Instructions:
YOUR feedback will help us understand community interests and needs so we can plan programs, events, and facility use that best serve Des Moines. The survey should take about (5) minutes to complete. Please answer based on your own experiences and interests, and select “No opinion / Not applicable” where provided if a question does not apply to you.
A. CURRENT PROGRAM PARTICIPATION
1. How do you typically find out about City programs or events? (Select all that apply)
Website
Social Media (Facebook)
Flyer
Word of Mouth
Email (Subscription Service)
City Currents
2. Have you or your household participated in any of the following City programs in the past (12) months? (Select all that apply)
Camp KHAOS After school care
Camp KHAOS Break camps / Summer Camp KHAOS
Youth sports (basketball, soccer, etc.)
Adult enrichment classes
Senior programs
City events (e.g., 4th of July, Summer Concert Series)
Other:
No opinion / Not applicable
3a. How would you rate your overall satisfaction with the programs you’ve participated in?
Very satisfied
Satisfied
Neutral
Dissatisfied
Very dissatisfied
No opinion / Not applicable
3b. (If you selected “Neutral”, “Dissatisfied”, or “Very Dissatisfied”) Please tell us why and what changes would make these programs better for you:
B. SPECIAL EVENTS
4a. The City offers free and low-cost special events (e.g., 4th of July, Summer Concert Series, holiday events). How do you feel about these events overall?
Very positive
Mostly positive
Mixed feelings
Negative
No opinion / Not applicable
4b. (If you selected “Mostly positive”, “Mixed feelings”, or “Negative”) Please tell us why and what changes would make these events better for you:
5. How would you feel if a modest admission fee (e.g., $5–$10 per person) were introduced for some special events?
I’d be okay with it for most events
I’d be okay with it for certain events only
I’d prefer events to remain free
I’m not sure
No opinion / Not applicable
C. NEW OR EXPANDED PROGRAMS
6. The City is exploring opportunities to add or expand programs. Which of the following would you like to see more of? (Select up to 5)
For All Ages / Intergenerational
City-wide special events (e.g., festivals, concerts, holiday celebrations)
Family-friendly activities for all ages
Intergenerational programs (e.g., grandparents, parents, and kids together)
Volunteer or community service opportunities
Youth
Youth sports leagues (e.g., basketball, soccer, volleyball, etc.)
Youth arts and performance (e.g., drama, music, dance)
STEM, academic, or skill-building programs
Teen-specific recreation and events
Adults
Adult sports leagues (e.g., basketball, pickleball, softball, etc.)
Fitness/wellness classes (e.g., yoga, strength training, walking clubs)
Arts, crafts, and cultural programs
Lifelong learning classes (e.g., skills, hobbies, professional development)
Seniors
Senior fitness and wellness classes
Senior arts, crafts, and cultural programs
Senior drop-in socializing, clubs and games
Senior learning & enrichment opportunities
Senior bus trips: day trips & lunch trips
Other:
No opinion / Not applicable
D. SCHOLARSHIPS & AFFORDABILITY
7. How important is it for the City to offer scholarships or reduced fees for programs and rentals?
Very important — everyone should have access regardless of income
Somewhat important — nice to have but not essential
Not important — programs should be self-supporting
No opinion / Not applicable
8. Some communities increase program fees to help fund scholarships for residents in need. How would you feel about this approach?
I think it’s a good idea and would support it
I might support it depending on the program
I’m unsure how I feel about it
I prefer fees not be increased
No opinion / Not applicable
9. With limited scholarships, which programs should have priority for reduced fees? (Select up to 3)
Youth sports and activities
Camps and after-school care
Family/Intergenerational programs
Adult fitness and wellness
Senior programs
Cultural arts and performance
Special events
No opinion / Not applicable
10. If increasing program fees would allow more residents to participate through scholarships, how would you feel about this?
I would support increasing fees to expand access
I might support it, depending on the program
I would prefer to keep fees as they are
Unsure
No opinion / Not applicable
E. SCHEDULING & AVAILABILITY
11. What times are most convenient for you or your household to participate in programs or activities?(Select all that apply)
Weekday mornings
Weekday afternoons
Weekday evenings
Saturday
Sunday
No opinion / Not applicable
12. What program format do you prefer?
Drop-in programs (no long-term commitment)
Multi-week series, leagues, or seasonal programs
A mix of both
No opinion / Not applicable
13. When the City plans events, which times would you most likely attend? (Select up to 3)
Weekday daytime
Weekday evening
Friday evening
Saturday daytime
Saturday evening
Sunday daytime
Sunday evening
No opinion / Not applicable
F. FACILITY USE
14. Have you rented or used City facilities (e.g., gym, meeting rooms, event space) in the past 12 months?
Yes
No
Not sure
15. If yes, which facilities have you used? (Select all that apply)
Field House
Activity Center
Beach Park Event Center (Auditorium, Dining Hall, Founder’s Lodge, Picnic Shelters)
City park(s)
Other:
No opinion / Not applicable
16. What types of facility uses are most important to you? (Select up to 3)
Sports and fitness
Community meetings
Private events/parties
Arts and cultural events
Youth activities
Senior activities
Other:
No opinion / Not applicable
G. FINAL THOUGHTS
17. What’s the #1 thing the City could do to improve your experience with programs, events, or facility rentals?
H. ABOUT YOU (OPTIONAL)
The following questions help us understand who we’re hearing from so we can ensure our recreational programs, activities, events, and communications reflect the diversity of our community and meet the needs of all residents. Your responses are voluntary and will only be reported in summary form.
18. What is your age group?
Under 18
18–24
25–34
35–44
45–54
55–64
65+++6
Prefer not to answer
19. What is your gender?
Female
Male
Non-binary / Gender diverse
Prefer not to answer
20. Do you live in the City of Des Moines? If yes, which neighborhood?
North Hill
Central Des Moines
Marina District
Pacific Ridge
Zenith
South Des Moines
Woodmont
Redondo
No, but I work or go to school here
No, but I visit for programs or events
Prefer not to answer
21. What language(s) are most often spoken in your home? (Select all that apply)
English
Spanish
Vietnamese
Tagalog
Somali
Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese)
Russian
Other:
Prefer not to answer
22. Do you have children under 18 living in your household?
Yes
No
Prefer not to answer
23a. Do you or anyone in your household experience barriers to participating in programs/events due to a disability?
Yes
No
Prefer not to answer
23b. If yes, please share any specific accommodations, supports, or adaptive features that would make participation easier.
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