Residents in the Cordova Recreation and Park District (CRPD) are highly satisfied with the condition of local parks, according to a recently commissioned independent survey. The survey was conducted Sept. 12th through Sept. 17th, 2015 by the opinion research firm EMC Research.

Respondents were overwhelmingly pleased with the quality of local parks with 74 percent of respondents rating them as either “excellent” or “good.” Also, 74 percent of respondents rated the job CRPD is doing as either “excellent” or “good.”

“The Cordova Recreation and Park District prides itself in providing quality parks and recreation programs to the community,” said CRPD Administrator James Rodems. “We are pleased residents are happy with the overall quality of the parks we provide.”

The survey also showed that residents are somewhat concerned about safety at local parks with only 54 percent rating “the safety of local parks” as “excellent” or “good.” Additionally, over 80 percent of respondents rated “maintain clean and safe parks,” “maintain safe playground equipment,” “improve park security with additional patrols and safety lighting,” and “reduce homelessness and drug use in our parks,” as either “very” or “somewhat”  important priorities.

“Safety has always been a priority in our parks,” said Rodems. “The truth is, while our parks are properly maintained, we do have significant infrastructure needs. We want to improve park safety at all of our parks by adding safety lighting, installing security cameras, and increasing park security patrols.”

“Children must feel safe and be safe in our parks,” added Rodems. “Parks and the programs they provide are important in keeping local children and youth safe and out of trouble when they are not in school.”

The survey also revealed residents were interested in providing local funds to maintain quality parks, senior services and afterschool youth programs. Approximately two-thirds of likely November 2016 voters indicated they were interested in providing local funding for parks and recreation. Additionally, after hearing information about local park and recreation needs, 75 percent indicated they would be interested in providing local funding.

For more information visit www.crpd.com.