A just-released survey is giving Bancroft high marks on its recreation options.
Sarah Phoenix, the town’s municipal strategic communications and civic engagement specialist, says the data shows people are pleased with available options.
Phoenix would like to figure out how the town can make them even better.
The results of 206 completed surveys will be presented to council members and they will weigh potential next steps.
“We do have a strong recreation sector and we live in a beautiful place,” said Phoenix.
“Our assets are great and have been around forever, but how could we make them just a little bit better?
The strongest assets are parks, gathering spaces, events, trails, and outdoor experiences while the biggest barriers are cost, communication, seasonal limits, and program availability.
Phoenix said the town doesn’t have a recreation asset plan and results will look at what’s being used and what’s not being used.
“We wanted to ensure that it was open to everyone. Our parks and facilities team put (a link) up at every one of our locations. A lot of people come through our area and visit our recreation options.”
Phoenix said the next step is likely for the town to talk to stakeholders and heavy users of its facilities.
“It would naturally lead to speaking to the stakeholders and those who use the facilities. We could talk to people using our family programs speak to the users at the Leaf Center and to the hockey groups on what they would like to see in a structured stakeholder interview. Then we could compare ourselves to other lower-tier municipalities with limited infrastructure and limited tax base.”
She added the town will also look closely at funding opportunities to maintain and improve its recreation spaces.
“We need to ensure we have the data and the information to back up those requests for funding.”
