By Mari Radtke
Volunteers recently worked with Primghar City officials to learn more about the interest of Primghar residents to have some kind of public water feature within the city. The survey inquired about a swimming pool and a splash pad. The survey was sent to every delivery address in the
51245 zip code, 608. Out of all of the surveys sent out 130 or 21.38% are reported as returned.
The clear preference between a splash pad and a swimming pool was for a swimming pool, 69% to 17%supporting a splash pad with 13% unsure.
When asked about funding for a water feature, 52% of the respondents supported a tax increase for a swimming pool with 27% against and 21% unsure. Tax spending on a splash pad brought 48% no from the respondents and 33% support for tax funding of a splash pad with 19% unsure.
The survey asked about ages in the household. The largest age groups of respondents were 25-34 and 65-74. Out of all respondents, a majority, 57% do use a water attraction outside of Primghar. Most of the respondents said they used the swimming pool at Sanborn. No breakdown of the 43% that may have a home swimming pool, although that was mentioned as a reason for not using out of town features. “Several times each week” was the most frequent response to asking how often users go out of town for water recreation.
Just under half of those who responded, 49%, agreed that it is very important for the city to provide the opportunity of an aquatic attraction with the main benefits being for children. Another 25% responded that the opportunity is somewhat important. Survey results indicate that 57% of the respondents support a water attraction owned and operated by the city.
The survey results showed clear support for a publicly owned water feature in Primghar with the most support for a swimming pool. City officials presently are taking the position that infrastructure spending for proper electric, water and sewer are a higher priority for the foreseeable future, but are supportive of continuing to keep a water feature well within their collective conscious as they move forward with infrastructure planning and financial capabilities.