Memorandum

City of Lawrence

City Manager’s Office

DATE:	October 6, 2011
TO:	David L. Corliss, City Manager
FROM:	Cynthia Wagner, Assistant City Manager
CC:	Ernie Shaw, Interim Parks and Recreation Director Casey Toomay, Budget Manager Diane Stoddard, Assistant City Manager
RE:	2011 Citizen Survey Results – Parks and Recreation

The City of Lawrence conducted a Citizen Survey (internet access required) in spring 2011 to assess satisfaction with the quality of city services and gather input about priorities for the community.  The following summary results are taken directly from the survey final report.  Parks and Recreation specific ratings are included beginning on page 16 of the report.

· 86% of respondents had visited a city park in the past 12 months.

· 88% were satisfied with the appearance and cleanliness of City parks.

· 81% were satisfied with the condition of equipment and facilities at parks.

· 78% were satisfied with the cleanliness of public areas in the City.

· 78% were satisfied with the variety of recreation programs offered.

The parks and recreation service that residents felt should receive the most emphasis from City leaders over the next two years was the number of walking and biking trails.

Included in the areas of most significant increases in satisfaction were ratings relating to the beautification of Downtown Lawrence.

The major categories of City services that residents thought should receive the most emphasis from City leaders over the next two years, based on the percentage of residents who selected the item as one of their top three choices, were:

· The maintenance of streets, sidewalks and infrastructure (69%)

· The flow of traffic and congestion management (46%)

· Quality of planning and developmental services (21%)