Nearly all of the local jurisdictions and many separate organizations have worked to address the needs, expectations and desires of HARBOR Area residents. There are many ways to determine needs, expectations and desires including standards, surveys, and public input. Gaps that have been identified are primarily in the areas of trails, waterfront access and open space. Additionally, it is becoming apparent that there is the need for a centralized system that supports local organizations, ensures long term funding/maintenance and coordinates programs.

Organized Recreation Facility Standards
National standards exist for most organized recreation facilities. Those standards were compared to existing local facilities and population projections to determine gaps.
Table of Organized Recreation Facility Needs (pdf)

Trails, Waterfront and Open Space Facilities
National standards are not available to serve as a basis for analysis of gaps related to trails, waterfront access and open space. HARBOR, Inc. will rely on local input, surveys and generally accepted practice to determine appropriate and desirable facilities for trails, waterfront access and open space. There has been some initial efforts to identify Desired Trail Routes (Map 1-South, Map 2-North).

Surveys
Multiple surveys have been conducted by various agencies throughout the area. The results related to recreation needs and desires have been summarized. Summary of Surveys Indicating Recreation Preferences

Public Input
As this intiative moves forward, there will be a number of times that public opinion is solicited. The first public input meeting was held with local Organized Recreation interests to verify the accuracy of the national standards when compared to needs of local organizations. Needs for coordination, programming and funding were voiced at that meeting. Future meetings will be conducted for trails, waterfront and open space.
Organized Recreation Meeting Notes (2/1/06)

Recreation Working Committee Meeting Notes
June 9, 2005 Meeting Notes
October 4, 2005 Meeting Notes
November 22, 2005 Meeting Notes