Joplin Parks and Rec conducting community survey

(From the City of Joplin)

The City of Joplin Parks and Recreation Department is conducting a Community Interest and Attitude Survey. The results of the survey will be used to develop the Parks and Recreation Department's Master Plan and Strategic Action Plan to better serve the Joplin community’s interests. Survey results will also help determine the allocation of Department assets, budget priorities, and identify possible funding opportunities.

“It is important for our department to establish priorities for future improvements and development of parks and recreation facilities, programs and services,” said Chris Cotten, Director of the department. “With this approach, we can better address environmental sustainability of our parks that will promote healthy lifestyles and community growth while obtaining an awareness of funding needs and resources. Our citizens’ input and participation is essential to achieve these goals that focus on their interests.”

Questions on the survey ask citizens about their recent use of Parks facilities, their support of improvements and additions of facilities, and their preference of activities to pursue in the future.

The survey was designed to obtain statistically valid results from households throughout the City of Joplin. The survey will continue for through June. The goal of the department is to receive at least 600 completed surveys which provide a sample size that achieves a valid survey.

Citizens wanting to take the survey can find it at www.surveymonkey.com/s/joplinparks2014 or on the Parks and Recreation website or Facebook page. It is also on the City’s Facebook page. Citizens who prefer completing the survey in writing can find it at the following locations:

• Joplin Athletic Complex, 3301 West 1st Street

• Schifferdecker Golf Course,7th & Schifferdecker

• Joplin Senior Center, 22nd Street and Jackson Avenue

• Joplin Public Library, 300 South Main

• Main Lobby of Joplin City Hall, 602 South Main Street

• Public Information Office on 2nd floor of Joplin City Hall

• Main Desk at the Donald E. Clark Public Safety & Justice Center, 303 East 3rd

• Joplin Aquatic Centers

The Department will compile and review the data with the results being shared with City Administration, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Joplin City Council and citizens upon the analysis completion. The timing at which this is completed is dependent on how quickly we receive completed surveys to achieve a statistically valid survey.

For more information, contact the Parks and Recreation Office at 624-6937.