TO:	David Corliss, City Manager
FROM:	Kevin Loos, Chairperson, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Jana Dobbs, Vice-Chairperson, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Kelly Barth, Park and Recreation Advisory Board Member Joe Caldwell, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Member Andy Clayton, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Member
Date:	Tuesday, May 12, 2009
RE:	Parks and Recreation Public Forum/Survey Report

This is a follow up report to the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department’s public forum held April 16 and the subsequent online survey, which ran through May 4.

Over 130 individuals attended the public forum, which was held to gain input for potential changes in programming and services, assisting in setting department priorities in 2010 and beyond. At the forum, 121 attendees completed the survey, which was developed to gage interest, as well as the tolerance to fee increases and/or reductions in service related to those items reviewed at the February 4 Lawrence City Commission meeting.

After the forum, the survey was made available to the public online for a two-week period. A short video showing the department services and a short budget presentation were also made available online. Over 1,050 citizens took part in the online survey.

The results of the survey showed citizens would support a slight increase in fees for programming; small admission fees for services and facilities currently offered for free; support for the city band funding and advocate for continued Downtown beautification. However, in many instances the survey also showed equal support, and in some cases more support, to maintain the current level of services at the current fees associated with the service and reduce hours and/or levels of service provided.

At the forum, three questions were also asked in small group discussion.

Is Parks and Recreation an essential city service?

Major support, and in a few of the five small groups unanimous support, was given to the idea that Parks and Recreation was an essential city service.

Currently, Parks & Recreation is 33% fee supported and 67% tax supported. Is there a need to increase user fees to lower tax support?

There wasn’t a clear answer as to the percentage of fee versus tax support, but many groups shared the opinion that fees could be raised a little and/or maintained current levels with a reduction in service or hours. The concept of raising fees in non-child related activities was also embraced in some of the groups.

What program or facility needs still exist in the community? What are things we need to focus on in the future?

A wide-variety of facilities were mentioned, including a fieldhouse; multi-purpose gyms; baseball/softball fields and the addition of tennis court lights at the school’s facility being constructed for public use.

Other comments provided from the public at the forum and online included: better usage of the 1994 sales tax for parks and recreation; support for low-fee children’s activities; an increased relationship and usage of public school facilities.

The department is further analyzing the data, its organizational structure, and its delivery of services. Once completed, it will propose its recommendations to you for approval.