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. Facility Use
1. Have you rented or used City facilities (e.g., gym, meeting rooms, event space) in the past 12 months?
Yes
No
Not sure
2. 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
3. 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
B. Current Program Participation
4. 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
5. 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
6a. 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
6b. (If you selected “Neutral,”“Dissatisfied,” or “Very Dissatisfied”) Please tell us why and what changes would make these programs better for you:
C. Special Events
7a. 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 — they’re an important part of our community
Mostly positive — I enjoy them, but there could be improvements
Mixed feelings — some are good, others not as relevant to me
Negative — I don’t find them valuable
No opinion / Not applicable
7b. (If you selected “Mostly positive,”“Mixed feelings,” or “Negative”) Please tell us why and what changes would make these events better for you:
8. If these special events had a modest admission fee (e.g., $5–$10 per person), would you be willing to pay?
Yes, for most events
Yes, but only for certain events
No, I prefer free events
Unsure
No opinion / Not applicable
D. New or Expanded Programs
9. 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)
a. 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
b. 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
c. 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)
d. 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
E. Scholarships & Affordability
10. 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
11. If you were eligible, would you apply for a scholarship or reduced fee program?
Yes
No
Unsure
No opinion / Not applicable
12. If scholarships were limited, 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
13. Would you be willing to pay slightly higher fees for some programs to help fund scholarships for residents in need?
Yes
Maybe, depending on the program
No
No opinion / Not applicable
F. Scheduling & Availability
14. 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
15. 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
16. 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
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+
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?
Yes
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
23. Do you or anyone in your household have a disability that impacts participation in programs or events?
Yes
No
Prefer not to answer
Security Measure