Pleasanton Parks and Recreation Master Plan

Page | 8 APPENDIX C EVALUATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR RECREATION PROGRAMMING AND SERVICE NEEDS Introduction The evaluation of programs is intended to help focus the strategic direction for recreation services and programs in the future. The City of Pleasanton Community Services Department is providing an exceptional level of service in meeting many of the community’s recreation needs and working with other organizations to provide youth and family sports programs, recreational classes, and special events. The Community wide telephone survey found that more than 97% of the residents stated they are Very or Somewhat Satisfied with existing park and recreation facilities and recreational programming in the City of Pleasanton. Statistics provided by the City of Pleasanton show attendance at recreation programming in excess of 72,000. Appendix 1 displays the program participation attendance numbers for the most recent year for the City of Pleasanton. Based on interviews with staff, key public stakeholders, review and analysis of current programs, along with state, and national trends, clearly the City of Pleasanton Community Services Department is providing an exceptional level of programming for the residents of the city and surrounding areas. Despite this, there are some program areas that can be enhanced and or improved to match and move in advance of emerging trends and changes in use patterns. One of the top recreation program preferences stated in the community input process was organized youth sports, especially soccer, and youth basketball. While the city has an abundance of programs for youth there is a need for more specialized teen programming and corresponding facility to bridge the gap and serve youth from 12‐17 years. The city lacks adequate meeting spaces, especially for large organization lunch/dinner events, has inadequate space to develop health and fitness programming, and the Department’s administrative staff is spread throughout the city. The compilation of these factors leads to the recommendation that the city move forward and evaluate the costs, timing, and potential location for the development of a large facility that would house community functions, teens, and office space. The City has recently expanded its cultural arts program with the addition of the Firehouse Theater, and while this new facility features an exciting and varied schedule, the success of the Firehouse Theater has impacted the Amador Theater located at the high school. The community’s preference for individual aerobics and fitness activity is likely to continue. Of the twelve recreation activities tested in the phone survey Walking/Jogging/Running/Hiking on Public Trails showed the largest participation by residents. Pleasanton Community Services Department recognizes it needs to build volunteer support and provide opportunities for people to give back to the community through volunteer service and thus are encouraged to develop a program of Play/Park Stewards. While more than four in ten households (42%) reported members who participated in music, drama, or performing arts, only 18% reported members who used programs for seniors. There is a gap or lack of