Community Center Interest Survey — Key Findings

51 community members shared their input about the potential for a multipurpose community center serving Garden Plain and surrounding communities.

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The survey is still open! Please provide your input and make your voice heard!

 

Strong Community Interest

84% rated the importance of a community center 4 or 5 out of 5.

100% said they would be very or somewhat likely to use the center if it opened within the next three years.

 

What Residents Want

The most popular potential uses include:

• Family events — 45 responses

• Weddings & private events — 40

• Fitness classes — 40

• Community & cultural events — 37

• Youth sports — 32

• Community meals — 29

• Educational workshops — 24

 

Top Facility Features

Residents most frequently identified:

• Indoor & outdoor gathering spaces - 48 responses

• 24-hour fitness center - 43 responses

• Large outdoor patio - 35 responses

• Multipurpose basketball-sized space - 33 responses

• Commercial kitchen - 20 responses

 

Youth & Families Matter

Youth programming was a major theme, with strong interest in youth sports, arts and music, faith-based youth programs, leadership development, mentoring, and after-school activities.

School-age children were the most frequently identified priority age group.

 

Community Members Want to Help

Interest extends beyond simply using the facility:

• 27 respondents said they would volunteer, with another 20 saying they might.

• 21 said they would consider providing financial support, while 22 said they might.

 

What Comes Next

The survey shows strong community interest in exploring a multipurpose community center, while also highlighting the importance of affordability, location, long-term sustainability, transparent finances, and continued community input.

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These results are intended to help guide the conversation and identify community priorities. They do not represent a final project, design, funding plan, or commitment to construction.

Thank you to everyone who participated and shared their ideas.

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Download the full survey results summary here.