Needs Assessment Findings
Needs Assessment Methodology
The Lions Park Master Plan utilized a triangulated needs assessment methodology to ensure the community’s highest priorities were accurately identified for the park’s long-range improvement plan.
A triangulated approach combines multiple analysis and engagement techniques, helping to reduce potential bias and strengthen the reliability of results. In this process, the more frequently a specific need was identified across different assessment methods, the higher it was prioritized for inclusion in the final master plan recommendations.
Following is a brief summary of each technique utilized and its key findings. A more detailed summary can be found here.
Summary of Key Findings:
2. Nature-based amenities, programs, and experiences were by the most valued by respondents, but Lions Park needs to do a better job facilitating access to the natural environment, including Eagle Creek.
4. Cumulative findings suggest that the newly acquired 5-acre parcel should provide unique/different amenities and experiences compared to the existing portion of the park, specifically those which are flexible, multi-use and/or are nature-based.
1. Lions Park is a core community destination that should have multi-generational appeal, which will require investing in additional programs, events, and amenities which appeal to teens and adults, especially those without children.
3. While the park is well-maintained overall, it would benefit from investment in additional connecting paths to improve access, circulation, and ADA accessibility, as well as a greater variety of seating, gathering areas, and flexible multi-use greenspaces.
Existing Conditions Analysis
An essential initial phase of the analysis involved the project team thoroughly assessing the opportunities and constraints associated with both the existing Lions Park site and the newly acquired 5-acre parcel to the north.
Opportunities:
Lions Park enjoys an excellent location within the Village and along Eagle Creek, making it easily accessible and highly visible. The park is consistently well used and remains an active destination for community members. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained grounds, which feature an impressive tree canopy, including several legacy and specimen trees. The site is also well connected by road, trail, and sidewalk, further enhancing accessibility and drawing people into the park’s welcoming environment.
Challenges:
The site does face several challenges. Regular flooding and drainage issues have impacted portions of the park due to its location within the floodplain of Eagle Creek, and internal circulation as well as ADA accessibility need improvement. Current amenities are heavily weighted toward youth users, and there is a clear opportunity for the park to better embrace and provide access to Eagle Creek. Much of the existing parking is concentrated on the far south side, while maintenance and storage facilities remain decentralized. In addition, aging utilities and site infrastructure present ongoing concerns that need to be addressed.
Community Workshop
Lions Park is a treasured community asset, making it essential for the Project Team to clearly understand residents' needs and vision for its future. To accomplish this, the Project Team hosted an open public workshop on April 30, 2024, inviting community members to participate in several self-directed exercises. These activities gathered valuable feedback on desired park facilities and amenities, investment priorities, and long-term aspirations for Lions Park. The workshop was publicly advertised well in advance and drew participation from more than 40 residents. Structured in an open-house format, attendees had the flexibility to drop in at any point between 6:00 PM and 8:30 PM, making the event accessible and convenient for community members.
Key findings include:
Participants view Lions Park as a central, multi-generational community destination that should offer "something for everyone."
Community members expressed a clear need for additional facilities, amenities, and programs targeted specifically toward adults and teens.
There was strong support for incorporating passive recreation and nature-based amenities within the newly acquired 5-acre expansion area.
Public Opinion Survey
The Project Team also conducted a detailed online survey that was available for local residents and visitors. This survey gathered feedback similar to that collected during the workshops but explored topics in greater depth. Administered online, the survey was open from March 29th to July 18th, 2024, and resulted in a robust response, with a total of 892 completed surveys received. A detailed summary of the findings from the survey can be viewed here.
Stakeholder Interviews and Focus Groups
