Agenda - 02-11-2014 - 2 - Laserfiche WebLink

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77 Com Py Comprehensive Pat*; and Pecreatio7i Il.rster Pla,? CHAPTER 9- What Does It All Mean:Surnmary and findings from Inventories, Research,and InIut What Does It All Mean: Summary and Findings from Inventories, Research, and Input Introduction 1. Changing Needs and Conditions In the preceding chapters, we have learned about Many things have changed with the passage of 25 existing and previous plans for parks and recreation years since the 1988 master plan. It would be impos- in Orange County; reviewed the inventory of current sible to list all changed conditions that affect the parks and recreation facilities, as well as planned method and means of parks and recreation provi- future facilities; considered current programs and sions, but some of the most relevant include: services; reviewed population estimates and * The county population has grown from 88,000 to projections and other demographic "driving 137,000 persons(56%increase). factors"; examined the results of several distinct surveys of community needs, both statistical, online, • Orange County passed parks and open space bonds and targeted to ethic and special populations; in 1997 ($6 million) and 2001 ($20 million)for acqui- looked at the relationship and linkages with this plan sition of parkland and construction of parks and rec- reation facilities. and the County's 2030 Comprehensive Plan; and explored the impacts of parks and recreation on the • Orange County opened its first park in 1998 (Efland- county's economy,the public health and our natural Cheeks Park), built with bond proceeds from the and cultural environment. 1997 bond. Park facilities in Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough and Mebane have also been construct- Having examined the above data and information, it ed to serve those communities. is now possible to begin to draw some conclusions • Most of the parks and facilities called for in the 1988 that will help illuminate possible future needs and Master Recreation and Parks Plan are now built or efforts. the sites secured. In this section, we will explore the changing needs • There has been a greater emphasis at the federal, that appear to have emerged in the past 25 years, State and local level on building trails and protecting along with opportunities to meet these challenges. identified natural areas. A look at the use of standards for future needs will • Recreation program offerings are more numerous also be presented, both from a population-based and considerably more diverse as community needs formula and a needs-based version from the have evolved. This is true both for Orange County opinions shared in the different surveys of commu- and its municipalities. nity needs.This exercise will enable the examination • The County acquired an indoor sports facility, the of service areas and service delivery, and the Triangle Sportsplex,which includes a swimming pool, potential for meeting needs both at the County level ice rink and fitness areas among other amenities. and in conjunction with other partners. • The County has engaged in partnerships with non- This analysis, plus all of the prior data and profit recreation providers for summer camps and information presented in this plan, will enable us to sports leagues. draw a number of conclusions, or findings, that may • The internet and means of electronic communication help establish the plan for parks and recreation have greatly altered how people receive information going forward to the year 2030. about parks and recreation services.