In partnership with the City of Lemon Grove and the Sage Project at San Diego State University, students in Honors 113, under the guidance of Dr. Kristen Maher, collected, organized, and analyzed data pertaining to park usage in Lemon Grove. Data collected for this project included a survey of students’ initial impressions of Lemon Grove and observation data from each of five city parks: Berry Street Park, Lemon Grove Park, Civic Center Park, Firefighters Skate Park, and Dan Kunkel Park. Park data were based on observations made over the course of three weeks (September 16 to October 7, 2016) at different times of day. Data points for each park included how the city’s parks were used during this span of time, who used them, and how often they did so. Observations were also made related to each park’s appeal, safety, and areas for improvement. This report offers findings from this data collection as well as recommendations intended to improve the parks in Lemon Grove and increase the city’s appeal to visitors and new residents. The goal of the Lemon Grove Parks and Recreation Program is to examine the original design, conduct maintenance, and plan purposes for each of the city’s parks. In addition, the city seeks to identify current users and uses of each park, any issues related to crime and disorder, and community perceptions related to safety and desirability. The city is also interested in other potential park uses, for example special event programing and organized events that provide structure and enjoyable activities and facilitate safety, good sportsmanship, and community participation. In partnership with the City of Lemon Grove and the Sage Project at San Diego State University, students in Honors 113, under the guidance of Dr. Kristen Maher, have addressed aspects of these goals by collecting, organizing, and analyzing data pertaining to park usage in Lemon Grove, including how the city’s parks are used, who uses them, and how often they do so. Offering fresh eyes to examine the City of Lemon Grove, these honors students were well-suited to the task of data collection.
Read the final student report delivered to the local gov/community partner.
The Sage Project Contact Info
Kristofer Patron
Program Administrator
kpatron@sdsu.edu
(619) 594-0103
University Faculty Contact
Kristen Maher
Political Science
Local Government / Community Contact
Development Services