Parks and Rec to release community survey, collecting raffle prizes

     At the end of this month, Monticello Parks and Recreation will be pushing out a communitywide survey to gain feedback regarding current and future programming.

   Earlier this year, the department talked about using the expertise of MSA Professional Services to assist with long-range planning. Due to the cost associated with the initial idea, the Park Board and Parks and Rec staff chose to put something together in-house.

   “This survey will help us better identify and prioritize,” said Parks and Rec Director Jacob Oswald. “Feedback from our community members is vital in putting this plan together as we continue to move forward and offer new programs and amenities to improve the quality of life in Monticello.

   Wanting a successful return rate on the survey, Parks and Rec is offering raffle prizes to respondents as an incentive. The names of those who complete the survey will be thrown in for one of several prizes. This is where community members and businesses come in… Raffle prize donations are now being accepted. Some ideas Parks and Rec had in mind include:

   • Aquatic Center passes

   • A TV

   • A local camping package

   • Gifts baskets

   • A local spa day

   • A round of golf

   • A pool party

   • Outdoor games

   Winners of the raffle prizes will be announced during Monti Days in August.

   Oswald said they want participation in the survey from everyone in the community, not just one per household. Moms, dads, grandparents, youth, young adults, those with and without kids, senior citizens, and everyone who utilizes city parks and Parks and Rec programming.

   “Everyone has different interests,” he said. “And we don’t want just those with kids. We want everyone’s feedback.”

   The survey will be pushed out to those on the Parks and Rec civic recreation list. It’ll also be emailed, available via QR code, on the city’s website, and Parks and Rec Facebook page.

   Oswald said they not only got feedback from their board members, but City Administrator Russ Farnum as well.

   “They all looked at it and offered recommendations and adjustments,” he said.

   Some of the questions pertain to demographics and where people live within the community.

   “We want to gage where our results are coming from,” noted Oswald. “There are also national standards pertaining to where parks are and how far you have to go to get to them. In some areas of this community, it could be a 10- to 15-minute walk (to a park). Some areas are underserved.”

   Other questions deal with funding of the department, its programs, and facilities, whether improvements are needed at parks, and what activities would people like to see the department doing.

   “It’s at least a 10-minute survey,” warned Oswald. “The more people who help push us forward and fill out the survey, the better.”

   With some raffle prizes already in-hand, those who wish to donate can email Oswald at joswald@ci.monticello.ia.us.

   Following Monti Days in August, Parks and Rec hopes to have survey results compiled by sometime this fall.