Community Needs Assessment Report
Overview
In the winter of 2023, the Wildwood Park District conducted a comprehensive Community Needs Assessment Survey to gain insight into the needs within our community, strengths and areas of improvement of the Park District, and otherwise gather ideas, interests, and opinions from our residents.
Purpose
The purpose of this community study was to obtain input from Wildwood residents on all areas of WPD operations including use, condition, evaluation, and open feedback of: 1) WPD Parks and Facilities; 2) Maintenance; 3) Park Safety; 4) Programs and Special Events; 5) Administration and Customer Service; 6) Marketing and Communications; 7) Schoolhouse Adventures Community Preschool; and 8) Board of Commissioners. Furthermore, the Community Needs Assessment Survey serves multiple purposes, such as: 1) allows tax-paying residents the opportunity to voice their opinions related to future services and desired amenities; 2) survey results may also be used to identify and clarify concerns and assist leadership in decision making and financial resource allocation; 3) provides data and feedback that allows the WPD to build upon existing continuous improvement initiatives; and 4) helps the WPD set achievable and practical goals for the future.
Methods
The 91-question survey link was emailed to a database of 502 WPD residents. Analytics indicated 56% (208 residents) opened the email and 11% (55 residents) clicked on the survey link. In addition, the survey and link was promoted on the WPD website, numerous social media platforms and pages, and a hard copy was available at the WPD guest services front desk. Data collection took place from December 15th through January 31st. A total of 134 survey responses were collected.
Goals
The WPD established multiple goals from the Community Needs Assessment Survey: 1) understand overall satisfaction with existing parks, facilities, programs, services, and operations; 2) assess residents’ opinions regarding future parks, facilities, programs, services, and operations; and 3) utilize the results to make recommendations for improvements and to engage the WPD Board of Commissioners and staff in conversations concerning the future development of and planning for parks, facilities, programs, services, and operations.
