Survey: Trails, nature areas high on Schaumburg Park District residents' wish list

More than nine out of 10 Schaumburg Park District households rate their local parks as excellent or good, according to the results of a recent independent survey.

That's about 12% higher than the national average, park district officials said this week in releasing the results of its latest Citizen Attitude and Interest Survey.

"Given that our operations were greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, we are extremely proud of the positive results of the Community Wide Survey," Executive Director Tony LaFrenere said in a statement.

"Our staff and board look forward to using the data provided by the residents to continue to meet the needs of the community and provide the best in recreation and leisure opportunities."

The results will be used to develop the district's next five-year master plan, as has been done in the past. For example, when the previous survey indicated residents wanted to see improvements to the Community Recreation Center, it led to a multiyear project there.

The latest survey was conducted by the independent ETC Institute, which concluded from the results that residents' current priorities include walking and biking trails, nature areas, indoor fitness facilities, and wellness programs.

Among the other highlights:

• 91% of households rated the district's programs as excellent or good, also 12% higher than the national average.

• 75% of households indicated that the Schaumburg Park District is the organization they use the most for indoor and outdoor recreation activities. That's 28% higher than the national average.

The full results of the survey can be found at parkfun.com/about/citizen-attitude-and-interest-survey.