Due to the impacts of COVID-19, most of our initial engagement was conducted online. However, we were able to conduct some additional, socially distanced engagement events outdoors in our parks this past summer. We were able to engage 775 park users in the East Region of Hamilton County. This engagement process has been critical in helping us learn how you’re using parks, which ones you frequent and how often, ideas you have for improvements, and where to prioritize investment.
Here’s an overview of our interactions with you:
- 775 total people engaged in the East Region
- 611 online survey responses
- 164 in-person responses on 14 different dates in the following parks:
- Little Miami Golf Center
- Otto Armleder
- Withrow Nature Preserve
- Woodland Mound
- Lake Isabella
- Sharon Woods
- Francis Recreacres
WHAT WE HEARD
According to survey respondents in the East Region, the top activities that survey respondents engage in are:
The existing programs or facilities that survey respondents most want to see investments in are:
When the Sharon Lake dredging is completed, there will be the opportunity to make additional improvements to the area surrounding the lake. Respondents ranked the options in order of preference as:
- Improved Trails
- Habitat/Wetland Improvements
- Better Fishing Access
- Boathouse Improvements
When asked about what improvements and features they would like to see on the future of the Francis Property at Francis Recreacres, the following were the common themes of the responses.
- Trails: Loop trail around property; nature trail; link to Sharon Woods
- Picnic Areas: Picnic areas along trails;
- Birding: Leave it largely untouched to preserve birding capabilities;
- Mountain Biking: Skills track; beginner course
- Nature Preserve: habitat preservation; educational opportunities
- Disc Golf Course: work with GCDGA;
- Archery Range
NEXT STEPS
Our team is working on incorporating the input received to date into plans for the various parks. Another round of engagement will be conducted in the Spring of 2021 to gather feedback on the plans. Click here to sign-up for the e-newsletter to stay in-the-know on the planning process.
