1998 Final Report Parks Survey - Laserfiche WebLink

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31 Eugene Survey On Athletic Fields, Open Spaces, and Parks January, 1998 Additional Research Options INTRODUCTORY COMMENTS There are two possible methods for further research: focus groups and surveys. FOCUS GROUPS Focus groups should examine qualitative aspects of opinions held by identifiable segments of the overall population. Typically, this means examining the opinions held by groups which are either undecided or likely to change their opinion in contrast to those groups which are favorable. There are several possible demographic makeups for possible focus groups: 1. west Eugeneans who are under 50 or who have children could be asked about reasons for support or opposition; and 2. those who live more than one mile from a park could be asked about park usage habits. Other groups could be constructed to respond to more specific requests for information. SURVEY RESEARCH This survey examined support for athletic facilities, open spaces, and parks issues without specifying the form of tax, prior to a large -scale effort to inform Eugeneans about these issues, and prior to the formulation of specific proposals which could be placed before voters. Specific tax issues were not covered in this survey instrument because of their varied nature, the significant increase in length of this survey necessary in order to gather meaningful responses, and the possible bias which could be induced by mixing topics in one survey instrument. Obviously, the particular form of tax could have an effect on ballot support. The survey was done at this stage in the process in order to ascertain a baseline level of support and opposition for these issues. Later surveys could be undertaken in order to gauge changes in support and /or to provide measures of support for a specific proposal or set of proposals. Given this, there are several possible extensions which could elaborate on and /or remedy these limitations of this particular research study.