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11 <br />Implications and Future Trends <br />The following are likely trends based on Arden Hills demographics and the public opinion survey: <br />A. Trail use will remain strong and interest in trail expansion will continue (trail expansion and <br />connections) <br />B. Individual activities will continue to be more popular than team or group activities (multi-use <br />trails and open space) <br />C. Interest in natural resources and open space will remain strong (TCAAP area and other resource <br />areas) <br />D. Recreation facility development and operation partnerships between government agencies, <br />schools, organizations and corporations will be more frequent (local partnerships) <br />E. Demand for youth activities and facilities may increase (retain park space and flexibility to meet <br />future needs) <br />Public Input Summary <br />Arden Hills Parks, Recreation and Open Space Public Opinion Survey <br />Summary <br />Introduction <br />In February 2001, the City of Arden Hills conducted a public opinion survey. The survey was designed to <br />determine residents’ attitudes about parks, recreation and open space issues and to help guide preparation <br />of a parks, trails and open space plan for the City. The written survey was sent to 3,897 households and <br />businesses. A total of 593 completed surveys were returned resulting in a response rate of 15%. This is a <br />higher than normal response rate for a mail-back survey and indicates a significant level of interest in City <br />parks, trails and open spaces. This response gives the survey results a relatively high degree of accuracy. <br />The margin of error of the survey is plus or minus 4%. A copy of the survey results is attached in Appendix <br />A. The following is a summary of the findings and implications for the parks and trails plan. <br />Survey Findings: <br />1. Arden Hills residents have a high level of interest in parks, trails and open space. <br />2. They are frequent users of the parks and trails. <br />3. They are satisfied with the existing parks, trails, maintenance and programs. The <br />overall satisfaction level is 70% to 80%. <br />4. They want more TRAILS! <br />5. They also want existing parks to be renovated, passive parks areas to be <br />improved and more land acquired for passive parks and natural areas. <br />6. There is some interest in an indoor recreation facility. <br />7. There is some support for fee increases and tax increases for park purposes. <br />8. There is very little difference in attitudes among different geographic areas of <br /> the City.