As part of LiveDSM (Des Moines’ Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan), we’re interested in your opinion about what you would like to see happen in the future for Des Moines Parks and Recreation facilities and programs.   

Thank you for taking time to answer these questions. We welcome your children to take it, too. You might need to help the youngest in your family, but many will be able to take this short questionnaire on their own. Thank you!

NOTE: We are accepting survey responses through DECEMBER 1.
Please indicate how frequently you use the following parks and recreation facilities in the City of Des Moines.

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* 1. Please indicate how frequently you use the following parks and recreation facilities in the City of Des Moines.

  Almost daily/weekly Monthly Once every few months Yearly (or within last 3 years) Very rarely or never
Neighborhood parks
Community recreation centers (e.g., Pioneer-Columbus, Fourmile)
Cemeteries
Spraygrounds (McHenry, Grandview, Greenwood, Columbus)
Aquatics/swim facilities
Park shelters (open-air picnic and enclosed)
Paved trails network
Unpaved nature trails (Greenwood, Grandview, Ewing Parks)
Signature parks (Gray’s Lake, Union, Lilac Arboretum at Ewing, Sylvan Theater, Art Center Rose Garden)
Downtown culture parks (Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Asian Garden, Botanical Center, Simon Estes Amphitheater)
Downtown activity parks (Principal Riverwalk, Principal Park, Brenton Skate Plaza)
Sports/ball fields and complexes
Natural play areas (Sargent Park, McHenry Park) 
Non-city parks (Water Works, Easter Lake, Fort Des Moines)
Public school playgrounds and open-space areas
Community gardens (Franklin, Allen, Ashfield)
If you mostly use parks and facilities outside the city limits, please describe.

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* 2. If you mostly use parks and facilities outside the city limits, please describe.

What do you see as the overall STRENGTHS of the current Des Moines Parks and Recreation System?
PLEASE CHECK NO MORE THAN THREE

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* 3. What do you see as the overall STRENGTHS of the current Des Moines Parks and Recreation System?
PLEASE CHECK NO MORE THAN THREE

What do you see as the greatest CHALLENGES facing the Des Moines Parks and Recreation System? PLEASE CHECK NO MORE THAN THREE

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* 4. What do you see as the greatest CHALLENGES facing the Des Moines Parks and Recreation System? PLEASE CHECK NO MORE THAN THREE

WHY do you use Des Moines Parks and Recreation Facilities? PLEASE CHECK ALL THAT APPLY

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* 5. WHY do you use Des Moines Parks and Recreation Facilities? PLEASE CHECK ALL THAT APPLY

If you could make ONE CHANGE to the Des Moines Parks and Recreation System that would best prepare it to serve all Des Moines residents into the distant future, what would it be?

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* 6. If you could make ONE CHANGE to the Des Moines Parks and Recreation System that would best prepare it to serve all Des Moines residents into the distant future, what would it be?

For each of the following statements, please indicate whether you see this as a High, Medium, or Low Priority for the City Parks and Recreation Department – or perhaps NOT a priority.

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* 7. For each of the following statements, please indicate whether you see this as a High, Medium, or Low Priority for the City Parks and Recreation Department – or perhaps NOT a priority.

  High priority Medium priority Low priority Not a priority
Build out the water trails and greenways network
Expand facilities for community gatherings, cultural exchanges and special events
Equally serve all areas of the City so that all citizens are within a 10-minute walk of parkland and have access to a broad range of programs
Connect the trails—complete the major gaps and link neighborhoods
Acquire more parks to support future growth and serve existing gaps (this addition may be covered below)
Improve the distribution of parks throughout the city
Continue to improve parks and facilities for those with disabilities (vision-impaired, physical, sound)
Expand aquatics programs
Expand sports programs/sports facilities
Expand/enhance outdoor and environmental education programs (building bird houses, fishing, canoeing, water quality)
Expand/enhance general recreation programs
Improve habitat and ecological restoration and protection efforts including water quality (butterfly gardens, pollinator habitat, buffer strips)
Find more ways to generate revenue for the system
Expand the volunteer network and services supporting the system
Opportunities to locally grow food
What else do you want to tell us about the Des Moines Parks and Recreation system of the future and what we should do to plan for it?

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* 8. What else do you want to tell us about the Des Moines Parks and Recreation system of the future and what we should do to plan for it?

Finally, some quick questions about yourself:
Are you a Des Moines resident?

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* 9. Are you a Des Moines resident?

What is your zip code?

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* 10. What is your zip code?

Which category best describes your age?

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* 11. Which category best describes your age?

Which category best describes your gender identity?

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* 12. Which category best describes your gender identity?

Do you have children under the age of 18 living with you full- or part-time at home?

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* 13. Do you have children under the age of 18 living with you full- or part-time at home?

What is your race?

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* 14. What is your race?

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