Comprehensive Master Plan
The Jamestown Parks & Recreation District has begun its Comprehensive Parks Master Plan, a transformative project aimed at shaping the future of our community parks system. This initiative is an exciting opportunity for every resident of Jamestown, North Dakota, to play a vital role in the development of our parks and recreational spaces.
What exactly is a Comprehensive Parks Master Plan, and why does it matter to you?
A Comprehensive Parks Master Plan acts as a roadmap that identifies the needs and values of our community. Think of it as a compass guiding us to create parks and recreational spaces that align perfectly with what you, the community members of Jamestown, envision. It’s not just a plan; it’s a shared vision that reflects the heart and soul of our community. This tool guides us in figuring out where to put our efforts and how to use our resources wisely.
Why is this plan important to you, our fellow citizens?
Community Voices Matter: Your thoughts and ideas are the heart of this plan. By participating, you ensure that the parks and recreational spaces reflect the desires and needs of the entire community.
A Better Tomorrow: This plan isn’t just about today; it’s about creating a legacy for future generations. Your input will help shape a Jamestown that boasts top-notch parks and recreation for years to come.
Town Hall Meeting
Jamestown Parks and Recreation hosted a hosted a Town Hall Meeting on February 22, 2024 served as a platform to discuss and present the progress made in the development of their comprehensive master plan. The event informed the public about the project’s steps taken to date through a presentation, providing insights into analysis of the current park system. Following the brief presentation there was a breakout session that actively engaged participants, collected valuable information on specific park needs, preferred uses, vision for their park system, and explored opportunities for improvement as part of the ongoing planning process. View a recording of the prevention below.
There is also a link to a Town Hall Questionnaire under the video below – please take a few minutes to complete the form after you’ve watched the presentation.
Survey Results
We are pleased to announce the results of its community surveys aimed at shaping the future of parks and recreational spaces in Jamestown. These surveys, conducted by ETC Institute and Interstate Engineering, provide valuable insights into the community’s priorities, needs, and preferences.
The Needs Assessment, administered by ETC Institute, involved a statistically valid sample of Jamestown residents. With a goal of 300 completed surveys, the response exceeded expectations, with 336 surveys collected, ensuring a margin of error of ±5.3% at the 95% confidence level. Following this, the Community-Wide Survey conducted by Interstate Engineering garnered an impressive 547 responses, demonstrating significant community engagement in the planning process.
Key Findings:
- Participant Demographics: The surveys highlighted a significant presence of youth/teen (34%) and senior populations (25%) within Jamestown, indicating a need to focus efforts on providing diverse programs and amenities catering to these demographics.
- Information & Communication: Social media emerged as the preferred channel for accessing information about JPRD offerings, underscoring the importance of leveraging digital platforms for effective communication with the community while maintaining a presence across various media channels.
- Visitation, Use & Perceptions: JPRD emerged as the primary recreation provider for three-quarters of respondents, emphasizing its integral role in the community. Identified barriers such as cost concerns and maintenance perceptions underscore the need for addressing affordability and maintenance standards to improve the overall park experience.
- Park/Facility Importance & Satisfaction: Based on Importance/Satisfaction Ratings, the highest priority parks and facilities are McElroy Park, TRAC, Nickeus Park, and Klaus Park. These priorities help to direct attention and focus for investment and recommendations.
- Program / Event Participation: Strong community support for JPRD programs and events was evident, although barriers such as communication issues, costs, and facility conditions need to be addressed to enhance participation rates and improve community engagement.
- Community Needs: Based on the Priority Investment Rating, the high-priority areas for investment are an outdoor swimming pool, restrooms, and multi-use trails. Similarly, top program priorities include community special events, walking/hiking activities, swimming (and swimming lessons), and education classes/programs.
- Support for Potential Actions: Residents expressed strong support for improving restroom facilities, general maintenance and repair, and developing an outdoor pool. Conversely, however, the results also demonstrate a desire to maintain current assets and amenities.
- Equity and Affordability: Concerns about the cost of accessing facilities and programs were highlighted, with suggestions for discounted rates and flexible pass options to enhance affordability and inclusivity.
“These survey results provide invaluable insights into the needs and preferences of our community,” said Amy Walters, Executive Director of JPRD. “This feedback helps us prioritize and focus our efforts to ensure our parks and recreation offerings meet the need for all residents now and into the future.”
Moving forward, JPRD will prioritize recommendations based on the survey findings, focusing on addressing maintenance concerns, enhancing program offerings, and investing in high-priority facilities and amenities.
Please see the button below for the complete survey results.
