CITY OF CARTERSVILLE, GA 2013 Report of Open-ended Question 2955 Valmont Road, Suite 300 777 North Capitol Street NE, Suite 500 Boulder, CO 80301 Washington, DC 20002 www.n-r-c.com 303-444-7863 www.icma.org 202-289-ICMA
Contents Survey Background... 1 About... 1 Understanding the Results... 2 About Closed-ended and Open-ended Questions... 2 Verbatims... 2 Verbatim Responses to Open-ended Questions... 3 The City of Cartersville is considering developing a park in the North part of the city. What features or activities would you like to see included in a new city park?... 3 Walking and Biking Trails... 3 Ball Fields/Courts... 5 Picnic Area/Pavillion, Concert Facilities, Outdoor Events... 6 Oppose New Park... 7 Dog Park... 7 Pool/Water Fun... 6 Playground... 6 Other... 8 Don t Know/No Opinion... 9 by National Research Center, Inc.
Survey Background A B O U T T H E N A T I O N A L C I T I Z E N S U R V E Y (The NCS ) is a collaborative effort between National Research Center, Inc. (NRC) and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). The survey and its administration are standardized to assure high quality survey methods and comparable results across jurisdictions. Participating households are selected at random and the household member who responds is selected without bias. Multiple mailings give each household more than one chance to participate with self-addressed and postage paid envelopes. Results are statistically weighted to reflect the proper demographic composition of the entire community. customized for this jurisdiction was developed in close cooperation with local jurisdiction staff. The City of Cartersville staff selected items from a menu of questions about services and community problems; they defined the jurisdiction boundaries NRC used for sampling; and they provided the appropriate letterhead and signatures for mailings. City of Cartersville staff also determined local interest in a variety of add-on options to The National Citizen Survey Basic Service. by National Research Center, Inc. 1
Understanding the Results A B O U T C L O S E D-ENDED A N D O P E N-ENDED Q U E S T I O N S Questions can either be asked in a closed-ended or open-ended manner. A closed-ended question is one where a set of response options is listed on the survey. Those taking the survey respond to each option listed. Open-ended questions have no answer choices from which respondents select their response. Instead, respondents must create their own answers and state them in their own words. The verbatim responses are categorized by topic area using codes. An "other" category is used for responses falling outside the coded categories. In general, a code is assigned when at least 5-10% of responses will fit the code. Advantages of an open-ended question include: Responses are not prompted, allowing respondents to provide answers that are not anticipated or well known. This type of question tends to capture response options that come to mind most quickly. The final result can be richer, since verbatim responses are included in an appendix, giving you and others a chance to hear the voice of respondents in their own words. There is a smaller risk of missing important dimensions. V E R B A T I M S Respondents were asked to record their opinions about desired features for a new park in the following question: The City of Cartersville is considering developing a park in the North part of the city. What features or activities would you like to see included in a new city park? The verbatim responses were categorized by topic area and those topics are reported in the following table with the percent of responses given in each category. Those verbatim responses are grouped by the first topic listed in each comment whenever a respondent mentioned more than a single topic. Verbatim comments that contain more than one topic nevertheless appear only once (in the category of the first topic listed). by National Research Center, Inc. Results from the open-ended question are best understood by reviewing the table of frequencies that summarize responses as well as the actual verbatim responses themselves. The City of Cartersville is considering developing a park in the North part of the city. What features or activities would you like to see included in a new city park? Percent of Respondents Walking and biking trails 29% Ball fields/courts 15% Playground 15% Pool/water fun 7% Picnic area/pavilion, concert facilities, outdoor events 5% Dog park 4% Oppose new park 1% Other 16% Don't know, no opinion 7% Total 100% 2
Verbatim Responses to Open-ended Questions The following pages contain the respondents verbatim responses as written on the survey and have not been edited for spelling or grammar. Responses have been organized by coded topic areas. T H E C I T Y O F C A R T E R S V I L L E I S C O N S I D E R I N G D E V E L O P I N G A P A R K I N T H E N O R T H P A R T O F T H E C I T Y. W H A T F E A T U R E S O R A C T I V I T I E S W O U L D Y O U L I K E T O S E E I N C L U D E D I N A N E W C I T Y P A R K? by National Research Center, Inc. Walking and Biking Trails Accessible by bike of walking paths At the rate it is going, people my age will be to old to use it whenever it is finished. Suggestion 2 mile flat walking trail no bicycles, no dogs (if allowed, strictly enforce cleaning rules) more play area for children, next to stream if available Bicycle trails Bike and walking paths picnic areas Bike paths and well - lighted walking trails children's play area. Also, consider mountain biking trails. Bike trails, picnic area, dog-designated park Bike trails, pool, water park, batonial garden & trails. Sev hiking Bike trials, walking trials, swings, slides, things for kids to play on Biking trails and workout areas Continue walking trails, playground equipment for small children tennis courts, are possible swimming pool. Ease & safety of walking-places for special gatherings vendors-benches throughout the park (not just picnic tables) children's playground-adequate lighting Fitness trail Hiking & biking trails Hiking/walking trails safe to use alone or w/ young children. Interesting running route Joging trail. Larger walking trail, indoor pool, workout facility, indoor batting cages Longer walking trails Longer walking trails and hiking with camping facilities for backpacking. Softball park for traveling teams. Maintain biking More natural walking trails Mountain biking trail; a playground with a merry-go-round & other structures that spin, large swings, & for a see-saw (A "fun" playground). Nature trails- pool playground-pond- ball fields Paved walking/running trails; picnic facility; tennis courts Safe walking trails for families and senior citizens. Play areas for all age of children - ball parks, gym area and biking trails. Something for senior citizens (walking trails etc) Trails for walking and running basketball, volleyball, tennis courts stage for concerts lots of grass, trees, open space playground for children Walking & bike paths 3
by National Research Center, Inc. Walking / running paths Walking a biking trails with lighting (sam smith doesn't have) with more opportunities to sit (for elderly) Walking activities/children activities Walking and biking paths Walking and biking trails. Walking and/or hiking trails picnic tables Walking drives, picnic areas, ball fields, swimming park nice bathrooms Walking fields, bike trails Walking path trail, dog park Walking path, bicycle path, picnic area, lake or pond Walking paths Walking paths, restrooms, play grounds, lighting Walking paths/trails. Disk golf course good fishing place to access to lake allatoop during off season months for fishing natural setting Walking place Walking track or trails; pond; flower garden; benches Walking trail Walking trail Walking trail Walking trail like Dellinger Walking trail Play ground for toddlers Rest room facilities Walking trail playground equipment no pets allowed pool Walking trail, picnic area Walking trail, play ground, small building for ems, first aid, fire or police to use bike trail or skating trail something for pre-teen. Drive-in? Walking trail, pond, gardens Walking trail, putt-putt golf, open area for activities, frisbee, picnics or a place to relax Walking trail, recreational facilities Walking trail, rest rooms, tennis courts golf ball field Walking trails Walking trails Walking trails Walking trails ball fields & tennis courts Walking trails bike trails Walking trails short and long - distance well market - rest benches along trails, and well lit; swings for adults activities for older adults, as well as children - police patrols in area Walking trails! also, my childrens (2 & 6) do not like the play grounds in Cartersville, so we drive to swift-cantrell park in kennesaw so maybe a playground set up similar to kennesaws. A section for older kids & smaller kids, equipment that is more fun. Swings, more benches close to the playground, etc. Walking trails, activities for familys, Walking trails, eating areas, tennis courts, places for children to play, small concert or play venue Walking trails, food concessions, amphitheater Walking trails, parking a dog park, more adult oriented less play equipment. Walking trails, picnic tables Walking trails, seating (benches) security 4
Walking trails, sidewalks, fishing, miniture golf, bbq grills, covered picnic tables, swings, playground equip public bathrooms. The streets of Cartersville need more cleaning. I wish sidewalks were more available in town, around Ryans, wish we have a better public transporation with buses. The police need to spend more time catching criminals, than harassing people about traffic issues Walking trails, skate board area, picnic area Walking trails. Cushioned running track Walking trails-biking paths sports fields tennis courts. Walking trail-small children area to play Walking trial Walking, biking, trails Walking, paths, safe playground area for small children. Water, fountains, rest rooms. Sheltered area Walking/bike trails- open 24/7 for shift workers water (stream or lake) telescope Walking/hiking path rest rooms play areas for tots Walking/hiking trails, playground, baseball field, pool by National Research Center, Inc. Ball Fields/Courts Adult sand volleyball Baseball filds, football filds, soccer filds, tennis corts, golfing range, paddle boat pond, lots of playgrounds, playgrounds that have merry go rounds and swings my kids love them. Baseball parks, batting cages, miniature golf, driving range, football fields, walking/nature track, soccer, indoor Instruction facility (baseball, golf, speed-agility) Baseball, Playground, walking trails, bike trails. Baseball/softball Basket ball courts-no one plays tennis-the youth likes football, basketball, & baseball then soccor, more swings & slides-thanks Basketball goals, lights Basketball, tennis, soccer fields, running tracks, pick nick tables, etc. Football fields Disc golf course Fields for all sports for all ages. Pool tennis courts, play ground, shelter for group meetings and cash out Fields for baseball, soccer, etc. Walking, running, cycles trails, Carterville needs more cycling loves & trails Hand ball court, bike course basket ball court swing sets In-door basket ball facility tennis courts walking trails More softball, baseball and soccer fields More tennis courts-picnic areas. Tennis court basketball court hiking trail with lights bike trail with lights Tennis courts Tennis courts walking path with shade trees Tennis courts walking trails dedicated biking trail Tennis long walking trails. Tennis, basketball, ball fields, walking trail Tennis, walking or jogging trails, softball fields Tennis, walking trails, playground equipment 2 football fields open space 2 base ball fields Volleyball court with sand like the one they had at Dellinger Park a long time ago. 5
by National Research Center, Inc. Playground (Things for children to play safety) A good childrens play area that's safe. Better play ground area for kids Greatly improved playground. Rome & Cedar Town & Arworth are greatly superior. Also, a dog park. I would like to see more playground equipment for my kids to play on ie. Jungle gym, swings, cleaner bathrooms that are better maintained among a few things that I would personally like to see Kids play ground, activities for teenagers aquarium Marry go round, swings, playground, paddel boat pond, base ball fields, football fields, soccer fields, water fountains, 3 mile track and a running field. More toddler and pre-k aged playgrounds, swings. Play ground, basketball, baseball park, pool consection stand, gynanias, volly ball picnic area, walking track Play grounds for children ball fields for youth basket ball courts for youth Play grounds Walking trails Water feature Playground fishing pond for everyday use, hiking trails Playground for children Playground, swings, walking area grass basketball court, tennis court, open grass area to play, picnic area, grill area. No smoking! State of the art playground (mimic Swift Cantrell Park in Kennesaw). I visit Dellinger Park several times a week for exercise, which is excellent, but am very dissapointed in the play grounds. Stuff for little kids to play safe on and to walk. Swing sets, new pool! more benches for parents, grilling area, area to roller skate, something for shades heat lamps for winter, clean bathrooms Tire swings. More food stands. Walking trails, bike trails Would like to so more things for small children to play on. Pool/Water Fun A pool, roller link, concert theater, Add an indoor swimming facility that is not limited to seniors I would like to see an indoor olympic size pool that could be utilized both recreationally and by all swim teams. Indoor pool ( not a tiny lap pool) outdoor concerts Indoor pool walking trail Pool! basketball gymnasium Pool, walking trail, children play yard picnic tables dog walk Splash pad; out/history Swimming pool Swimming pool (indoors), walking trails, w/ bicycles Swimming pool jungle gyms for kids bike trail 6
Water feature similar to a fountain, walking trails, play ground, grills, swinging benches similar to Dellinger's greenery, water fountains (drinking), shelter or gazebo Water park Water park fat camp for adults & kids by National Research Center, Inc. Picnic Area/Pavilion, Concert Facilities, Outdoor Events Concert facilities outdoor theatre facility clean food service Concerts, walking trails, several play grounds, concession Equal amount of pavillions or more. More seating, more seats with overhead covering. More plants/flowers. Free concerts from building have grow artists, events - not so much of the car shows I would like to see the same activities as provided at Dellinger Park. It would be nice to have a screened in patio area for those of us who have severe allergic reaction to grass, strings etc. We can also enjoy the park, because we have nothing to enjoy now. Jazz playing concerts and such! Pavillions & picnic areas a friendly-safe environment stand seating, for sports. Sports fields, baseball, football, soccer running paths! Activity building for crafters & sales Picnic - children's playground - track - walking paths Picnic areas, pavillions, benches, open fields-no baseball, basketball or football. Thing for all ages adults like to have fun also vendors on has at all times for water, drinks Ice cream & snacks Would like to see lots of shaded areas. UV protectant covers over the entire play area. Swings (adults children and infant sizes) slides, merry go rounds and much more handy cap play areas such as wheel chair swings. Dog Park A fenced dog park Dog park Dog park Dog park - (fenced - in) suitable for concerts Dog park (would like that in city parks now!) hiking trails biking trails Dog park dog park dog park Dog park section (Enclosed) Dog park there is no place to let my dog run Dog park, paths for wheel chairs, picnic area Dog park/movie screen available on the meadow/walking trails/racquet ball/ more tennis courts to allow non-competition access to play Dog park; public indoor pool The city of Cartersville needs a dog park. Cartersville citizens has to go to Cobb County for the dog park, there fore taking our money to Cobb County for that day. We need to buy Cartersville. Would love to see an area set a side as a dog park including fun stuff like agility equipment, special area that is a 2 gate system enclosed for smaller dogs, several entrances & exits with natural visual barriers within the park 7
by National Research Center, Inc. Oppose New Park Against new park. Instead of developing new park, city should devote funds to updating old ones particularly tennis courts and facilities such as rest rooms in existing park. Horrible at Dellinger and Hamilton Crossing. Don't need one No new city park until improved financial improvement ie. Overall taxes reduced & all splost taxes eliminated. Strongly oppose this. We dont need another park Other Any one to help the children and adults people Clean bathrooms! Tennis, walking paths, basketball Dellinger is fantastic Clean restrooms Community center with programs for youth & adult. Similar programs like kennesaw offer-go to: www. Kennesaw-ga. Gov/city-servicer/recreation-a-culture parks swift - cantrall park is also nice-great dog park. Concessions stands, lots of activities for the kids. We also need a dog park. Everything that is on the south side Fish and duck pond - green areas - walking track and bike track - swimming pool - tennis and security guard - play area for small children. Fishing access, wildlife, pavilions, benches adult swings swimming areas, grills, peaceful & safe setting that is reasonable priced, restaurant, restrooms Fishing, hiking, this town needs better access bank fishing on the river / streams in town its sad that I have to drive to Rome to fish! Green space/walking trails. Fields to play in Heightened security Dog area I wish the park include a recreational center include a soccer field. It doesn't matter-the council will do as they wish not what the citizens want - especially for the older citizens. More things for seniors to do! More youth oriented (pre & teenage) activities No crime or drug dealing. Cartersville is known for its junkies and dealers. Putting a new park would just give them something else to ruin. Of course we also would like to see a new skating ring and bowling alley. Please come up with a solution to stop food stamp users from buying energy drinks and icy with food stamp not fair Plentiful exercise opportunities & fitness programs natural environment Proud to bring business back not building packs Roller skating area- swimming pool- tennis court swings Safety Safety first, well lighted, well maintained walking trails. Enough parking. Clean rest rooms safe play grounds Same as at Dellinger Same as Dellinger Same as Dellinger Similar to Dellinger Park Skate board ramps for kids, swimming pool. 8
Skate board, tennis, bike trails Skate park dog park another walking bike trail similar to Sam Smith Park Skate park; it is ridiculous all the rules C'vlle has against kids with skate boards! Build a park for those kids!! Stop the fining them! They are the worst about this! Spend money on up grading Dellinger Park months then developing new park. Rest rooms & buildings terrible. Trees and flowers; walking paths, water feature, and a parking area. Vita corse (w/ obsticles), mulitiply playgrounds, better putt-putt, place for dogs (dog park), outdoor arena, Water features (pond/stream) park swings/benches basketball courts, walking trails We don't use city parks Weights Yes it will be good for Cartersville get to get it Younger people should answer this Area for cats by National Research Center, Inc. Don t Know/No Opinion Don't know Don't know Don't know Exercise for senior citizens I live in west end; therefore I am not too concerned Improved fitness equipment; bike trails Live in south part; no concern No Opinion None I can think of. Same as all other parks have Some as old park Yet probably would not affect me. A live in southwest CV, so a north park is not applicable Don't know? No comment! No opinion None I don't know. I live on south side I would not use a park in the north! Wouldn't affect me- 9