Bowling Alley Survey Summary

Transcription

1 Bowling Alley Survey Summary Prepared By Strategic Planning Committee December 18, 2012 League Bowling: League bowling responses are consistent with the expected results. Out of 237 responses 184 never bowl in leagues, while 53 do. There are 54 individuals listed on league sheets at the bowling alley; however, only 36 individuals indicated they bowl at least 10 times a year in league bowling. The one men s league appears to have at least 6 subs, which may account for some of the variations. Non league (open) Bowling: Non league bowling responses are consistent with the expected results. 1

2 Out of 239 responses 157 never participate in open bowling and 74 bowled 1 to 9 times per year. Only 8 individuals indicated they participate at least 10 times a year in open bowling. The open bowling tends to match up pretty well with the visiting guest bowling, which may indicate that residents sometimes accompany their guests. Other individuals may bowl infrequently or to get ready for a league season. Visiting Guest Bowling: Visiting guests bowling was a bit higher than expectations. Out of 234 responses 140 never had guest bowlers and 90 had guests that bowled 1 to 9 times a year. Only 4 guests bowled 10 times or more per year. It is a little surprising that 40% of responses had guests that bowled at SLV. Most guests (75) only bowled 1 to 4 times a year, so they probably visit infrequently and possibly bowling is an activity for the younger visitors. Regularly Bowl at Other Alleys: More SLV bowlers were expected to be going to other venues. Out of 237 responses only 9 said they did bowl at other bowling alleys in the area. Eight bowl in Greenwood and one in Augusta. Based on comments received and the apparent resident expectation, we expected more bowlers were going to Greenwood. If Renovated, How Often Would You Use SLV Lanes: Bowling on renovated SLV lanes will increase as expected, although not significantly. 2

3 Out of 236 responses 114 would never use the SLV lanes and 122 would use the lanes. On the surface this appears to be a dramatic improvement; however, the survey s other questions show there are currently up to 135 individuals that bowl: league bowlers (53) and non league bowlers (82). If 30% of non league bowlers (leaving 57 out of 82) are also league bowlers (53), this results in a total of 110 current individual bowlers. Looking at the numbers in a different way may help: League Bowlers Non League Bowlers Total League & Open Bowlers Bowlers on Renovated SLV Lanes Change in Bowlers with Renovated lanes 25 + times a year times a year times a year <4> 1 4 times a year <25> Totals <13> The shift in bowling if the lanes were renovated improves with more individuals bowling more often, probably in leagues, while the occasional bowler (1 4 times a year) drops significantly. The overall net effect is a slight decline (10%) in the number of bowlers, but a net gain overall in total lines bowled. 3

4 Plan for Long term Needs of Recreation Center (i.e. Activity Center): The membership seems evenly split between a new fitness/exercise facility and retaining the bowling alleys. Of the 228 responses 112 wanted an expanded fitness/exercise facility; 50 wanted to renovate the bowling alley; 18 wanted to renovate the bowling alley and plan for an expanded fitness facility; and 48 voted for no changes. While it would appear an expanded fitness center is the overwhelming choice, consider that all the other choices retain the bowling activity in either a renovated space or its current status. So, the survey results are 112 for an expanded fitness/exercise facility and 116 to continue bowling. It is probably true that several individuals voted to do nothing for fiscal reason. The effect is that this survey seems pretty evenly split between an expanded fitness facility and bowling. That may not be unexpected as the survey focused on bowling and not the overall scope for the future of the Activity Center. Optional General Comments: Survey participants offered 124 general comments, which are summarized here in five categories. Many responders provided comments in more than one category. Number of responses stated in parenthesis. Funding: 4

5 (12) Identify the funds, we don t have funds, or don t spend any money. (13) Cost for bowling renovation stated is either too high or unrealistic. (5) When economy improves upgrade bowling alleys and expand Activity Center. (2) Costs for fitness renovations is understated. (1) Keep amenity fees reasonable. (1) Spend funds on discovery packages. (1) Spend money to establish fitness at a later date. (1) Option 3 cost estimate ($500K) is too high. Bowling: 5

6 (11) Bowling alleys are unsuitable in present condition. (11) Bowling is a good promotional asset for SLV. (10) Bowlers deserve to have space renovated and upgraded. (7) SLV needs to promote bowling and provide adequate maintenance of equipment and lanes. (6) Shouldn t discontinue an existing amenity. (4) Don t change anything the pinsetters are working fine. (3) Bowling is a great social activity (2) Upgrade lanes and see if usage goes up. (2) Delay the upgrade. (1) Strongly oppose elimination of quite adequate bowling facility. (1) If not enough support for bowling upgrade, then do nothing for 3 5 years. Fitness Center: (22) Discontinue bowling in favor of expanded fitness/exercise center. (15) Current fitness center is underused don t see need to increase size of fitness center. (4) More equipment is needed in fitness center. (2) Expand fitness center someplace other than bowling alley space. (2) Add a spring floor in the expanded fitness center. (1) There is too much equipment in the existing fitness center. (1) Current fitness center is okay. (1) Spend less on exercise room. (1) Add natural light in new fitness center. (1) Add a walking track around the perimeter of new fitness center. (1) Do fitness center specific survey to identify equipment usage and wait times. 6

7 Meeting & General Purpose Rooms: (3) What is real usage of meeting rooms use Tara. (1) Why more office space? (1) Card rooms are okay. Other General Comments: (14) Enlarge women s locker/shower facilities. (4) Use space wisely to benefit most SLV people. (1) What age group are we trying to attract by expanding fitness room? Families with children won t come. (1) Upgrade indoor pool area first. (1) If too old to bowl, too old to use fitness equipment. (1) The economy & SLV economic condition is the key to growth. (1) Do what you are doing: evaluate, get input, evaluate, and plan. (1) Would like to see bowling stay, but understand if it doesn t stay. 7