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12 Orange County Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan CHAPTER 1- Summary of the Plan Findings of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan Based on the information gathered in the master plan process, a set of 20 findings or statements was identified. These findings are shown on pages 9 -13 and 9 -14 of the plan and are summarized below: • County residents overwhelmingly approve of the way parks and recreation facilities are operated and maintained, and they find them safe and easily accessible. The County's parks and recreation facil- ities meet a variety of needs, but maintenance and facility repairs and renovations are on the horizon. • The County's parks program has secured parkland and constructed parks, and has built parks in low - income and /or minority communities - helping meet physical activity and social needs, both indi- vidually and in groups. Residents see County parks and recreation facilities having a positive impact on the economic, physical and mental well -being of the county, and that these parks and programs help reduce crime. • Strong interest is indicated by residents for expanding both active recreation and low- impact recreation opportunities — especially for hiking and biking trails and a swimming pool. Residents are less sure about the need for new indoor facilities for arts /leisure activities, but do favor more indoor athletic facilities. • Among those expressing an opinion, a significant majority of residents surveyed see a need for new athletic programs and parks, although some were unsure on this topic. The most desired program areas were for walking, hiking, biking, swimming, summer camps and yoga. The most - desired park facilities were multiple types of trails, a swimming pool and water parks. • In funding new facilities, residents were almost universally supportive of grants and corporate do- nations, strongly supportive of voter - approved bonds or existing local taxes. Less support existed for user fees, and increasing local (non - property) taxes did not receive strong support. 1 -9 • The County's proactive approach to parkland acquisition has enabled the acquisition of all but a few parks identified in 1988, and has plans for four new parks to be constructed on acquired sites in the coming three to nine years. In a related vein, the work toward creating and protecting nature preserves around some of the most significant natural areas in the county has created opportuni- ties for public access and low- impact recreation at these sites. • A number of opportunities and challenges are on the horizon for the County. Recent efforts on part- nerships with other recreation providers have been successful and should be continued. Like- wise, there may be unprecedented opportunities for coordination with the towns and the schools for new parks or facility use. These opportunities provide for financial as well as community - building benefits and opportunities. The continued desira- bility of Orange County as a place to live will result in more population, an expected additional 35,000 persons between 2012 and 2030. • Due to the proactive steps taken, most of the projected park needs may be met by current or planned parks, although one portion of the county — Bingham Township — is as of yet unserved.