Recreation Department News

Let me introduce myself as the new Superintendent of Recreation for the Town of North Castle and thank all of you who have been so welcoming to me in my first few weeks.  I began working in Recreation and Parks in the summer of 1979, assisting my high school track coach run a track and field clinic for youth.  From there I went on to major in Recreation and Parks Management at West Virginia University where I obtained both a bachelors and masters of science degrees.  While at WVU, I ran varsity track for the Mountaineers and still enjoy running competitively today.  My husband, Robert, also makes his career in Recreation and Parks; he is the Superintendent of Recreation for the Town of New Castle.

Lisa Larsen and Kathy Lynch wecome visitors at Hergenhan

It will take me some time to become familiar with my new community and learn how best I can help steer the Recreation Department towards meeting your leisure needs and desires. I’ve already begun by reviewing the data and your comments of the North Castle Recreation Survey which was distributed this past fall 2010.  If you are interested in reviewing the data, please see the article below.  Let me know if I can be of assistance to you and your family by contacting me at ssnyder@northcastleny.com or 271-3325.

News From the Parks and Recreation Board
Anita Tumminelli, PRB Chair
Neal J. Baumann, PRB Vice Chair

Reporting on the Recreation Survey

The volunteers serving on the North Castle Parks and Recreation Board (PRB), working with department staff, began development of a survey to determine overall resident satisfaction and their desires for future growth and facilities.

Sample recreation surveys were gathered from throughout the United States and experts in the area of recreation surveys were consulted.  In addition, a PhD from Pace University who is an expert in surveys agreed to advise the PRB on a pro bono basis. 

After review and approval by the Town Board, the survey was delivered to all residents in the fall brochure and e-mailed to the database maintained by the Parks and Recreation Department.  Copies were also available at the Hergenhan Recreation Center and Town Hall.  Controls ensured that only one survey per household was submitted.  The final deadline for survey returns was October 31, 2010.  Tabulations were submitted to the Town Board prior to their first meeting in November, 2010. 

Highlights of the Recreation Survey

• Response Rate: 514 responses (11.42% return rate)

• Cost: Total cost for the survey preparation, distribution and tabulation was $950

• Highest User Satisfaction (Programs): arts/crafts/ceramics, afterschool, special events, summer camps, summer concerts, preschool.  Even the “lowest level” of satisfaction (“Teen”) had a 65% satisfaction level.  In general, respondents were satisfied with all programming.

• Highest User Satisfaction (Facilities): IBM Ball Fields, Hergenhan Center, Lombardi Playground, Lombardi Picnic Area, Wampus Brook Park, Lombardi Ball Fields, Lombardi Basketball

• Lowest User Satisfaction (Facilities): Quarry Park, Clove Road Playground, Clove Road Ball Fields, North Castle Community Center (Note: North White Plains facility results may not be valid due to small response rates for NWP facilities.)

• Most Used Facilities (“often + occasionally”): Hergenhan Center, Wampus Brook Park, IBM Fields, Lombardi Picnic, Lombardi Fields, IBM Track

• Least Used Facilities (“never”): Quarry Park, Clove Road Playground, Clove Road Ball Fields, IBM Platform Tennis, IBM Tennis

• New Facilities Interest (most wanted): Bike Path, Indoor Pool, Hiking Areas, Nature Areas

• Highest Negative Facilities (don’t want): Skate Board Park, Turf Athletic Fields, Domed Athletic Fields, Gymnasium

• Funding Sources Preferred: Friends of Parks, Fed/State/Local Grants, Corporate Sponsors, Public/Private Partnerships (all 69% or higher “strongly agree + agree”)

• Funding Sources Highest Negatives (don’t want): Property Taxes, User Fees, (both 30% or higher “disagree” + “strongly disagree”)

We encourage all residents to review responses to the survey.

North Castle Recreation Scores a
Perfect 10 by Westchester Magazine

Westchester Magazine (Online Edition, September 21, 2010) awarded North Castle Parks and Recreation a perfect score of “10”.  Our Town was one of only four out of forty Parks and Recreation Departments awarded the highest score; the average score was 5.5 out of a perfect score of 10.  We are pleased to receive this wonderful rating from an independent source.  However, we realize that this recognition is a result of the hard work and dedication of our Parks & Recreation Department staff.  They have our gratitude and our appreciation.  The staff members make limited resources stretch further so that our programs and facilities operate in the most cost effective ways possible

We will continue to work hard to make our Parks and Recreation programs the best they can be for all of our residents.  Please feel free to give us your suggestions for improving.  You may email volunteers serving on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board at recreation@northcastleny.com

Or send your suggestions to us at Hergenhan Recreation Center, 40 Maple Avenue, Armonk.