SURVEY EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Executive Summary of Key Findings

Prepared for the Inverhuron Community

1. Inverhuron Is a Multi‑Generational Community

Survey responses represent over 500 potential park users, including:

  • Young children

  • Teens and tweens

  • Parents

  • Seniors

  • Extended family groups and visitors

Both seasonal and full‑time residents participated, confirming that Upper Park serves the whole community, not just one demographic.

Key Insight: Any future development must support multi‑generational use and remain accessible to all ages.

2. Strong Support for Low‑Impact, Multi‑Use Recreation

Across all survey sections, residents consistently supported:

  • Covered picnic pavilion

  • Shaded treed walking paths

  • Pickleball courts

  • Volleyball, badminton, and mini soccer

  • Benches and shaded seating

  • Natural play areas (logs, rocks, sensory play)

  • Modern playground equipment

  • Washrooms and water access

These features were repeatedly described as family‑friendly, low‑impact, and aligned with Inverhuron’s character.

Key Insight: Residents want modest, thoughtful improvements that enhance recreation without altering the natural feel of the park.

3. Clear Desire for a Community Gathering Space

Residents expressed strong interest in:

  • A central place to meet neighbours

  • A reliable venue for IDRA events

  • A sheltered area for concerts, corn roasts, markets, and social activities

  • A destination for days when the beach is not suitable

Many noted that Upper Park is currently underused, and a modest gathering space would strengthen community cohesion.

Key Insight: A covered pavilion is the single most supported feature in the entire survey.

4. Teens and Tweens Are Underserved

A recurring theme was that teens have very few local activities and often must be driven to Kincardine.

Residents emphasized the need for:

  • Basketball

  • Volleyball

  • Pickleball

  • Open play areas

  • Social spaces

Key Insight: This is the largest demographic gap identified in the survey.

5. Mixed Support for a Splash Pad

The splash pad generated the most polarized responses.

Supporters cited:

  • Young children needing activities

  • An alternative on rough-water days

Opponents cited:

  • Proximity to Lake Huron

  • Tiverton’s splash pad already being built

  • High maintenance and liability

  • Concern about attracting non-residents

  • Desire to preserve natural character

Key Insight: The community is not aligned on this feature. Any decision should reflect this division.

6. Strong Concern About Overdevelopment and Loss of Natural Beauty

Many residents expressed concern that:

  • Too many trees could be removed

  • The park could become noisy or crowded

  • Inverhuron could lose its quiet, natural charm

  • Parking overflow could worsen

  • Maintenance burdens could increase

  • The park could attract non-resident day‑users

Key Insight: Residents want development to be modest, natural, and low‑impact, preserving Inverhuron’s identity.

7. Accessibility Seen as Positive—If Done Thoughtfully

Most respondents said improved accessibility would:

  • Enhance community image

  • Support all ages

  • Improve quality of life

  • Make Inverhuron more welcoming

However, some cautioned that accessibility must not:

  • Increase noise

  • Encourage overuse

  • Lead to overdevelopment

Key Insight: Accessibility is welcomed but must be balanced with preservation of natural space.

8. Environmental Stewardship Is a Priority

Residents emphasized:

  • Protecting green space

  • Preserving wildlife corridors

  • Avoiding unnecessary tree removal

  • Using low‑impact development (bioswales, rain gardens)

  • Maintaining natural trails

  • Avoiding impervious surfaces

Key Insight: Environmental protection is a core community value.

9. The Community Wants Balanced Development

The strongest overall theme is the desire for balance:

  • Recreation and nature

  • Gathering space and green space

  • Activity and tranquility

  • Multi‑generational use and low impact

Key Insight: Residents support improvements—but not at the cost of Inverhuron’s character.

Summary of What the Community Most Strongly Supports

High Consensus

  • Covered picnic pavilion

  • Shaded walking paths

  • Pickleball

  • Volleyball / badminton / mini soccer

  • Benches and shaded seating

  • Natural play areas

  • Modern playground equipment

  • Washrooms

  • Multi‑generational gathering space

High Concern / Opposition

  • Splash pad (polarizing)

  • Removing trees

  • Overdevelopment

  • Noise and crowds

  • Parking overflow

  • Attracting non-residents

  • High-maintenance features

Closing Message to the Inverhuron Community

The survey results show a community that is deeply connected, multi‑generational, and proud of its natural beauty. Residents overwhelmingly support modest, thoughtful development that enhances recreation, strengthens community bonds, and preserves the quiet charm that makes Inverhuron unique.

The strongest message is clear:

Build a park that brings people together—without losing what makes Inverhuron special.