2019-9-3_PR Comm Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Residents/volunteers moved this non-identified project with no identified funds to a fully funded project reality with minimal tax impact. Increased community space for other services provided by social services, school districts and the Karen of Minnesota Organization. o Unity Park provides a safe and practical place to meet for meals, presentations, medical checkups, etc. for the New American population. Evaluation Process: Like much of the earlier criteria, there are a variety of evaluation tools & methods used to gauge the success of the Unity Park project. Community response & participation levels are the obvious points for summarizing evaluation methods. The Unity Park project experienced steady interest and growth in community involvement from the onset. Community engagement came in all durations, from those that were involved from start to finish (a 3-year process) to those that attended a single input session to learn about the project, provide feedback or share expertise. The overwhelming level of participation beginning with acquisition, design and development, identification of funding and in the actually community build of the park. Residents, City Council, Commissions & Administration recognition is a significant evaluation tool. Leadership roles throughout the process took ownership of providing consistent lines of communication with the Council & the Community. All supported and provided the resource package to support the project. Overall community feedback about the acquisition, development and now overall use has been overwhelmingly supportive and positive. Benefit/Impact: Unity Park will be an additional Parks & Recreation System amenity that aligns with Parks & Recreation Master Plan priorities in terms of providing recreation programing to all segments of the population. o Providing a staging area for New Americans to gather, learn, recreate and visit other areas. Increased community space for other services provided by social services, school districts and the Karen of Minnesota Organization. o Unity Park provides a safe and practical place to meet for meals, presentations, medical checkups, etc. for the New American population. The provision of park and recreation opportunities in an area of comfort for the New American population. The provision of public space for intergenerational and interethnic groups to meet and recreate. New recreation programming space provides additional opportunities for an already robust recreation division. Shining example for the power of a strong community voice. This was a project championed by many facets of the community, supported by city commissions and staff & fulfilled by government leaders. 17