Rifle 2024 Parks _ Rec Survey_Report.pdf

2024 City of Rifle Parks and Recreation

Survey Findings Report

Presented to the City of Rifle, CO

June 2024

Contents

Executive Summary .................................................................... i

Section 1: Charts and Graphs

Section 2: Priority Investment Rating

Section 3: Benchmarking Analysis

Section 4: Tabular Data

Section 5: Survey Instrument

Executive Summary

2024 City of Rifle Parks and Recreation Survey: Findings Report

ETC Institute (2024) Page i

ETC Institute (2024) Page ii

2024 City of Rifle Parks and Recreation Survey

PURPOSE

ETC Institute conducted a parks and recreation survey for the City of Rifle during the spring of 2024.

The survey was conducted to help determine recreation priorities for the community. The results will aid the City in taking a resident-driven approach to recreation planning to enhance the community and improve the quality of life for residents.

METHODOLOGY

The six-page survey, cover letter and postage-paid return envelope were mailed to all households in the City of Rifle. The cover letter explained the purpose of the survey and encouraged residents to either return their survey by mail or complete the survey online. Approximately ten days after the surveys were mailed, ETC Institute sent follow-ups to the households that received the survey to encourage participation.

The goal was to obtain surveys from at least 300 residents. This goal was met, with a total of 300 households responding to the survey. The results for the sample of 300 households have a 95% level of confidence with a precision rate of at least +/- 5.6%.

This report contains the following:

• An executive summary of the methodology for administering the survey and major findings

• Charts showing the overall results of the survey (Section 1)

• Priority Investment Rating (PIR) that identifies priorities for facilities and programs (Section 2)

• Benchmarking analysis comparing the City of Rifle’s results to national results (Section 3)

• Tabular data showing the overall results for all questions on the survey (Section 4)

• A copy of the survey instrument (Section 5)

The percentage of “don’t know” or “not provided” responses has been excluded from many of the graphs shown in this report to facilitate valid comparisons of the results from the City of Rifle with the results from other communities where ETC Institute has conducted a parks and recreation survey.

Since the number of “don’t know”/”not provided” responses often reflects the utilization and awareness of services, the percentage of those responses has been provided in the tabular data section of this report. When the “don’t know”/“not provided” responses have been excluded, the text of this report will indicate that the responses have been excluded with either the phrase “who had an opinion.”

ETC Institute (2024) Page iii

USAGE AND RATINGS OF PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES

Most residents surveyed (93%) indicated their household visited City of Rifle parks and recreation facilities during the past 12 months. More than half (52%) of those who visited parks and/or facilities in the past 12 months and provided a response indicated they did so at least once a week;

29% visited 1 to 3 times a month, and 18% visited parks and/or facilities less than once a month.

When respondents who visited parks and/or facilities in the past 12 months were asked how they would rate the physical condition of the City parks and facilities they have visited, 88% who had an opinion rated the condition as “excellent” or “good,” and 12% rated the condition as “fair” or “poor.”

REASONS PREVENTING HOUSEHOLDS FROM USING CITY PARKS/FACILITIES MORE OFTEN

Twenty-seven percent (27%) of respondents indicated the lack of desired features prevented them from using City of Rifle parks or recreation facilities more often. Other reasons include: lack of restrooms (20%), lack of awareness of park or trail locations (17%), and not feeling safe using parks/trails (16%). Multiple responses could be made for this question.

PARTICIPATION IN AND RATINGS OF PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES

Forty-four percent (44%) of residents surveyed indicated their household participated in City of Rifle recreation programs and activities during the past 12 months. More than one-fourth (26%) of those who participated in programs and/or activities in the past 12 months and provided a response indicated they did so at least 4 times; 53% participated 2 to 3 programs/activities, and 20% participated in one program/activity in the past 12 months.

When respondents who participated in programs/activities in the past 12 months were asked how they would rate their overall quality, 90% who had an opinion rated the condition as “excellent” or “good,” and 10% rated the condition as “fair” or “poor.”

REASONS PREVENTING HOUSEHOLDS FROM PARTICIPATING IN PROGRAMS MORE OFTEN

Thirty-three percent (33%) of residents surveyed indicated the lack of knowledge of what is offered prevented them from participating in City of Rifle programs more often. Other reasons include:

too busy/not interested (22%), program times are not convenient (21%), program not offered (16%), and classes are full (16%). Multiple responses could be made for this question.

ORGANIZATIONS USED FOR RECREATION PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES

Sixty-six percent (66%) of residents surveyed indicated they have used the City of Rifle for recreation programs and activities during the past 12 months. Other organizations used include:

neighboring cities (36%), public schools (32%), the County (28%), and places of worship (22%).

Multiple responses could be made for this question.

ETC Institute (2024) Page iv

WAYS RESPONDENTS LEARN ABOUT RECREATION PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES

Sixty percent (60%) of respondents indicated that Facebook is the primary way they learn about City of Rifle recreation programs and activities. Other ways respondents learn include: friends and neighbors (50%), the City website (43%), banners at parks or City facilities (29%), newspaper (27%), and the City activity guide (24%). Multiple responses could be made for this question.

Based on the sum of their top three choices, the methods of communication that residents would most prefer the City use to communicate about recreation programs and activities are:

1) Facebook, 2) the City website, and 3) email/eBlasts from the City.

OTHER FINDINGS

More than half (56%) of residents surveyed indicated they are “definitely in favor” of voting for a new tax initiative to build an indoor community center that included the facilities, amenities, programs, and activities most important to their household; 21% indicated they are “likely in favor” of this initiative, 13% are “not sure,” 3% are “not in favor,” and 7% are “not at all in favor” of this initiative.

When residents who indicated they were “not sure” or “not in favor” of a tax initiative were asked why, 64% responded, “I do not support any new or increased taxes in the City of Rifle;”

46% responded, “I believe those who use a new indoor community center should help fund the project with user fees,” and 36% answered, “I need more information before I can respond.” Multiple responses could be made for this question.

Residents were asked to indicate how they would allocate a budget of $100 for indoor recreation services provided by the City of Rifle. The following were their responses:

upgrade/improve existing facilities ($19.56), build/add new facilities ($59.19), enhance and/or add new programming ($17.49), and other improvements ($3.76).

Forty-four percent (44%) of residents surveyed, who had an opinion indicated they are “very familiar” or “familiar” with the City’s 1% sales tax that is used to fund Parks and Recreation services in the City of Rifle; 12% are “neutral,” 32% are “not familiar,” and 12% are “not at all familiar” with the 1% sales tax.

Sixty-three percent (63%) of residents surveyed, who had an opinion, rated the overall value their household receives from the City’s Parks and Recreation services as “excellent” or “good;” 28% would rate the value as “fair,” and 9% would rate the value as “poor.”

ETC Institute (2024) Page v

PARK FACILITY/AMENITY NEEDS AND PRIORITIES

Park Facility/Amenity Needs: Respondents were asked to identify if their household had a need for 25 park facilities/amenities and rate how well their needs for each were currently being met.

Based on this analysis, ETC Institute was able to estimate the number of households in the community that had the greatest “unmet” need for various facilities/amenities.

The three park facilities/amenities with the highest percentage of households that indicated a need were: multi-use paved trails (94%), large community parks (92%), and picnic areas and shelters (91%). When ETC Institute analyzed the needs in the community, these same three facilities/amenities had a need that affected more than 3,300 households.

ETC Institute estimates a total of 2,714 households in the City of Rifle that have a need, have unmet needs for a community center. The estimated number of households that have unmet needs for each of the 25 park facilities/amenities that were assessed is shown in the chart below.

ETC Institute (2024) Page vi

Park Facility/Amenity Importance: In addition to assessing the needs for each park facility/amenity, ETC Institute also assessed the importance that residents placed on each. Based on the sum of respondents’ top four choices, the most important park facilities/amenities to households were: community center (59%), multi-use paved trails (29%), Rifle Mountain Park (23%), and multi-use unpaved trails (23%). The percentage of residents who selected each facility/amenity as one of their top four choices is shown in the chart below.

Priorities for Park Facility/Amenity Investments: The Priority Investment Rating (PIR) was developed by ETC Institute to provide organizations with an objective tool for evaluating the priority that should be placed on facilities/amenities. The PIR equally weights (1) the importance that residents place on facilities/amenities and (2) how many residents have unmet needs for the facility/amenity. [Details regarding the methodology for this analysis are provided in Section 2 of this report.]

ETC Institute (2024) Page vii

Based the Priority Investment Rating (PIR), the following four park facilities/amenities were rated as high priorities for investment:

• Community center (PIR=200)

• Indoor walking/jogging track (PIR=128)

• Multi-use paved trails (PIR=105)

• Indoor basketball/volleyball courts (PIR=103)

The chart below shows the Priority Investment Rating for each park facility/amenity that was assessed on the survey.

PROGRAM/ACTIVITY NEEDS AND PRIORITIES

Program/Activity Needs. Respondents were asked to identify if their household had a need for 24 recreation programs/activities and rate how well their needs for each were currently being met.

Based on this analysis, ETC Institute was able to estimate the number of households in the community that had “unmet” needs for each program/activity.

ETC Institute (2024) Page viii

The three programs/activities with the highest percentage of households that had needs were:

community special events (80%), exercise classes for all ages (77%), and adult fitness and wellness programs (75%). When ETC Institute analyzed the needs in the community, all three of these programs/activities had a need that affected more than 2,700 households.

ETC Institute estimates a total of 2,316 households in the City of Rifle that have a need, have unmet needs for exercise classes for all ages. The estimated number of households that have unmet needs for each of the 24 programs/activities that were assessed is shown in the chart below.

Program/Activity Importance. In addition to assessing the needs for each program/activity, ETC Institute also assessed the importance that residents place on each. Based on the sum of respondents’ top four choices, the most important programs/activities to households were: adult fitness and wellness classes (41%), community special events (27%), exercise classes for all ages (25%), and after school programs for youth of all ages (19%). The percentage of residents who selected each program/activity as one of their top four choices is shown in the chart on the following page.

ETC Institute (2024) Page ix

Priorities for Program/Activity Investments. Based on the priority investment rating (PIR), which was described briefly on page vi of this Executive Summary and is described in more detail in Section 2 of this report, the following seven programs/activities were rated as “high priorities” for investment:

• Adult fitness and wellness programs (PIR=200)

• Exercise classes for all ages (PIR=161)

• Community special events (PIR=134)

• Outdoor environmental/nature camps and programs) (PIR=116)

• STEAM/tech classes (PIR=105)

• After school programs for youth of all ages (PIR=103)

• Water fitness programs/lap swimming (PIR=102)

The chart below shows the Priority Investment Rating (PIR) for each of the programs/activities that were rated.

ETC Institute (2024) Page x

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

When analyzing the park facilities/amenities and programs/activities offered by City of Rifle, the following were the items for which the highest number of residents had a need: multi-use paved trails, large community parks, picnic areas and shelters, community special events, exercise classes for all ages, and adult fitness and wellness programs. Focusing on these items would provide the greatest benefit for the largest number of residents in City of Rifle.

Making certain the City’s availability of facilities/amenities and programs/activities encompasses the greatest number of households ensures funding is appropriately allocated to give the community the greatest benefit possible. In order to ensure that City of Rifle continues to meet the needs and expectations of the community, ETC Institute recommends sustaining and/or improving the performance in areas that were identified as “high priorities” by the Priority Investment Rating

(PIR).

The facilities/amenities and programs/activities with the highest PIR ratings are listed on the following page.

ETC Institute (2024) Page xi

Park Facility/Amenity Priorities o Community center (PIR=200) o Indoor walking/jogging track (PIR=128) o Multi-use paved trails (PIR=105) o Indoor basketball/volleyball courts (PIR=103)

Program/Activity Priorities o Adult fitness and wellness programs (PIR=200) o Exercise classes for all ages (PIR=161) o Community special events (PIR=134) o Outdoor environmental/nature camps and programs) (PIR=116) o STEAM/tech classes (PIR=105) o After school programs for youth of all ages (PIR=103) o Water fitness programs/lap swimming (PIR=102)

Charts and Graphs

ETC Institute (2024) Page 1

7%

8%

7%

7% 5%13%

16%

13%

11% 8% 6%

Under age 5 Ages 5 to 9 Ages 10 to 14 Ages 15 to 19 Ages 20 to 24 Ages 25-34 Ages 35 to 44 Ages 45 to 54 Ages 55 to 64 Ages 65 to 74 Ages 75+

Q1. Ages of Household Members by percentage of persons in the household

ETC Institute (2024) Page 2

Q2. Have you or any members of your household visited any parks or recreation facilities offered by the City of Rifle during the past 12 months?

93%

7%

Yes No by percentage of respondents

ETC Institute (2024) Page 3

Q2a. How often have you visited City of Rifle parks and/or facilities during the past 12 months?

10%

28%

14%

29% 18%

5+ times a week 2-4 times a week Once a week 1-3 times a month Less than once a month by percentage of respondents who answered “yes" to Question 2 (excluding “don’t know”)

ETC Institute (2024) Page 4

Q2b. Overall, how would you rate the physical condition of ALL City of Rifle parks and facilities you have visited?

27%

61%

12%

Excellent Good Fair/Poor by percentage of respondents who answered “yes" to Question 2 (excluding “not provided”)

ETC Institute (2024) Page 5

27%

20%

17%

16%

10%

10%

5%

4%

4%

3%

3%

2%

Lack of features we want to use

Lack of restrooms

Not aware of park or trail locations

Do not feel safe using parks/trails

Use parks/trails in other cities

Lack of parking to access parks/trails

Lack of handicap accessibility

Parks/trails are not well maintained

Too far from my home

Lack of trust in government

Lack of transportation

Language/cultural barriers

0% 10% 20% 30%

Q3. Reasons Preventing Households From Using City of Rifle Parks or Recreation Facilities More Often by percentage of respondents (multiple selections could be made)

ETC Institute (2024) Page 6

Q4. Has your household participated in any recreation programs offered by the City of Rifle during the past 12 months?

44%

56%

Yes No by percentage of respondents

ETC Institute (2024) Page 7

Q4a. How many programs and/or activities offered by the City of Rifle have you or members of your household participated in during the past 12 months?

20%53%

17%

9%

One 2-3 4-6 7+ by percentage of respondents who answered “yes" to Question 4 (excluding “not provided”)

ETC Institute (2024) Page 8

Q4b. How would you rate the overall quality of the City of Rifle recreation programs and/or activities in which your household has participated?

40%

50% 10%

Excellent Good Fair/Poor by percentage of respondents who answered “yes" to Question 4 (excluding “not provided”)

ETC Institute (2024) Page 9

33%

22%

21%

16%

16%

10%

9%

8%

7%

7%

4%

3%

3%

3%

3%

2%

2%

I don't know what is offered

Too busy/not interested

Program times are not convenient

Program not offered

Classes are full

Fees are too high

Lack of quality programs

Use programs offered by other agencies

Lack of quality instructors

Old & outdated facilities

Registration is difficult

Lack of transportation

Lack of right program equipment

Lack of trust in government

Language/cultural barriers

Too far from my home

Poor customer service by staff

0% 10% 20% 30% 40%

Q5. Reasons Preventing Households From Participating in City of Rifle Recreation Programs or Activities More Often by percentage of respondents (multiple selections could be made)

ETC Institute (2024) Page 10

66%

36%

32%

28%

22%

15%

13%

7%

3%

2%

City of Rifle

Neighboring cities

Public schools

County

Places of worship (e.g., synagogues, churches)

Private clubs (tennis, health, swim, fitness)

Private & non-profit youth sports

Private summer camps

Homeowners association

Private schools

0% 20% 40% 60%

Q6. Organizations That Households Have Used for Recreation Programs and Activities During the Past 12 Months by percentage of respondents (multiple selections could be made)

ETC Institute (2024) Page 11

60%

50%

43%

29%

27%

24%

19%

15%

13%

11%

9%

6%

6%

1%

Facebook

Friends & neighbors

City website

Banners at parks or City facilities

Newspaper

City activity guide

Email/eBlasts from City

Flyers

Promotions at special events

City weekly newsletter

Materials at parks or recreation facilities

Conversations with recreation staff

Instagram

X (formerly Twitter)

0% 20% 40% 60%

Q7. Ways That Households Learn About City of Rifle Recreation Programs and Activities by percentage of respondents (multiple selections could be made)

ETC Institute (2024) Page 12

1%

54% 35%

32% 31%

22% 21%

16% 15%

9% 8%

4% 3%

1%

Facebook

City website

Email/eBlasts from City

City activity guide

Banners at parks or City facilities

Newspaper

City weekly newsletter

Flyers

Friends & neighbors

Instagram

Materials at parks or recreation facilities

Promotions at special events

Conversations with recreation staff

X (formerly Twitter)

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

1st Choice 2nd Choice 3rd Choice

Q8. Methods of Communication That Residents Would Most Prefer the City Use to Communicate About Recreation

Programs and Activities by percentage of respondents who selected the item as one of their top three choices

ETC Institute (2024) Page 13

24.1

24.7

27%

30%

20%

29%

18%

19%

26%

22%

23%

15%

17%

17%

49%

43%

49%

37%

47%

46%

37%

40%

36%

43%

37%

33%

19%

20%

25%

25%

25%

27%

29%

30%

22%

29%

30%

34%

6%

7%

6%

8%

10%

8%

8%

9%

19%

14%

16%

16%

Preserves open space and protects the environment

Improves my (my household's) physical health and f

Provides volunteer opportunities for the community

Makes Rifle a more desirable place to live

Provides jobs/professional development for youth

Provides positive social interactions for me (my h

Improves my (my household's) mental health and red

Positively impacts economic/business development

Helps to reduce crime in my neighborhood and keep

Is age-friendly and accessible to all age groups

Increases my (my household's) property value

Helps to attract new residents

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree

Q9. Agreement With the Following Statements About Potential Benefits of the City’s Parks and Recreation Services by percentage of households (excluding “don’t know”)

Improves my (my household's) physical health and fitness

Provides positive social interactions for me (my household/family)

Improves my (my household's) mental health and reduces stress

Helps to reduce crime in my neighborhood and keep kids out of trouble

Parks and recreation services in Rifle...

ETC Institute (2024) Page 14

94% 92% 91%

89% 88% 88%

86% 84%

81% 81%

77% 77%

74% 71%

70% 67%

64% 64%

60% 59% 59%

50% 42%

40% 34%

Multi-use paved trails Large community parks

Picnic areas and shelters Rifle Mountain Park

Multi-use unpaved trails Small neighborhood parks

Open space and conservation areas Community center

Outdoor amphitheater/outdoor performing arts venue Reserved shade structures

Park equipment for all abilities/all ages Indoor walking/jogging track

Outdoor multi-use courts Splash pads

Universally accessible play areas Outdoor exercise/fitness equipment

Indoor basketball/volleyball courts Rectangular sports fields

Diamond sports fields Off-leash dog park

Facility rentals Skate parks

Pool volleyball Disc golf

Bike park

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% by percentage of respondents who have a need for the facility/amenity

Q10[1]. Households That Have a Need for the Following Facilities/Amenities

ETC Institute (2024) Page 15

3,387 3,311 3,300

3,217 3,192 3,167

3,120 3,026

2,928 2,917

2,798 2,773

2,675 2,567 2,531

2,422 2,303 2,299

2,183 2,144 2,133

1,808 1,529

1,460 1,240

Multi-use paved trails Large community parks

Picnic areas and shelters Rifle Mountain Park

Multi-use unpaved trails Small neighborhood parks

Open space and conservation areas Community center

Outdoor amphitheater/outdoor performing arts venue Reserved shade structures

Park equipment for all abilities/all ages Indoor walking/jogging track

Outdoor multi-use courts Splash pads

Universally accessible play areas Outdoor exercise/fitness equipment

Indoor basketball/volleyball courts Rectangular sports fields

Diamond sports fields Off-leash dog park

Facility rentals Skate parks

Pool volleyball Disc golf

Bike park

0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000

Q10[1]. Estimated Number of Households That Have a Need for Facilities/Amenities by number of households based on 3,615 households in the City of Rifle

ETC Institute (2024) Page 16

49% 47%

36% 44%

39% 30%

23% 22%

31% 22% 25%

21% 20%

25% 21% 19% 19%

15% 11% 15%

8% 6% 6% 5% 4%

35% 35%

38% 24%

27% 34%

37% 38%

29% 37% 34%

35% 36%

30% 32%

34% 31%

29% 27%

12% 17%

12% 8%

7% 6%

11% 13%

21% 15%

24% 24% 32% 32% 31% 31% 32%

31% 32%

27% 30%

23% 31%

40% 37%

17% 19%

17% 23%

7% 10%

4% 5% 6%

17% 10% 12%

8% 8% 9%

11% 10%

13% 13%

18% 17%

24% 19%

16% 25%

57% 56%

66% 64%

81% 80%

Diamond sports fields Rifle Mountain Park

Large community parks Off-leash dog park

Skate parks Rectangular sports fields Picnic areas and shelters Multi-use unpaved trails

Splash pads Universally accessible play areas

Small neighborhood parks Multi-use paved trails

Open space and conservation areas Bike park

Facility rentals Outdoor amphitheater/outdoor performing arts venue

Park equipment for all abilities/all ages Reserved shade structures Outdoor multi-use courts

Disc golf Pool volleyball

Indoor basketball/volleyball courts Outdoor exercise/fitness equipment

Indoor walking/jogging track Community center

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Fully Met Mostly Met Partly Met Not Met

Q10[2]. How Well Facilities/Amenities in the City of Rifle Meet the Needs of Households by percentage of households that have a need for facilities/amenities

ETC Institute (2024) Page 17

Q10[3]. Estimated Number of Households in the City of Rifle Whose Needs for Facilities/Amenities Are Being Partly Met or Not Met

2,714 2,459

2,098 1,907

1,661 1,628

1,494 1,410 1,385 1,374

1,327 1,324

1,290 1,144

1,073 1,038 1,037

Community center Indoor walking/jogging track

Outdoor exercise/fitness equipment Indoor basketball/volleyball courts

Outdoor multi-use courts Reserved shade structures

Multi-use paved trails Park equipment for all abilities/all ages

Open space and conservation areas Outdoor amphitheater/outdoor performing arts venue

Picnic areas and shelters Small neighborhood parks

Multi-use unpaved trails Pool volleyball

Disc golf Universally accessible play areas

Splash pads Facility rentals

Large community parks Rectangular sports fields

Off-leash dog park Skate parks

Rifle Mountain Park Bike park

Diamond sports fields

0 1,000 2,000 3,000 Partly Met Not Met by number of households based on 3,615 households in the City of Rifle

ETC Institute (2024) Page 18

59% 29%

23% 23% 22%

19% 19%

15% 15%

14% 11%

10% 9% 9% 8%

7% 7%

6% 5%

4% 4%

3% 2% 2%

Community center Multi-use paved trails

Rifle Mountain Park Multi-use unpaved trails

Indoor walking/jogging track Indoor basketball/volleyball courts

Open space & conservation areas Small neighborhood parks

Large community parks Picnic areas & shelters

Off-leash dog park Park equipment for all abilities/all ages

Outdoor multi-use courts Splash pads

Outdoor amphitheater/outdoor performing arts venue Diamond sports fields

Outdoor exercise/fitness equipment Reserved shade structures

Disc golf Bike park

Facility rentals Rectangular sports fields

Skate parks Pool volleyball

Universally accessible play areas

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%

1st Choice 2nd Choice 3rd Choice 4th Choice

Q11. Facilities/Amenities That Are Most Important to Households by percentage of respondents who selected the item as one of their top four choices

ETC Institute (2024) Page 19

80% 77%

75% 63%

59% 58%

57% 55%

52% 52%

51% 49%

46% 45% 44% 44% 43% 43% 43% 43%

41% 29%

27% 23%

Community special events Exercise classes for all ages

Adult fitness and wellness programs Water fitness programs/lap swimming

Outdoor environmental/nature camps and programs Swim lessons

Cultural enrichment programs Adult sports leagues

After school programs for youth of all ages Youth summer programs and camps

STEAM/tech classes Youth sports programs and camps

Youth visual arts/crafts/performing arts programs Programs for at risk youth/crime prevention

Recreation/Competitive swim team Youth fitness and wellness classes

Pickleball lessons and leagues Youth performing arts programs Gymnastics/Tumbling programs

Teen/Tween programs Preschool programs/early childhood education

Programs for individuals with special needs Virtual programs

EGaming/ESports

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% by percentage of respondents who have a need for the program/activity

Q12[1]. Households That Have a Need for the Following Programs/Activities

ETC Institute (2024) Page 20

2,888 2,784

2,711 2,288

2,118 2,104

2,050 2,003

1,891 1,880

1,833 1,771

1,659 1,616 1,591 1,580 1,554 1,551 1,544 1,540

1,489 1,063

Community special events Exercise classes for all ages

Adult fitness and wellness programs Water fitness programs/lap swimming

Outdoor environmental/nature camps and programs Swim lessons

Cultural enrichment programs Adult sports leagues

After school programs for youth of all ages Youth summer programs and camps

STEAM/tech classes Youth sports programs and camps

Youth visual arts/crafts/performing arts programs Programs for at risk youth/crime prevention

Recreation/Competitive swim team Youth fitness and wellness classes

Pickleball lessons and leagues Youth performing arts programs Gymnastics/Tumbling programs

Teen/Tween programs Preschool programs/early childhood education

Programs for individuals with special needs Virtual programs

EGaming/ESports

0 1,000 2,000 3,000

Q12[1]. Estimated Number of Households That Have a Need for Programs/Activities by number of households based on 3,615 households in the City of Rifle

ETC Institute (2024) Page 21

31% 15% 14% 15% 15% 14%

10% 12% 11% 9% 14%

9% 9% 13% 9%

6% 6% 6% 8%

4%

7% 4% 6% 5%

35% 32%

32% 26%

21% 21%

21% 19%

18% 16%

9% 13% 13%

9% 11%

11% 11% 9% 7%

11% 8%

10% 8%

6%

23% 34%

40% 36%

37% 37%

37% 37%

35% 31%

40% 38%

35% 24%

43% 34% 34%

18% 26%

31% 40%

37% 30%

29%

11% 19%

14% 23%

27% 29%

33% 32%

37% 45%

38% 40%

43% 54%

37% 49% 50%

67% 59%

54% 45%

48% 56%

60%

Swim lessons Adult sports leagues

Community special events Youth sports programs and camps

Water fitness programs/lap swimming Youth summer programs and camps

After school programs for youth of all ages Cultural enrichment programs

Preschool programs/early childhood education Gymnastics/Tumbling programs

Programs for individuals with special needs Youth visual arts/crafts/performing arts programs

Teen/Tween programs EGaming/ESports

Youth fitness and wellness classes Exercise classes for all ages

Outdoor environmental/nature camps and programs Recreation/Competitive swim team

Programs for at risk youth/crime prevention Virtual programs

Youth performing arts programs Adult fitness and wellness programs

Pickleball lessons and leagues STEAM/tech classes

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Fully Met Mostly Met Partly Met Not Met

Q12[2]. How Well Programs/Activities in the City of Rifle Meet the Needs of Households by percentage of households that have a need for programs/activities

ETC Institute (2024) Page 22

Q12[3]. Estimated Number of Households in the City of Rifle Whose Needs for Programs/Activities Are Being Partly Met or Not Met

2,316 2,312

1,769 1,628

1,577 1,483

1,424 1,375 1,350 1,336 1,323 1,312 1,288 1,266

1,227 1,204

1,158 1,070 1,062 1,048

Exercise classes for all ages Adult fitness and wellness programs

Outdoor environmental/nature camps and programs STEAM/tech classes

Community special events Water fitness programs/lap swimming

Cultural enrichment programs Programs for at risk youth/crime prevention

Recreation/Competitive swim team Pickleball lessons and leagues

Youth performing arts programs After school programs for youth of all ages

Youth visual arts/crafts/performing arts programs Youth fitness and wellness classes

Youth summer programs and camps Teen/Tween programs

Gymnastics/Tumbling programs Preschool programs/early childhood education

Adult sports leagues Youth sports programs and camps

Virtual programs Programs for individuals with special needs

Swim lessons EGaming/ESports

0 1,000 2,000 3,000

Partly Met Not Met by number of households based on 3,615 households in the City of Rifle

ETC Institute (2024) Page 23

41% 27%

25% 19%

16% 15%

14% 14% 14% 14%

12% 12% 12%

9% 7% 7% 7% 7%

4% 4% 4% 3%

2% 2%

Adult fitness and wellness programs Community special events

Exercise classes for all ages After school programs for youth of all ages

Outdoor environmental/nature camps and programs Water fitness programs/lap swimming

Adult sports leagues Youth sports programs and camps

STEAM/tech classes Swim lessons

Programs for at risk youth/crime prevention Youth summer programs and camps

Cultural enrichment programs Pickleball lessons and leagues

Preschool programs/early childhood education Teen/Tween programs

Gymnastics/Tumbling programs Youth performing arts programs

Youth fitness and wellness classes Recreation/Competitive swim team

Programs for individuals with special needs Youth visual arts/crafts/performing arts programs

EGaming/ESports Virtual programs

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

1st Choice 2nd Choice 3rd Choice 4th Choice

Q13. Programs/Activities That Are Most Important to Households by percentage of respondents who selected the item as one of their top four choices

ETC Institute (2024) Page 24

Q14. Likelihood of Voting for a New Tax Initiative to Build an Indoor Community Center That Included the Facilities, Amenities, Programs, and Activities Most Important to Households

56%

21% 13%

3% 7%

Definitely in favor Likely in favor Not sure Not in favor Not at all in favor by percentage of respondents

ETC Institute (2024) Page 25

64%

46%

36%

22%

19%

I do not support any new or increased taxes in the

I believe those who use a new indoor community cen

I need more information before I can respond

I would not use any features included in a new ind

City of Rifle does not need a new indoor community

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Q14a. Reasons for Not Voting in Favor of a Tax Incentive by percentage of respondents who answered “not sure,“ “not in favor,“ or “not at all in favor” to Question 14

(multiple selections could be made)

I do not support any new or increased taxes in the City of Rifle

I believe those who use a new indoor community center should help fund the project with user fees

I would not use any features included in a new indoor community center

City of Rifle does not need a new indoor community center

ETC Institute (2024) Page 26

70%

61%

60%

64%

55%

58%

53%

61%

53%

50%

44%

17%

22%

24%

24%

20%

28%

25%

28%

20%

27%

28%

26%

33%

3%

8%

8%

9%

11%

10%

12%

11%

11%

13%

20%

34%

4%

8%

8%

8%

6%

7%

7%

9%

9%

9%

10%

16%

An indoor community center should be designed to i

It is valuable to me to have an indoor community c

The community needs a indoor community center to s

The community needs an indoor community center

Our community needs more fitness, recreation, and

Our community needs more fitness, recreation, and

Our community needs more fitness, recreation, soci

An indoor community center would contribute to the

I believe an indoor community recreation center bo

An indoor community center should include a social

The community needs to create a regional attractio

Helps to attract new residents

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree

Q15. Agreement With the Following Statements by percentage of households (excluding “don’t know”)

It is valuable to me to have an indoor community center

An indoor community center should be designed to include amenities & facilities that all residents can use regardless of age or ability

The community needs a indoor community center to serve the growing needs of the community's recreation desires

Our community needs more fitness, recreation, and social opportunities for seniors

Our community needs more fitness, recreation, and social opportunities for adults

Our community needs more fitness, recreation, social, and afterschool opportunities for our youth

An indoor community center would contribute to the economic health of our community

I believe an indoor community recreation center boosts property values in the community

An indoor community center should include a social gathering component

Community needs to create a regional attraction by having facilities for hosting tournaments & events in our community

ETC Institute (2024) Page 27

42%

33%

29%

29%

27%

20%

16%

15%

15%

13%

12%

The community needs an indoor community center

It is valuable to me to have an indoor community c

Our community needs more fitness, recreation, soci

An indoor community center should be designed to i

Our community needs more fitness, recreation, and

The community needs a indoor community center to s

Our community needs more fitness, recreation, and

An indoor community center should include a social

I believe an indoor community recreation center bo

The community needs to create a regional attractio

An indoor community center would contribute to the

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 1st Choice 2nd Choice 3rd Choice

Q16. Statements That Are Most Important When Thinking About a New Indoor Community Recreation Center by percentage of respondents who selected the statement as one of their top three choices

It is valuable to me to have an indoor community center

Our community needs more fitness, recreation, social, and afterschool opportunities for our youth

An indoor community center should be designed to include amenities & facilities that all residents can use regardless of age or ability Our community needs more fitness, recreation, and social opportunities for adults The community needs a indoor community center to serve the growing needs of the community's recreation desires Our community needs more fitness, recreation, and social opportunities for seniors An indoor community center should include a social gathering component

I believe an indoor community recreation center boosts property values in the community

Community needs to create a regional attraction by having facilities for hosting tournaments & events in our community

An indoor community center would contribute to the economic health of our community

ETC Institute (2024) Page 28

Q17. How Residents Would Allocate $100 For Indoor Recreation Services Provided by the City of Rifle by amount of funds allocated

$19.56$59.19

$17.49

$3.76

Upgrade/improve existing facilities Build/add new facilities Enhance and/or add new programming Other

ETC Institute (2024) Page 29

Q18. How familiar are you with the City’s 1% sales tax that is used to fund Parks and Recreation services in the City of Rifle?

by percentage of respondents (excluding “not provided”)

17%

27%

12%

32% 12%

Very familiar Familiar Neutral Not familiar Not at all familar

ETC Institute (2024) Page 30

Q18a. How would you rate the overall value you and your household receive from the City’s Parks and Recreation services?

by percentage of respondents (excluding “not provided”)

20% 43%

28%

9%

Excellent Good Fair Poor

ETC Institute (2024) Page 31

Q19. Demographics: How many years have you lived in the City of Rifle?

by percentage of respondents (excluding “not provided”)

18%

21% 11%

10%

17%

24%

0-5 6-10 11-15 16-20 21-30 31+

ETC Institute (2024) Page 32

Q20. Demographics: Are you or any members of your family of Hispanic, Spanish, or Latino/a/x ancestry?

38%

62%

Yes No by percentage of respondents (excluding “not provided”)

ETC Institute (2024) Page 33

77%

1%

0%

14%

White or Caucasian

Black or African American

American Indian or Alaska Native

Asian or Asian Indian

Other

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% by percentage of respondents (multiple selections could be made)

Q21. Demographics: Race/Ethnicity

0.3%

ETC Institute (2024) Page 34

Q22. Demographics: Gender

50%

50%

Male Female by percentage of respondents (excluding “prefer not to answer”)

0.6% selected “non-binary” or “prefer to self-describe”

ETC Institute (2024) Page 35

Q23. Demographics: Age of Respondent by percentage of respondents

21%

21%

22%

16% 20%

18-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+

ETC Institute (2024) Page 36

Q24. Demographics: Are you registered to vote in the City of Rifle?

88%

12%

Yes No by percentage of respondents (excluding “not provided”)

ETC Institute (2024) Page 37

Priority Investment Rating

ETC Institute (2024) Page 38

Priority Investment Rating (PIR) Overview

The Priority Investment Rating (PIR) was developed by ETC Institute to provide governments with an objective tool for evaluating the priority that should be placed on parks and recreation investments. The Priority Investment Rating was developed by ETC Institute to identify the facilities/programs residents think should receive the highest priority for investment. The Priority Investment Rating reflects the importance residents place on items (sum of top 4 choices) and the unmet needs (needs that are only being partly met or not met) for each facility/amenity and program/activity relative to those that rated the highest overall. Since decisions related to future investments should consider both the level of unmet need and the importance of facilities/amenities and programs/activities, the PIR weights each of these components equally.

The PIR reflects the sum of the Unmet Needs Rating and the Importance Rating as shown in the equation below:

PIR = UNR + IR

For example, suppose the Unmet Needs Rating for playgrounds is 26.5 (out of 100) and the Importance Rating for playgrounds is 52 (out of 100), the Priority Investment Rating for playgrounds would be 78.5 (out of 200).

How to Analyze the Charts:

• High Priority Areas are those with a PIR of at least 100. A rating of 100 or above generally indicates there is a relatively high level of unmet need and residents generally think it is important to fund improvements in these areas. Improvements in this area are likely to have a positive impact on the greatest number of households.

• Medium Priority Areas are those with a PIR of 50-99. A rating in this range generally indicates there is a medium to high level of unmet need or a significant percentage of residents generally think it is important to fund improvements in these areas.

• Low Priority Areas are those with a PIR below 50. A rating in this range generally indicates there is a relatively low level of unmet need and residents do not think it is important to fund improvements in these areas. Improvements may be warranted if the needs of very specialized populations are being targeted.

The following pages show the Unmet Needs Rating, Importance Rating, and Priority Investment Rating for facilities/amenities and programs/activities.

ETC Institute (2024) Page 39

100.0 90.6

77.3 70.3

61.2 60.0

55.0 52.0

51.0 50.6

48.9 48.8

47.5 42.1

39.6 38.2 38.2

36.8 32.3

30.2 25.3

22.6 20.9 20.4

12.4

Community center Indoor walking/jogging track

Outdoor exercise/fitness equipment Indoor basketball/volleyball courts

Outdoor multi-use courts Reserved shade structures

Multi-use paved trails Park equipment for all abilities/all ages

Open space and conservation areas Outdoor amphitheater/outdoor performing arts venue

Picnic areas and shelters Small neighborhood parks

Multi-use unpaved trails Pool volleyball

Disc golf Universally accessible play areas

Splash pads Facility rentals

Large community parks Rectangular sports fields

Off-leash dog park Skate parks

Rifle Mountain Park Bike park

Diamond sports fields

0.0 20.0 40.0 60.0 80.0 100.0

Unmet Needs Rating for Facilities/Amenities the rating for the item with the most unmet need=100 the rating of all other items reflects the relative amount of unmet need for each item compared to the item with the most unmet need

ETC Institute (2024) Page 40

49.8

38.5 38.3 37.5

32.2 32.2

26.1 25.9

24.2 18.1

16.4 15.8 15.3

14.2 12.4

11.4 9.7

8.6 6.8 6.3

4.6 3.4 3.4

2.4

Community center Multi-use paved trails

Rifle Mountain Park Multi-use unpaved trails

Indoor walking/jogging track Indoor basketball/volleyball courts

Open space & conservation areas Small neighborhood parks

Large community parks Picnic areas & shelters

Off-leash dog park Park equipment for all abilities/all ages

Outdoor multi-use courts Splash pads

Outdoor amphitheater/outdoor performing arts venue Diamond sports fields

Outdoor exercise/fitness equipment Reserved shade structures

Disc golf Bike park

Facility rentals Rectangular sports fields

Pool volleyball Skate parks

Universally accessible play areas

0.0 20.0 40.0 60.0 80.0 100.0

Importance Rating for Facilities/Amenities the rating for the item rated as the most important=100 the rating of all other items reflects the relative level of importance for each item compared to the item rated as the most important

ETC Institute (2024) Page 41

Top Priorities for Investment for Facilities/Amenities Based on the Priority Investment Rating

Community center Indoor walking/jogging track

Multi-use paved trails Indoor basketball/volleyball courts

Outdoor exercise/fitness equipment Multi-use unpaved trails

Open space and conservation areas Outdoor multi-use courts

Small neighborhood parks Picnic areas and shelters

Reserved shade structures Park equipment for all abilities/all ages

Outdoor amphitheater/outdoor performing arts venue Rifle Mountain Park

Large community parks Splash pads

Disc golf Pool volleyball

Off-leash dog park Facility rentals

Universally accessible play areas Rectangular sports fields

Bike park Skate parks

Diamond sports fields

0 50 100 150 200

Medium Priority (50-99)

High Priority (100+)

Lower Priority (0-49)

ETC Institute (2024) Page 42

99.8

76.4 70.3

68.1 64.0

61.5 59.4

58.3 57.7 57.1 56.6

55.6 54.7

53.0 52.0

50.0 46.2 45.9 45.3

35.9 35.5

30.7 28.7

Exercise classes for all ages Adult fitness and wellness programs

Outdoor environmental/nature camps and programs STEAM/tech classes

Community special events Water fitness programs/lap swimming

Cultural enrichment programs Programs for at risk youth/crime prevention

Recreation/Competitive swim team Pickleball lessons and leagues

Youth performing arts programs After school programs for youth of all ages

Youth visual arts/crafts/performing arts programs Youth fitness and wellness classes

Youth summer programs and camps Teen/Tween programs

Gymnastics/Tumbling programs Preschool programs/early childhood education

Adult sports leagues Youth sports programs and camps

Virtual programs Programs for individuals with special needs

Swim lessons EGaming/ESports

0.0 20.0 40.0 60.0 80.0 100.0 the rating for the item rated as the most important=100 the rating of all other items reflects the relative level of importance for each item compared to the item rated as the most important

Unmet Needs Rating for Programs/Activities

ETC Institute (2024) Page 43

66.3

60.7 46.4

39.3 37.6

35.1 34.6 34.4 34.4

30.5 30.2 29.5

22.1 18.2 18.2

17.2 16.5

10.6 10.1

9.1 8.1

4.9 3.9

Adult fitness and wellness programs Community special events

Exercise classes for all ages After school programs for youth of all ages

Outdoor environmental/nature camps and programs Water fitness programs/lap swimming

Adult sports leagues Youth sports programs and camps

STEAM/tech classes Swim lessons

Programs for at risk youth/crime prevention Youth summer programs and camps

Cultural enrichment programs Pickleball lessons and leagues

Preschool programs/early childhood education Teen/Tween programs

Gymnastics/Tumbling programs Youth performing arts programs

Youth fitness and wellness classes Recreation/Competitive swim team

Programs for individuals with special needs Youth visual arts/crafts/performing arts programs

EGaming/ESports Virtual programs

0.0 20.0 40.0 60.0 80.0 100.0 the rating for the item with the most unmet need=100 the rating of all other items reflects the relative amount of unmet need for each item compared to the item with the most unmet need

Importance Rating for Programs/Activities

ETC Institute (2024) Page 44

Top Priorities for Investment for Programs/Activities Based on the Priority Investment Rating

Adult fitness and wellness programs Exercise classes for all ages Community special events

Outdoor environmental/nature camps and programs STEAM/tech classes

After school programs for youth of all ages Water fitness programs/lap swimming

Cultural enrichment programs Programs for at risk youth/crime prevention

Youth summer programs and camps Adult sports leagues

Youth sports programs and camps Pickleball lessons and leagues

Youth performing arts programs Teen/Tween programs

Recreation/Competitive swim team Gymnastics/Tumbling programs

Youth fitness and wellness classes Swim lessons

Preschool programs/early childhood education Youth visual arts/crafts/performing arts programs

Programs for individuals with special needs Virtual programs

EGaming/ESports

0 50 100 150 200

Medium Priority (50-99)

High Priority (100+)

Lower Priority (0-49)

ETC Institute (2024) Page 45

Benchmarking Analysis

ETC Institute (2024) Page 46

Benchmarking Analysis

Overview

Since 1998, ETC Institute has conducted household surveys for needs assessments, feasibility studies, customer satisfaction, fees and charges comparisons, and other parks and recreation issues in more than 500 communities in 49 states across the country.

The results of these surveys have provided an unparalleled database of information to compare responses from household residents in client communities to “National Averages” and therefore provide a unique tool to “assist organizations in better decision making.”

Communities within the database include a full-range of municipal and county governments, with populations ranging from 20,000 to over 1 million residents. They include communities in warm weather and cold weather climates, mature communities, and some of the fastest growing cities and counties in the country.

“National Averages” have been developed for numerous strategically important parks and recreation planning and management issues, including: customer satisfaction and usage of parks and programs;

methods for receiving marketing information; reasons that prevent members of households from using parks and recreation facilities more often; priority recreation programs, parks, facilities and trails to improve or develop; priority programming spaces to have in planned community centers and aquatic facilities; potential attendance for planned indoor community centers and outdoor aquatic centers, etc.

Results from household responses for the City of Rifle were compared to National Benchmarks to gain further strategic information. A summary of all comparisons is shown in the graphs on the following pages.

Note: The benchmarking data contained in this report is protected intellectual property. Any reproduction of the benchmarking information in this report by persons or organizations not directly affiliated with the City of Rifle is not authorized without written consent from ETC Institute.

ETC Institute (2024) Page 47

Overall, how would you rate the physical condition of parks and facilities you have visited?

Rifle vs. National Average by percentage of respondents

88%

80%

% of respondents who rated the quality as "excelle

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Rifle National Average

% of respondents who rated the physical condition of parks and facilities as "excellent" or "good"

ETC Institute (2024) Page 48

Reasons Preventing Households From Using City Parks or Recreation Facilities More Often

Rifle vs. National Average by percentage of respondents

17%

16%

10%

10%

5%

4%

4%

3%

18%

10%

11%

7%

4%

6%

12%

3%

Not aware of park or trail locations

Do not feel safe using parks/trails

Use parks/trails in other cities

Lack of parking to access parks/trails

Lack of handicap accessibility

Parks/trails are not well maintained

Too far from my home

Lack of transportation

0% 10% 20%

Rifle National Average

ETC Institute (2024) Page 49

How would you rate the overall quality of the recreation programs and/or activities in which your household has participated?

Rifle vs. National Average by percentage of respondents

90%

79%

% of respondents who rated the quality as "excelle

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Rifle National Average

% of respondents who rated the overall quality of programs and/or activities as "excellent" or "good"

ETC Institute (2024) Page 50

Reasons Preventing Households From Participating in Recreation Programs or Activities More Often

Rifle vs. National Average by percentage of respondents

33%

22%

21%

16%

16%

10%

9%

8%

4%

3%

2%

33%

28%

16%

16%

5%

13%

9%

9%

3%

9%

4%

I don't know what is offered

Too busy/not interested

Program times are not convenient

Program not offered

Classes are full

Fees are too high

Lack of quality programs

Use programs offered by other agencies

Registration is difficult

Lack of right program…