Upper Southampton Township Recreation Survey - Summary & Comments presented by Susan B. Lohoefer, Recreation Planner January, 2001 Upper Southampton Township conducted a recreational needs survey during 2000 for the purpose of gathering public opinion and input relative to its park and recreation system. The survey tool was developed as a four page, bi-fold document mailed to every residence in the township as well as available at municpal buildings. An invitation to "Help us create better recreation opportunities for you!" was the cover lead-in statement. The two-page survey was detachable from the cover. The backside of the cover contained a map of the township indicating the name and location of the township's three park and recreation sites; as well as a call-out box under each listing the facilities at that site. The survey included 10 general questions broken down into six broad categories: Household Characteristics Needs Programs Facilities Financial Comments Township staff tabulated the responses from 224 surveys returned to the Township Office, Tamanend Park Office, the Community Center or the Southampton Library. The summarized results and brief analytical comments follow. HOUSEHOLD CHARACTERISTICS QUESTION 1: Address & Telephone # (optional)? No tabulation or analysis completed. COMMENTS: Further review of the survey responses could be completed that would allow for a comparison of responses by neighborhood: (1) number of responses from a particular neighborhood or geographic area, and (2) type of responses from a particular neighborhood or geographic area. This information would indicate if residents in one or more areas in the township agree on number or types of leisure services (facilities and/or prgrams) needed. QUESTION 2: How many persons in the following age groups live in your household? # % of 530 Pre-school (under 5) 28 5.3% Young Children (6-10) 57 10.7% Teens (11-18) 56 10.6% Young Adults (19-29) 52 9.8% Adults (30-60) 224 42.3% Senior Adults (over 60) 113 21.3% TOTAL 530 100% COMMENTS: 1. The total number of 530 indicates the total number of people represented by the 224 replies. This number represents 3.1% of Upper Southampton's total population of approx. 17,000. 2. Further analysis of this section would require a comparison of responses tabulated by demographic group: (number of) respondents from senior adult-only households (number of) respondents from adult-only households (number of) respondents from young adult-only households (number of) respondents from households with teenage children-only (number of) respondents from households with young children-only (number of) respondents from households with pre-school children-only (number of) respondents from households with children of various ages top of page NEEDS QUESTION 3: Would you describe the Township as ... # of responses % of 173 responses % of 224 responses a. Having enough Park and Recreation programs and facilities? 69 39.9% 30.8% b. In need of more Park and Recreation programs? 52 30.05% 23.2% c. In need of more Park and Recreation facilities? 52 30.05% 30.05% TOTAL 173 100% 77.2% COMMENTS: 1. While the greatest number of respondents indicated Upper Southampton Township has adequate programs and facilities; it is not a majority of overall responses. Further, when compared to the 224 possible responses, the percentage for this option drops to 30.1%. 2. Although the totals are equal for b. and c., a quick fanning of survey forms confirmed that responses were independent of the other (replying in the affirmative to c. did not always follow an affirmative reply to b.; and vice versa). top of page PROGRAMS QUESTION 4: Indicate if you think the Township needs more of any of the following programs (list as many as you wish, numbering in order of priority). Suggested Activity # % of 224 Adult Dances 27 12.1% Aerobics/Adult Exercise 36 16.1% Arts & Crafts/Hobbies 25 11.2% Baseball 13 5.8% Basketball 12 5.3% Bicycling 34 15.2% Bus Events/Trips & Tours 49 21.9% Camping 8 3.8% Dance Classes 36 16.1% Drama/Acting 9 4.0% Environmental Education 36 16.1% Fishing 24 10.7% Football 6 2.7% Golf 18 8.0% Gymnastics 15 6.7% Handball 3 1.3% Healing Arts 3 1.3% Hiking/Walking 41 18.3% Horseshoes 7 3.1% Ice Skating 33 14.7% In-line Skating 20 8.9% Martial Arts 12 5.4% Music Concerts 52 23.2% Playground Programs 21 9.4% Rugby 3 1.3% Skateboarding 14 6.3% Skiing/Cross Country Skiing 23 10.3% Soccer 8 3.6% Softball 7 3.1% Street Hockey 20 8.9% Swimming 44 19.6% Teen Dances 29 12.9% Teen Programs 23 10.3% Tennis 14 6.3% Track & Field 5 2.2% Volleyball 10 4.5% Other 0 0% TOTAL 224 100% COMMENTS: 1. 42 of 224 respondents did not reply at all to this question. This indicates that 18.8% of respondents do not think any additional programs are necessary or desired. 2. 182 of 224 respondents replied to this question with at least one request for additional programs. This indicates that 81.2% of respondents would like to see one or more enhancements to the liesure opportunities in Upper Southampton Township. 3. Priority numbering was not taken into consideration with the tabulation. Time should be taken to retabulate reponses to determine the number of times specific facilities were ranked #1, #2, etc. These figures are important when responses are considered relative to demographics. 4. Sports Programs were among the least requested programs overall. Considering the programs currently in place, it is safe to assume there is overall satisfaction with them. 5. The least amount of interest was registered for Handball and the Healing Arts. 6. The Top 10 requests for new or greater programming are as follows: Music Concerts - 52 or 23.2% Bus Events/Trips/Tours - 49 or 21.9% Swimming - 44 or 19.6% Hiking/Walking - 41 or 18.3% Aerobics/Adult Exercise - 36 or 16.1% Dance Classes - 36 or 16.1% Environmental Educ. - 36 or 16.1% Bicycling - 34 or 15.2% Ice Skating - 33 or 14.7% Teen Dances - 29 or 12.9% Adult Dances - 27 or 12.1% Fishing - 24 or 10.7% top of page FACILITIES QUESTION 5: Indicate if you think Upper Southampton Township needs more or any of the following recreation facilities. (List as many as you wish, number in order of priority). Suggested Facility # % of 224 Baseball/Softball Fields 24 10.7% Bicycle Trails 75 33.5% Bicycle Lanes (on street) 53 23.7% Bridle (horse) Paths 7 3.1% Environmental Education 26 11.6% Picnic Areas/Pavillions 27 12.1% Playgrounds (tot lots) 51 22.8% Fitness/Exercise Trails 50 22.3% Football Fields 14 6.3% Hiking/Walking Trails 57 25.4% Horseshoe Pits 9 4.0% Indoor Swimming Pool 70 31.3% Nature Areas/Trails 33 14.7% Outdoor Stage/Amphith. 42 18.8% Outdoor Basketball Courts 15 6.7% Field Hockey Fields 3 1.3% Skateboarding Areas 49 21.9% Soccer Fields 6 2.7% Street Hockey Courts 24 10.7% Tennis Courts 24 10.7% Outdoor Volleyball Courts 13 5.8% Ice Skating Areas 59 26.3% Other 1 .4% TOTAL 224 100% COMMENTS: 1. 39 of 224 reposndents did not reply at all to this question. This indicates that 17.4% of respondents do not think any additional programs are necessary or desired. 2. 185 of 224 respondents replied to this question with at least one request for additional programs. This indicates 82.6% of respondents would like to see one or more additions to park and recreation facilities in Upper Southampton Township. 3. Priority numbering was not taken into consideration with the tabulation. Time should be taken to retabulate responses to determine the number of times specific facilities were ranked #1, #2, etc. These figures are important when responses are considered relative to demographics. 4. Facilities to support sports programs were among the least requested facilities overall. Considering facilities currently in place, it is safe to assume there is overall satisfaction with the number and location. 5. The least amount of interest was registered relative to horse paths and horseshoe pits. Only one request was made for a fishing site. 6. The Top 10 requests for facilities are as follows: Bicycle Trails - 75 or 33.4% Indoor Pool - 70 or 31.3% Ice Skating Area - 59 or 26.3% Hike/Walk Trails - 57 or 25.4% Bike Lanes on Street - 53 or 23.7% Playgrounds (tot lots) - 51 or 22.8% Fitness/Exercise Trail - 50 or 22.3% Skateboarding Areas - 49 or 21.9% Outdoor Amph./Theatre - 42 or 18.8% Nature Area/Trails - 33 or 14.7% 7. This ranking supports national trends toward lifetime sports, walking, "walkable communities" and links between neighborhoods and parks. 8. There is a correlation between the Top 10 Programming and Facilities Rankings relative to Ice Skating, Swimming, Nature Trails, Bicycling and Concerts. 9. The request for Skateboarding Areas reflects a recent trend. QUESTION 6: Do you think the current level of handicapped accessible recreation programs and facilities in the Township are/is adequate? # of Responses % of 224 Responses Yes 80 35.7% No 31 13.8% No Response 113 50.5% TOTAL 224 100% COMMENTS: 1. It is commendable that an aggregate of 86.2% of respondents feel the current level of handicapped accessible park and recreation programs and facilities is adequate; or at least acceptable and therefore "no response" was given. 2. Words of caution relative to accessibility: a. Under conditions set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and as well specifications recently promulgated by the U.S. Government Access Board; public facilities (including parks, recreation buildings, rest rooms and playground structures) must fall within accesibility guidelines. Even with few or no stated needs by members of the Upper Southampton community, law requires accessibility to public amenities. Upper Southampton Township must work to reasonably accomodate any request as well as ensure that access is provided to facility users. A comparison of accessibility to guidelines/specifications in existing facilities is recommended along with development of a compliance/transition plan. Full compliance with ADA must be required in design and development of any new facilities. b. Accessibility to programs and events is somewhat different. Upper Southampton Township is required to make reasonable accomodations for anyone requesting such in order to attend or participate in programs, events or activities. top of page FINANCIAL QUESTION 7: Should user fees be used to finance more recreation programs and/or facilities? # of Responses % of 224 Responses Yes 104 46.5% No 33 14.7% No Response 87 38.8% TOTAL 224 100% COMMENTS: 1. Just less than one-half of all respondents agree that user fees should be used to finance more recreation programs and/or facilities. However, close to 40% of those who returned surveys did not respond to this question. 2. Realistically, user fees alone cannot finance the construction or renovation of facilities in a reasonable time frame. On the other hand, user fees are an excellent source to offset a major portion of, if not all, operating costs related to the facility. a. Other sources of funding should be explored when renovation or new construction is considered: grants, donations, community fund raising, public/private partnershipsand bond issues among others. An important municipal premise is that the value of well planned and well maintained recreation and park facilities in a community benefit all property owners when it comes to property value and resale - whether they use the facilities or not. b. The cost to operate specialized facilities such as an aquatics center, community center or ice rink is customarily 80/20 - 80% user fees, 20% general tax support. Again, these types of facilities are seen as enhancing the overall value and livability of the community. 3. Relative to recreation programming, it is common for user fees to cover most of, if not all, the costs incurred to offer a program, trip or activity. Alternate community, public or private funding partners are common and often targeted for special events, concerts, arts, special populations, senior adults, minority and wellness programs. top of page COMMENTS QUESTION 8: Do you feel you are currently receiving adequate information relative to recreation programs? # of Responses % of 224 Responses Yes 109 48.7% No 41 18.3% No Response 74 33.0% TOTAL 224 100% COMMENTS: 1. Although close to one-half of the respondents feel they receive adequate information relative to recreation programs, clearly more thab one-half do not or have "no response." 2. Good communication is key to the success of the department's overall mission. 3. The response to this question indicates publicity and promotion needs improvement. QUESTION 9: How do you get your information about Park and Recreation programs in Upper Southampton? (List as many as apply.) Information Source # % of 224 P&R Newsletter 148 66.1% Posters 8 3.6% Web Page 3 1.3% Park Sign 44 19.6% School Handouts 32 14.3% P&R Brochures (specific) 44 19.6% Cable TV 25 11.2% Word of Mouth 38 17.0% Radio 1 0.4% Sign in Center of Town 48 21.4% Other 0 0.0% TOTAL 224 100% COMMENTS: 1. According to respondents, the most effective tool used to communicate park and recreation information is the seasonal Park & Recreation Newsletter. This supports the importance of this document as the key link to leisure services in the community. The department must strive to maintain the newsletters' identity, attractiveness, readability, accuracy and timeliness. 2. Other effective communications tools are indicated as large signs located at the Tamanend Park entrance and in the center of town. The changing information on these signs, which people frequently drive by, serves as an excellent reminder and/or provides updated information and program announcements. 3. Word of mouth, newspaper press releases and school handouts seem to be somewhat effective. These sources of information often serve as reminders. 4. Least effective communications pieces are reported as the township web site, posters, and radio announcements. Perhaps improvement in or redesign of the township's web site. with an easily and frequently updated P&R link, will become a vital source of information in the future. The amount of time devoted to posters and radio spots should be evaluated. QUESTION 10: Please help us with any comments or suggestions you may have about Park & Recreation in Upper Southampton. General (often) good job; keep up the good work much improved since our children were youngsters, keep up the good work great newsletter there is lots to choose from ... thank you! reduce deer population taxpayers should receive p&r services and programs free of charge charge non-residents more than residents love July 4th festivities love evening crafts in the farmhouse "yes, southampton is a nice place to live" could transportation to programs be provided for residents of Southampton Estates football programs need to keep public address system at a reasonable level we use Tamanend Park often and enjoy it very much we appreciate the programs and facilities in the Southampton parks no fireworks or carnival in Tamanend; concerts, food & crafts are fine more programs in the evenings & weekends for working people/parents this survey is a good start get companies to sponsor new facilities - our kids need updated activities to stay out of trouble partitions in the Community (Youth) Center to make meeting rooms Programs more programs for children in age group 10-13, i.e. science, art, mechanics more programs for 10-16 age group senior weight training adult basketball league sponsor a concert by the Warminster Symphony Orchestra; more concerts in general most programs at Tamanend Park are a bit expensive; perhaps lower prices day bus trips to Radio City, Millenium, Three Little Bakers, Headley; Phillies games, Longwood Gardens, Penn's Landing/NJ Aquarium, Franklin Institute, Philadelphia Zoo longer distance trips lacrosse programs for boys & girls arts & crafts for pre-schoolers more open swim time; golf lessons provide more coaches training more senior programs; keep price down more science and environmental programs at our beautiful park teen bands, hangouts, coffeehouse "make-a-friend day" for kids to meet one another intellectual programming - speakers music lessons more active recreation in Tamanend more and better supervision at Community Center – some children behave like animals (Howard does an excellent job keeping them in line and without driving them away) camp & summer program like Warminster WREC – reasonable price and convenient; also Northampton's; YMCA too expensive excessively emphasize childrens' competitive sports - need more concern with environment and ecology photography; chess; checkers computer classes for seniors tennis league mom/child or parent/child classes more for young adults 20–40 start a golf club – advertise for those interested in the hobby to meet at Community Center horseback riding lessons Facilities wheelchair accessible paths, parking lots skateboard area so kids stay out of areas they're not supposed to be in flat bike trails need bicycle trails/lanes in this overly traffic infested town small golf area - chip 'n putt need places where parents & children can play together not everyone can afford expensive private swim clubs or indoor skating lessons - need public facilities more walking areas with benches along trails - around Community Center or Tamanend Park improve the conditions of football and baseball fields; field conditions are disgraceful new softball foeld at Tamanend next to pavillion change the street hockey arena into a skating, skateboarding and biking area no tot lots or outdoor basketball courts south of Street Road Churchville needs to get a playground need rest rooms at park full service public rec. area - pool, tennis, exercise room, picnic area, etc. - reasonable fees for use per season walking trails/areas are unsafe make trails useable in wet weather please cap lights at Schaefer Fields - shine into neighbor's house seniors need warmer water; ladder at Klinger Pool in way for water walking swings at the Community Center recycling containers at Tamanend Park and at community events a bench or two beside the pond at Tamanend; don't make it too structured improve and maintain the facilities we have; they desperately need repair pool would be great - aerobics, scuba, swim lessons bocce courts; billiards at Community Center keep snowmobiles out of Tamanend - not enforced; keep trails open and maintained dog park street hockey courts and BMX bike track like in Bensalem update the Carriage House at Tamanend plant more flowers to enhance recreational areas keep restroom facilities at Tamanend clean and stocked Tamanend needs an area for small children to play (4 & under) entrance to tennis courts from parking area is a disaster improved tot lots & playgrounds; more equipment, swings, seesaws, etc. give each sport their own field (baseball - Community Center; soccer - by CHI; softball - fill lower area and level) paved walking path around Shelmire Field practive tennis wall or board more wood chips in low spots of trails; keep up with this maintenance air condition the meeting rooms at the Community Center bleachers at all fields Open Space if Casey Farm/Stephenson Tract becomes available, it should be used for walking, ice skating and environmental use current railroad tracks for rails-to-trails, bike & hike need something in the southwest corner of Southampton buy property along the Southampton Creek to make a park running from County Line Rd. to where the creek crosses Davisville Road Communications about 150 homes served by the Huntingdon Valley Post Office do not receive mailings; please rectify (ex. Beechwood Drive, HV) old Churchville part of Southampton is often left out of mailings what web page? mailed notification of sports registration times/dates would be helpful send school announcements earlier - they often arrive on the day of the event newsletter arrives after some programs have started don't see things in the Courier Times about programs for adults w/o kids I think we have enough facilities but they're not publicized enough list of programs/activities categorized by age group top of page Site design by DiAnn Ohama.