Banks Township-Village of Ellsworth Joint Recreation Plan Community Survey

The Village of Ellsworth and Banks Township are updating their joint Parks and Recreation Plan. The Plan update will allow the Village and Township to inventory both communities’ parks and recreational services thoroughly, seek public opinion and direction about desired improvements, and prepare for future funding opportunities for the desired improvements to the parks system.

Please help shape the future of all Village and Township Parks and Recreational facilities and services by providing your input on issues and priorities.

Please answer each of the following questions.
1.Please respond to the following statements:
Strongly Agree
Agree
Neutral
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
Village of Ellsworth and Banks Township park facilities are adequate
Village of Ellsworth and Banks Township Parks are well maintained and clean
Additional bike paths/non motorized trails or wider road shoulders are needed in the Village and Township
The Village and Township should utilize “green” environmentally friendly design/construction techniques and materials for future improvements
2.This question focuses on specific capital improvements and facility upgrades — things that would require construction, installation, or significant investment. How important are the following improvement for parks and recreation facilities in the Village of Ellsworth and Banks Township?
Very Important
Somewhat Important
Neutral
Somewhat Unimportant
Very Unimportant
Develop sidewalks and non-motorized pathways connecting parks and recreation facilities.
Improving existing pedestrian access to water access sites
Install a universally accessible kayak launch at Ellsworth Community Park
Install kayak storage racks at Village of Ellsworth Community Parks
Add new playground equipment at Banks Township Park
Add new playground equipment to the Ellsworth Athletic Complex including an ADA composite play structure and an ADA swing-set
Add new restrooms/bathroom facilities at Ellsworth Athletic Complex
Improve drainage and signage at the Ellsworth Athletic Complex
Upgrade playground equipment at Ellsworth River Park, emphasizing ADA compliance
Improve ADA accessibility and pavement conditions at Ellsworth River Park
Renovate existing fishing docks at Ellsworth Community Park
Add a new staircase connecting Wooden Shoe Park with Ellsworth River Park
Add picnic shelters at Ellsworth River Park
Improve or add walking and biking paths
Add beach life safety/water rescue equipment at swimming areas
3.Please select all the recreational activities you or individuals in your household enjoy.
4.This question focuses on types of recreational activities and programming — not specific facilities or construction projects. How important are the following recreation activities in the Village of Ellsworth and Banks Township overall?
Very Important
Somewhat Important
Neutral
Somewhat Unimportant
Very Unimportant
Swimming/beach access
Playgrounds/family recreation
Water quality
Kayaking
Walking and biking paths
Hiking areas
Winter recreational programming
5.How do you rate the following characteristics for parks and recreation facilities in the Village of Ellsworth and Banks Township?
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Not Sure
Number of parks
Size of parks
Variety of public facilities
Quality of public facilities
Safety of facilities
Parking
Accessibility of facilities
Trail connectivity
Number of events/programs
6.How often do you visit the following recreational facilities in the Village of Ellsworth or Banks Township?
Weekly
Monthly
Annually
Never
Banks Township Hall (for community events/gatherings)
Banks Township Park
Ellsworth Community Park
Ellsworth River Park
Wooden Shoe Park
Ellsworth Park (near high school)
Ellsworth Athletic Complex (including Hugh Campbell Field Art Drenth Field Jeannie B Muha Track)
Ellsworth Lake Bridge
Antrim Creek Natural Area
Ellsworth Lake access site (Rushton Rd)
Ellsworth Lake/Wilson Lake Bridge (Clay Pit Bridge) (Rushton Road)
Ellsworth Lake Access (DNR)
St. Clair Access (DNR)
Antrim County – Lore Rd
7.What prevents you from using recreation facilities in the area more often? (Check all that apply)
8.What types of improvements or additions would you like to see at parks and recreation facilities? Please indicate where you would like to see the following improvements (check all that apply).
Banks Township
Village of Ellsworth
Picnic shelters
Public swimming areas
Trails for walking, hiking, and biking
Natural areas
Kayak launches
Volleyball areas
Playground equipment
Maintenance/upkeep of existing recreational facilities
9.In one or two sentences, what would you most like to see improved or added in parks and recreation facilities over the next five years?
10.Would you support the Village/Township pursuing state or federal grant funding for recreation improvements, even if local matching funds are required?
11.Would you be willing to volunteer to help maintain parks and recreation facilities in the Village of Ellsworth and Banks Township?
12.What is your age range?
13.Do you have children living in or regularly visiting your household?
14.Are you a Banks Township or Village of Ellsworth resident or property owner? (Residents and property owners pay property taxes to the Village/Township)
15.If you are not an Ellsworth or Banks Township resident or property owner, please provide the Township/City/Village and county where you reside.
16.Which of the following best describes your residential status?
17.Please leave any additional comments here that can help guide the future of parks and recreation opportunities in Village of Ellsworth and Banks Township.