Greensboro Plan2Play Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2019

GREENSBORO PLAN2PLAY MASTER PLAN - 49

Community Survey

During the winter of 2018, a needs assessment survey was administered to 300 people within the City of Greensboro. The statistically valid survey results provide important community-wide input about current user needs and help establish priorities for the future expansion and improvement of parks, recreation centers, programs, and services. The overall results for the sample of 300 households have a precision of at least +/-5.6% at the 95% level of confidence. Methodology The survey was administered via mail and with on-line options by ETC Institute. Survey packets were mailed to a random sample of households in the City of Greensboro; each packet contained a cover letter, a copy of the survey, instructions for the on-line option, and a postage- paid return envelope. To prevent people who were not residents of the City of Greensboro from participating, everyone who completed the survey on-line was

required to enter their home address prior to submitting the survey; these addresses were matched to the originally selected for the random sample. Key Findings The survey indicated that communication is an important avenue for the Department to expand. The most common methods used by residents to learn about Department programs and activities are from friends and neighbors, as well as the website. At the same time, the largest barrier to program participation is not knowing what is offered. In Greensboro, the number of people who identified that they do not participate due to lack of knowledge (48%) is double the national average (24%). Implementing a strategic communication plan could help the city better inform residents about the types of programs and activities that are offered and boost overall participation.

While both of these organizations play important roles in supporting Departmental goals, the non- profit impact, particularly around improving the quality of neighborhood parks and recreation centers could be strengthened. For plan recommendations related to partnerships, please refer to page 129, recommendation 6c.