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July 11, 2008
1. What is the Community Facility Needs Assessment (CFNA)?
Growing demand for parks, recreation and cultural programs and services in Red Deer means City facilities are busier than ever. The Community Facility Needs Assessment looks at what we have, and what we need, to help set priorities for the future. It will help us set out a clear process for when, where, why and how we develop culture, parks and recreation facilities in Red Deer.
2. How is The City moving forward with the CFNA?
The CFNA got underway in September 2007 with consultants CDC/Converge Group working on behalf of The City. It is a community-driven process with three main components that include:
- research and situation analysis
- criteria setting and strategy development
- implementation
Citizen input is a key factor in each phase of the assessment.
The research and situation analysis phase is complete. It involved finding out what we have and need. It included an inventory of existing facilities and comparisons to other cities. Researchers talked to people about what they like and dislike when it comes to parks, culture and recreation in Red Deer. This was done through a random sample survey, facilitated focus group sessions and stakeholder consultation. A snapshot of the results is available on The City’s website at www.reddeer.ca.
We are moving forward with the second phase of the assessment – the criteria setting and strategy development phase. This phase involves setting out criteria that will help evaluate and guide future development in recreation, parks and culture facility (re)development in Red Deer. On Thursday, June 12 an information and feedback session was held to share information and get citizens’ feedback on proposed evaluation criteria. When finalized, these criteria will be just one factor in prioritizing projects. Further input into this phase will be sought over the next two months with the implementation phase expected to kick off in late October.
3. Why is the CFNA important?
The CFNA will help City Council make decisions about the future of parks, recreation and cultural facilities in Red Deer. It is all about setting priorities and creating a transparent process. It will shape the direction for facility development 10 – 15 – 20 years into the future.
4. Who will it impact?
It will impact everyone from artists to aquatics users to those who walk on City parks and trails. It will make it easier for citizens and stakeholders to be engaged when it comes to parks, culture and recreation facility development. It is all about good governance and a commitment to community development.
5. What will be the end result?
The end result will be an evaluation and prioritization tool that helps Recreation, Parks and Culture plan for 20 years or more. The CFNA will help us better understand what is important to our community and how we can make the right decisions for Red Deer. Ultimately, it will help us better meet your needs when it comes to things like where we build parks and trails, when we build or renovate facilities and how we go about partnering with local groups and agencies.
6. When will the CFNA wrap up?
The second phase of the Community Facility Needs Assessment is slated to wrap-up early fall 2008. CDC/Converge Group and the Recreation, Parks & Culture department will go forward for council approval in October.
7. Does the CFNA impact projects that are already underway such as the G.H. Dawe Community Centre revitalization?
No. The assessment will not impact projects that are underway. Revitalization of the G.H. Dawe Community Centre will not be impacted by the Community Facility Needs Assessment. The project is already approved with plans to wrap up in spring 2010.
8. How does the CFNA fit with other RPC plans?
The Community Facility Needs Assessment aligns with other City and RPC department plans such as the Community Culture Master Plan and the City of Red Deer Strategic Plan. It is just one more way we can create synergies across The City.
9. How can I get involved?
Consulting team CDC/Converge Group already conducted surveys, facilitated focus groups and consulted with stakeholders as part of the first phase in the assessment. But, citizens can still get involved by visiting The City’s website at www.reddeer.ca. Give us your feedback on the proposed criteria for facility development.
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For more information, please contact:
Kay Kenny
Recreation Superintendent
The City of Red Deer
403-342-8159
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