk) not golf courses, etc.”

“Keep prices and taxes down/ lower.”

“Older citizens need free programs. We are on a fixed income.”

“Lower the program costs for residents and charge non-residents more.”

“Lower the cost of membership at the Fort Hill Activity Center.

“I'm happy with what they have to offer. My only suggestion would be lowering some of the customer costs. I'm interested in activities but find them hard to afford.”

“Reduce cost to add new programs. The majority of Naperville has stay at home moms. These are the individuals that take advantage of the programs. Naperville taxes are already extremely high. Consider reducing expenses or conducting fund raisers to add or improve the offerings. Home owners live on a budget and so should the Park District by assessing the usage of the existing programs and altering where appropriate to add new services without raising taxes..”

“In tamarack the YMCA continues to own property. See this property to raise funds before proposing more taxes to buy land. Fallow land serves no purpose and this space can't be large enough for much.”

“Be good stewards of taxpayers money.”

Usage/ Awareness (24%)“Little bit more advertisement. Their own website, reduce cost by not sending hard copies.”

“It would be nice to have a brochure/booklet that would provide information and programs specifically for seniors. This information would exclude info on children's activities. The quarterly mailing is great, but it is too lengthy to wade through to glean info for seniors.”

“Use better social media sites (team snap game changer sites) to help all event coordinators to communicate with teams.”

“Put out more information with city information like utility bills.”

“You may want to consider emailing individuals when the quarterly booklet is available with a link to the booklet, thus eliminating the need for the booklet and saving funds.”

“Market itself more effectively through not just an overall program catalogue. but with smaller mailings targeting specific activities within its overall preview: running, swimming, picnic opportunities, etc.”

“More flyers sent to people's homes, ask for volunteers.”

“Be more aggressive in promoting their facilities and activities via the internet.”

“Easier to use website - sometimes too difficult to find info I want.”


87

Sample Verbatims: Suggested Improvements (cont’d)

More/ Better Programs (23%)“Perhaps provide more programs for adults/seniors at the Nature Center.”

“Offer more integrative medicine and holistic health programming and classes.”

“More night activities for adults.”

“More soccer teams available for kids”

“I would have appreciated summer opportunities for my 2 year old. He has been a part of Park District programs all year and will continue in the fall, but there are no summer opportunities for him to continue with.”

“More culinary courses for teens. I feel like my kids fall in a gap for many of those (they don't fit in either youth or adult) and this is an area they are interested in doing more in.”

“My wife and I are retired seniors. I would like to see more programs for seniors (dance, fitness, educational programs, day trips).”

“Programs with later hours for working parents. Transportation for the elderly. Elder day-care.”

More/ Better Outdoor Parks (11%)“More involvement in green spacing.”

“Maybe plant more trees in Commissioner's Park. Summertime is very hot and not much shade.”

“Build a park at the north end of Main Street (just north of 14th Ave). There is currently a small church there with some surrounding land, but the church may be moving soon. Great location for a new park.”

“More upkeep of the outdoor bike and running trails.”

“Bike and walking trails especially with destinations so can be used for transportation.”

“Provide more pet friendly areas.”

“We would love outdoor exercise equipment for adults at parks. I believe it would help get a lot of us in shape.”

Miscellaneous (8%)“Security concerns.”

“Expand the website and continuously make improvements to make it easier to schedule.”

“More info on the website.”

“The phone app needs to be more self-aware; It could include web links to maps/GPS, updates for facility closing or program changes.”

“Monthly e-mail residents happenings in the district or that a particular program synopsis is now on the web site.”

“Hire professional, educated recreational leaders.”

“Add more staff.”


88

IX. Appendices

Appendix: Respondent Sample Demographics with 2015 US Census data targets

Gender (with Census targets)

Male 47% (48%)

Female 53% (52%)

Age (with Census targets)

Under 35 18% (16%)

35-44 21% (22%)

45-54 28% (26%)

55-64 17% (19%)

65+ 16% (17%)

Mean (years) 16.8 (n.a.)

Region (with Census targets)

Northwest 33% (33%)

Northeast 17% (17%)

Southwest 25% (25%)

Southeast 25% (25%)

Ethnicity (with Census targets)

White 68% (68%)

Hispanic 8% (6%)

Asian 16% (18%)

Black/African American 7% (5%)

Other 1% (3%)

Children in Household (with Census targets)

Yes 42% (43%)

No 58% (57%)

Sample Demographics with Census data

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Appendix: Community Survey Topline

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community survey for the naperville park district · 2018. 1. 8. · gymnastics space, ice...

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