Monday, April 03, 2000
Kenton residents want parks nearby
Survey results will guide plan
BY CINDY SCHROEDER
The Cincinnati Enquirer
A survey of Kenton County residents shows they want neighborhood parks within a five- to 10-minute drive of their home.
The survey of 300 people was done by Brandstetter Carroll Inc. to help the Lexington firm in its development of a countywide parks and recreation master plan, said Kenton County commissioner Barb Black.
The firm specializes in parks and recreation planning.
Eighty-one percent of those surveyed said it was “very important or somewhat important” that a neighborhood park be within a five- to 10-minute drive.
“I'm hoping the final report will give us some practical suggestions on how to go about realizing some of the things considered priorities,” Mrs. Black said. She serves as a liaison between Kenton Fiscal Court and the county's parks and recreation commission.
While respondents of the survey generally were satisfied with existing recreational facilities, most wanted parks closer to their homes that met the needs of different age groups.
“Whether (respondents) had small children or were older, the No. 1 thing they mentioned was the importance of having a neighborhood park within five to 10 minutes of their home,” she said.
Mrs. Black and members of the recreation commission will review the preliminary plan on April 11.
Mrs. Black sees the county working with the Kenton County Mayors Group to discuss how the county and cities can accomplish some of the goals when Brandstetter and Carroll releases its final plan.
She said the county probably could provide in-kind services or share equipment with cities, as it did when it helped with trail development in Crescent Springs Community Park.
In a related matter, Mrs. Black said Kenton County will start a “Wild Wednesdays” program on May 3 in Mills Road Park, a 100-acre park near Independence.
The program will acquaint residents with county parks in or near their communities, said Steve Trauger, Kenton County recreation programs coordinator.
The free program for residents of all ages will be from 10 a.m. to about 11:30 a.m. each Wednesday through Sept. 27 at Shelterhouse No. 2. It is being presented by the Parks and Recreation program and the Kenton County Cooperative Extension Service.
Raptors Rehabilitation of Kentucky will present the first program May 3 with about five birds of prey, including a bald eagle.
Future presenters include the Cincinnati Zoo, and Kentucky singer-songwriters and storytellers.
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