In addressing the issue of parks and open space in the Corinthian study area, it was determined early on in the process that we would focus our efforts on West Side Park and potential approaches and obstacles to its rehabilitation. We made this decision both because West Side Park stands as a prominent focal point in the neighborhood, and it addresses recreation and open space needs of existing and future Corinthian residential development around the park. Furthermore, our examination of West Side Park provides for a more focused target for the investigation of crime concerns for current and potential users of the park.

Two approaches were selected to identify the assets, problems, and community perceptions of West Side Park. The first approach was to examine current conditions, historical information on the park and its condition, and how successful parks such as Weequahic Park could be used as models for the revitalization of West Side Park. The second approach was to survey local residents and solicit their impressions and perceptions of the park and its facilities, and identify common concerns and suggestions for improvements that could be made in the future.

As with the analysis of crime data, we deemed our solicitation of community concerns and attitudes regarding the park to be of great importance in the search for new approaches to neighborhood revitalization. We administered surveys to residents in several locations surrounding West Side Park, including tenants in Corinthian’s housing units, residents within nearby Tri-City Peoples Corporation’s focus area, West Side Village, and passers-by at local schools and within the park itself.

The principal focus of the surveys was to identify the frequency with which residents used the park, their reasons for not using the park (e.g. crime, distance from home or work, lack of equipment or activities, etc.), and what improvements could be made (physical and programming). Additionally, the surveys sought to identify park-specific crime and safety issues among residents. Finally, the survey asked if residents would be willing to provide their time and energy to park restoration and recreation programs. Residents who expressed interest in either effort were asked to provide their names and addresses for future outreach. A list of interested residents is included in this report (Appendix 2).

Results from these surveys, as well as other available supporting data, are depicted in both tabular and cartographic form, as well as summarized in the Data Analysis and Findings section of the report. Each question from the survey (excluding those which asked for an open-ended response of suggested improvements or areas of particular concern to be avoided) provides responses both in absolute numbers of positive responses, as well as this number as a percentage of the total survey population.