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Parks master-plan pop-up at farmers market aims to boost survey returns amid 'survey fatigue'
Summary
Commissioners heard that a SCJ-led pop-up at the farmers market is scheduled to promote the parks and recreation master-plan survey; members said responses are lagging compared with the library survey and recommended commissioners help promote the survey in person.
The Community Engagement Commission on June 18 discussed a Friday pop-up event at the farmers market intended to boost responses to the Parks and Recreation master-plan survey. The pop-up is being organized by SCJ, a Spokane-based consulting firm, with participation from the Parks & Arts Commission and city staff.
Commissioners said public participation in the parks survey has been weak compared with the city’s recent library survey, which staff described as having “fantastic” response numbers. City staff told commissioners the survey deadline had been extended but did not specify the new closing date.
Staff asked commissioners who could assist at the pop-up event to consider volunteering between 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on Friday to help promote the survey and encourage on-site completion. Commission members described a sense of “survey fatigue” reported by residents at the farmers market: several members said people told them they are tired of being asked to complete multiple surveys and decline additional requests. The commission discussed alternate on‑site approaches such as using a QR code and encouraging commissioners to act as local multipliers — talking with neighbors and bringing paper materials or sign-ups to events where they already participate.
No formal motion was taken; commissioners asked staff to share event details and to circulate opportunities to volunteer. The commission also noted that ongoing public events this summer will include stations for the master-plan outreach and encouraged members to choose any events they can attend to help increase response rates.
Outlook: Staff will share pop-up logistics and the commission expects to support outreach at the farmers market and other summer events to improve survey participation.
