Umar conducted his research at three local parks and found that more than 60 percent of San Antonio Linear Creekway Park users are in favor of a sales tax to fund improvements to the parks.
“I hope this study will not only help the stakeholders make informed decisions about park development, but also help voters make educated decisions during the next public vote,” Umar said.
Umar completed the study for his final project in the Clinton School’s Master of Public Service (MPS) degree program. He used survey, evaluation and analysis principles he learned in his coursework at the school.
Nearly 250 parks users were interviewed about improvements they would like to see at the park facilities and how park trails should be expanded for future development.
Of the 166 users who completed and returned questionnaires, 70 percent were very satisfied with the facilities; 94 percent rated “better health” as the No. 1 benefit they’ve received from the parks and 80 percent rated “more positive attitude to Nature” as No. 2.
Umar also learned that public transportation and bike safety and access are concerns for park users.
In 2000, San Antonio voters approved the Parks Development and Expansion Venue Projects. The projects are aimed to support aquifer protection and parks expansion through the development of Linear Creekway Parks Program.
The linear creekways — also called “greenways” — have become unique pieces of the municipal park system for hiking, biking, and other recreational uses while also helping to preserve life and property during significant flood events, Umar said.
Umar presented his findings to the City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department’s Creekway Parks Advisory Board and the Metropolitan Planning Organization.