Survey suggests Elgin parks are primo

The bar was set pretty high after a 2005 survey done by Elgin's Parks and Recreation Department.

But people polled in 2008 showed there was still room to improve for the city's recreation leaders.

Four years ago, 96 percent of people surveyed had a positive perception of the department's contribution to Elgin's image and quality of life.

Last year, that number rose to 98.7 percent.

"There wasn't a lot of room for an increase, but we were able to take it up a notch," said Randy Reopelle, parks and recreation department director, crediting the rise to customer service training and asking residents what programs and services they want.

"We're improving in that regard. We're getting better and trying to get better. It reflects a great job by staff, full-time, part-time and seasonal," he added.

Reopelle said that, overall, there were not any big changes suggested by people or surprise findings.

One area where people were concerned was how the department markets its programs and events and that the city's Web site, cityofelgin.org, was difficult to navigate.

The Web site was redesigned late last year; Reopelle said he and his staff will be evaluating how to better promote some of the department's offerings.

"Marketing in general is something you can always improve," he said.

Reopelle said the survey was randomly distributed to one out of every four Elgin area households. About 815 residents responded, a return rate of nearly 8 percent.

"It's an important part of the city and its services. (residents) consider it a big part of living in Elgin," he said.