Elena Gallegos Open Space Site Improvements Survey

We extended the date of the survey to make sure we received all your input. If you read last month’s GRIT, we presented to the Mayor our latest data and a summary of what SHHA members think about the proposed site improvements. Here is a summary of the final results, with the complete results available on-line.

368 responses total.

Those taking the survey, 55% use the ES open space at least once a week. 54% of those surveyed ranked hiking as number one reason, second interacting with nature, followed by use of the picnic areas, open space events, and biking.

Trail improvements ranked #1 as the most important improvements needed, 260 responses, and picnic area updates.

73.3%, 269 out of 367 responses, vote “no” to an Education and Event Center facility.

79.0%, 289 out of 366 responses, vote “no” to a parking lot.

55.3%, 202 out of 365 responses, vote “no,” and 33.7%, 123 responses, vote “yes,” to widening Simms Park Road from 22 to 34 ft.

76.2%, 279 out of 366 responses, vote “yes” to the repair and maintenance of existing trails and facilities in Elena Gallegos.

The construction of an Education and Event Center was our greatest concern in regards to potential negative impacts; the parking lot a close second.

If the City moves forward, we are most concerned with the added traffic and congestion, impact to wildlife, and noise. Followed by the parking lot and overcrowding of the park and trails, and then increased crime and fire risks.

We will try to summarize other general comments regarding this project and present all of this to the City at a future date. Thank you all for participating. We hear you, and will be continuing to keep you up-do-date.