Winchester Parks and Recreation Future to be Determined by Survey Questionnaire

WINCHESTER, VA (07/02/2014)(readMedia)-- Winchester Parks and Recreation invites community feedback through survey questionnaires and on-line engagement via Mind Mixer. The City of Winchester Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to announce the launch the Needs Assessment Survey Questionnaire as well as a new comprehensive community engagement website, developed by Mind Mixer, where citizens can engage, communicate and collaborate with community decision makers and other residents on our community's park and recreation future.

The goal is to get Winchestrians involved in the Needs Assessment planning process. A random sampling of 3000 Winchester residents will receive a mailed questionnaire over the next week. This questionnaire can be completed manually and mailed back to the Needs Assessment consultants GreenPlay or can be completed on-line and returned in a digital format. Returned Survey Questionnaires will be part of statistically valid study. In addition to the statistically valid study via survey results, Winchestrians can also complete the same questionnaire that will not be part of the statistically valid study but whose data will be considered in final recommendations from the consulting firm. These Survey Questionnaires can be picked up at the War Memorial Building in Jim Barnett Park and Rouss City Hall beginning July 10th. Finally, WPRD's Mind Mixer website called "Play Your Heart Out Winchester", provides another vehicle for community engagement and will be used as an online tool to generate new ideas and feedback from citizens using this interactive and accessible new platform. The Play Your Heart Out Winchester URL is here: http://winchester.mindmixer.com/

Feedback from the engagement website, the questionnaire returns and the statisically valid study will be used by City staff, GreenPlay and City Council to shape parks and recreationin the coming years in our community, first though the recommendation of this Needs Assessment and finally the 5 year Master Plan.

"We are committed to improving the human condition in Winchester and this survey questionnaire will help us drill down to target areas of greatest need so we know how to best allocate our resources. Right now, there is guesswork involved in programming and squeaky wheels getting the grease. This process will result in a fair and equitable distribution of park and recreation resources", said Director of Parks and Recreation, Jennifer Jones.

Don't miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to respond to the mailed out questionnaire or engage on-line. This is the first time the City of Winchester has allocated funds for expert consultation regarding parks and recreation needs. The total cost of the Needs Assessment study was $47,000. This financial allocation reflects the commitment that Winchester Common Council and City leadership place on parks and recreation resources in creating a more livable City for all and improving the quality of life in Winchester.