Survey results will help decide future parks projects

Wendy SmithFarragut, The Farragut Insider

As the Farragut Insider, I get to write about a lot of fun and interesting things. But this is the first time I’ve been asked to write a thank you note – an especially rewarding assignment.

Thank you, Farragut residents and other interested members of the community, for taking the time to complete our recent Parks and Recreation survey! Over 900 people shared their thoughts (on behalf of their households) about what facilities and programs/initiatives they would like to have in the future through our online survey. Short in-person surveys are also being conducted at town of Farragut events; thank you if you have completed or will complete one of these.

The information gained from the surveys will be used to create a new parks and rec master plan. The previous master plan was developed in 2012. Farragut Parks & Rec Director Sue Stuhl says new master plans are needed every 10 years because priorities change, and she wants to make sure planning reflects the current needs and desires of the community.

I don’t have enough space to share everything we’ve learned so far, but here are some highlights:

  • Over 60% of responders say they use Farragut parks/greenways once a week or more.
  • Greenway links, hiking and running trails and restrooms were most often ranked as very important outdoor facilities.
  • Of the town’s programs, events and services, community events and youth programs were most often ranked very important.
  • No big surprise here, but most hear about town events/programs through social media and websites.

An encouraging aspect of the survey is that it validated the town’s long-time emphasis on pedestrian connectivity. People use our greenways and they want more. Those who rank walkability high will be pleased to know that the town is in the process of adding three new sidewalks/greenway links.

Congratulations are in order for Delores Jones and Meredith Oravitz, who each won an all-day pavilion rental for participating. The survey was anonymous, but those who were willing to share their names and email addresses were entered in the prize drawing.

One important note for those who took the survey – the Cove, Carl Cowan and Admiral Farragut parks are not managed by the Town of Farragut. They aren’t located within the town, so any comments you have about those parks should be directed to Knox County.

If you didn’t take the survey, there are future opportunities for you to share your thoughts. The Parks and Athletics Council will use the data from the surveys to put together a list of the most-requested projects, large and small, and public reviews will allow members of the community to vote for their favorites. To participate, drop by the Farragut Community Center between 10-11 a.m. and 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 16, and Wednesday, Dec. 8.

This final round of feedback is what will be used to create the 2022 Farragut Parks and Rec Master Plan. The Board of Mayor and Aldermen will likely approve the plan in February and it will be used to make decisions about future projects. Park facilities are incredibly expensive, so planning and budgeting is the only way they can happen. Thanks again for being part of the process.

For the most up-to-date information about the master plan, check here or follow Farragut Parks & Rec on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Town of Farragut marketing and public relations coordinator Wendy Smith is your reliable Farragut insider.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *