Gaston County Recreation Needs Survey Results
Thanks to all the county residents who took the time to complete the recreation needs survey.
Generally the 35-59 age group was most responsive.
The city with the most respondents was Gastonia.
The three primary questions were:
I. What recreational activities [both indoor and outdoor] do you expect the county to provide for you and your family?
The top 5 activities were:
1. Walking, running and hiking trails.
2. Bicycling trails.
3. Greenways/linear parks.
4. Multi-use fields for baseball, soccer & football.
5. Dog Parks.
II. What parks and recreational facilities [public, YMCA, private athletic facilities] do you currently use?
The top 5 locations were:
1. Lineberger/Avon Creek Greenway.
2. Gaston County YMCAs.
3. Martha Rivers Park.
4. Crowder's Mountain State Park.
5. Dallas County Park and Poston Park [tied].
III. What comments regarding parks and recreation services in Gaston County would you like to offer?
The following quotes represent the most recurring comments:
"It is so easy to incorporate single track trails [in park plans] that can be used for running or mountain biking. They can wind around sports fields and parking lots."
"I hope that Gaston County officials would envision something special and different for our county. I'd like to see more passive parks, more trail systems, linear parks and greenways connecting parts of the county."
"I think there is a need for more baseball and soccer fields in the growing parts of the county."
"I currently use mountain bike trails at Poston Park for hiking and look forward to seeing the park completed, including more trails."
"Poston Park is a great asset to the county."
"How about linking the county parks with a greenway?"
"Development of recreational facilities should be based on the number of users. A baseball park provides for a more diverse group of taxpayers than an equestrian arena."
"Parks should be more than ball fields."
"I think the county should look into an aquatics facility."
"I think it is neat to have horse facilities in the county even though I do not use them or have a horse."
"I have to drive ten miles to play tennis or outdoor basketball."
"Four wheelers is a big issue, much of it is illegal on private land. If areas were set aside for four wheelers, that might reduce the damage these vehicles are doing to land all over the county."
"Canoe access to the South Fork River."
"Address the needs of senior adults. I think you can do a better job for seniors."
"I think things seem to be going in a great /growing / improving direction."
Thanks again to all the survey respondents.
You are a valuable planning resource!
Keep checking the web site for information updates and meeting announcements regarding the Parks and Recreation Master Plan.