Eleven hundred households representing a cross-section of the community responded to the Great Neck Park District survey, which basically asked, "How are we doing and what do you want from the park district in the next five years?" The input from the public was intense; first, in focus groups that were open to the public, held in various locations, times and dates last summer. The ideas, needs and concerns expressed at these meetings were used to develop the survey, which was mailed to all park district households.

An overwhelming number of respondents, 98 percent, feel that well maintained parks and facilities play a major role in the quality of life here on the peninsula. For the most part, 87 percent, responders are satisfied with the recreational facilities. However, 60 percent acknowledge that there is a need for modernizing and restoring the existing facilities. People want even more family oriented activities and special events that in combination add to a sense of togetherness and community spirit.

Perhaps a surprising response was that 85 percent of the respondents rated the performing arts as their top recreational interest. In fact, 64 percent of the people reporting would prefer fewer concerts of a higher caliber with 53 percent willing to pay a small fee for the pleasure.

Seventy percent of those responding would like to see the creation of a new recreation/community center and of those, 80 percent want a fitness center, 73 percent want an indoor swimming pool, 69 percent would like a movie room, 63 percent want a gymnasium, 60 percent want locker rooms with showers, 55 percent want indoor sports courts, 50 percent want meeting space and 44 percent would like a teen room to be included in such a center.

Not surprisingly, most folks do not want to see their property taxes raised to pay for these improvements. Instead, under the funding section of the questionnaire, respondents believe those "who use a service, should pay." There was agreement that non-district residents should pay more than they currently do to participate in park programs. Respondents supported bonding, grants and private sponsorships as additional revenue streams.

In getting more specific about recreational sub-categories, in addition to the desire for an indoor/heated pool, respondents asked for additional shade structures at the current pool (63 percent), a spray pool/splash playground (50 percent), waterslides (30 percent), and action water props (23 percent). In relation to programming, 64 percent felt that there were unmet needs. Of those, 82 percent felt that adult swim times should be increased, 77 percent wanted more water exercise classes and swimming lessons.

Areas of need in the category of sports and active recreation were broken down in categories with 67 percent supporting more attention to this need. Of those, the highest need expressed was for walking and bike trails with three quarters of the respondents favoring these areas. Fifty-six percent of the respondents would like a miniature golf course, 47 percent want a permanent skate park, 64 percent in favor of lighted facilities and a strong majority supporting more summer programs, after school programs and tennis programs.

Eighty percent of the respondents use the commuter parking lots and 76 percent favor expanding the parking capacity if it generates more revenue for recreation programs while 33 percent would favor keeping the lots even if they lost money.

The park district commissioners have been grappling with the issue of better utilization of facilities and programs. They learned through the survey that most people are available for recreation between the hours of 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and weekends. Half of the respondents would like to see more programming available on Sundays. Lack of interest in what is provided and a lack of time and information are the most important reasons for non-use. The two best ways to keep people informed about the GNPD programs and facilities are by sending direct mail brochures and newspaper advertising. The park district website came in at third place with 47 percent of the respondents getting information online. Twelve percent felt there were cultural barriers related to attending park district programs.

Seventy three percent of respondents would like to see facilities modernized; 67 percent support the district's acquiring land for preservation; 63 percent support updating playground equipment; 63 percent want a teen room; 62 percent think there should be more restrooms; 60 percent want increased access to waterfront; 70 percent want walking programs and 66 percent support festivals/special events.

Now the park district commissioners have the community's wish list. Armed with this knowledge, they have a better handle on the direction the community would like them to take in strategic long-range planning and budgeting. The commissioners have stated that they are committed to continuing the dialogue with the community as they face the tough choices of prioritizing needs, stretching the dollars and engaging the consumers of services in smart planning.