A new community survey conducted by The Kewanee Voice in partnership with the Kewanee Park District drew 138 responses, offering a snapshot of how residents view current park amenities, recent improvements and future priorities for the district.
The survey asked residents to weigh in on recreational opportunities, park amenities, infrastructure needs and the long‑term future of the community pool. Responses show broad support for continued investment in parks, with particular interest in restrooms, lighting, trails and playground equipment.
When asked what additional or expanded recreational opportunities they would like to see, residents offered a wide range of suggestions. Responses included youth pickleball and tennis lessons, improved playground equipment, expanded native plantings at Northeast Park, ice‑skating options and better splash pad functionality. Some respondents said the parks are “just fine as is,” while others emphasized the need for more youth‑focused activities and accessible programming.
A separate question asked which amenities should be added or improved. Restrooms, lighting, trails, seating and playground equipment ranked among the most frequently selected options. Athletic facilities and both youth and adult programs also drew notable interest.
Residents were also asked to rate improvements made in recent years, including the splash pad, dog park, renovated shelters, Windmont Park’s playing surface, Liberty Park playground and the Northeast Park expansion. A majority rated the upgrades as excellent or good, while a smaller share selected fair or poor. Some respondents said they were unfamiliar with the improvements.
A key question asked how supportive residents would be of replacing aging park infrastructure at a faster rate, even if it required a slight increase in tax rates. Responses leaned supportive, with “very supportive” and “somewhat supportive” together outpacing those opposed. A smaller portion of respondents said they were neutral.
With the community pool nearing a replacement decision, residents were asked which option best aligns with their views. The most selected choices included a new pool with updated facilities, a reimagined pool‑and‑splash‑park hybrid, and a collaborative pool project with community partners. A smaller share said they preferred no pool at all.
When asked whether they would support a tax referendum to help fund a new or reimagined pool, responses were divided. “Yes” was the most selected answer, followed by “no” and “unsure.”
Park district officials say the survey results will help guide planning for future projects, funding decisions and long‑term priorities.
“We want to ensure that the community has input on anything and everything we do in the community. The Kewanee Park District strives to keep up with the times and place significant value in planning and execution of programs and facilities to allow our residents to enjoy our parks just the same as some amenities in bigger cities,” said Andrew Dwyer, executive director of the Kewanee Park District.
Dwyer said a new facility or program is only successful if used extensively by the public.
“Creating spaces, such as the splash pad that are highly used and at low or no cost remain top of our priority list,” he said.
Dwyer and park commissioners intend to utilize the information gained from the survey to assist them as they enter their next round of strategic planning this fall and winter.
