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  <br />Parks and Recreation <br />Programming Trends <br /> <br />The decline in outdoor recreation participation is an alarming trend. Declines in participation <br />reduce the number of Minnesotans who receive the benefits of outdoor recreation that can be <br />attained from parks, trails and programming. <br /> <br />Currently the state of Minnesota is seeing a decline in participation within the adult softball <br />program. This is something staff has been monitoring for the last few years. The City of Arden <br />Hills has partnered with surrounding cities to still offer the opportunity for adults to play softball <br />in Arden Hills. Some cities have decided to cut the adult softball programs altogether or offer an <br />alternative activity. Staff has noticed that if we cancel a league for a season, it is very <br />challenging to get the league up and running again. Last year the City of Arden Hills had 6 adult <br />softball teams registered. <br /> <br />Different audiences seek different experiences when they sign up for recreation programs. In <br />order to meet the needs of the community, the Parks and Recreation Department must seek new <br />ways to reach those not currently using/taking programs, while at the same time ensuring that we <br />are still meeting the needs of our current users. <br /> <br />The Arden Hills Parks and Recreation Department has seen an increase in the preschool <br />programs that are currently being offered. Families with young children look for ways to <br />introduce their children to the outdoors and different programs in the community. The preschool <br />programs that are offered through Parks and Recreation require more staff, capping the number <br />of participants that are allowed in each program. The department follows the current trends, <br />offering new and exciting classes to the youth in Arden Hills. Staff evaluates each class that is <br />offered each season. <br /> <br />As adults age their recreation needs and interests change. We have started offering more active <br />adult activities to attract the 55+ community to participate in programs in Arden Hills. We have <br />created a partnership with the City of Shoreview to offer day trips, history seminars and <br />educational classes for the aging adult population. <br /> <br />Providing high-quality programs and experiences to residents in Arden Hills and surrounding <br />communities is the number one priority for the department. <br /> <br />Sara Knoll <br />Recreation Coordinator