Rejuvenating Neighborhoods and Communities Through Parks—A Guide To Success www.NRPA.org National Recreation and Park Association © 2011 All Rights Reserved 12 Section 3: Information as Foundation and Springboard The information and insights in this section are intended to: • Establish the significance for securing data and information • Provide examples of elements found within a community profile • Identify existing, widely available sources for such data and information • Provide an example of use of information as part of the planning process Data and Information Drive the Process and Project Two of the more compelling reasons for focusing on information gathering are (1) to ensure that the existing data related to specifics of the neighborhood are assessed as part of the planning process and (2) to secure partnerships and resources to bring the project to fruition Potential partners and funding agencies often requires data and statistics related to factors such as demographics, health behavior, and crime rates After an incident or request, it is easy enough to rush headlong into planning However, with transformational park projects, it is critical to gather information about the issues, the people, and the context before moving forward While this section focuses on information gathering, that is of no greater importance than collecting ideas and input from residents, neighborhoods, and other stakeholders. Both of these actions are critical to designing and bringing to fruition a park project that rejuvenates an area. Three major categories for gathering information associated with project development of this type are: • Community profile: Neighborhood and community data and statistics describing the demographic makeup of a community or neighborhood and established patterns of activity and behavior within that physical location • Issues identification: Analysis of the information and data to determine the issue, problem, or challenge intended to be addressed through this park project • Park assessment: A concise description of the conditions within the park area itself, along with potential opportunities and constraints Community Profile A community profile serves as the framework for the project It provides essential, valuable information for planning as well as securing resources and partners The four most common elements of a community profile are: History • The neighborhood • Parks or projects that already exist
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