Page 68 - 08.11.2025 Council Packet

VI. NEEDS ASSESSMENT & COMMUNITY INPUT

A. COMMUNITY SURVEY RESULTS
Below is the Executive Summary for the Town of Berlin Community Center Survey Report
prepared by the Business Economic and Community Outreach Network (BEACON) in October
2024.

The Business Economic and Community Outreach Network was contracted by the Town of
Berlin to create a community survey to gain insights from the community on the Berlin Community
Center. The Berlin Community Center aims to be a central hub that fosters community pride,
promotes social interaction, and supports wellness. It intends to provide a variety of social,
cultural, recreational, and wellness programs that align with the community's needs and lifestyle.
The center will complement existing Town objectives, encouraging economic development
through entrepreneurship and job access, while also serving as an emergency shelter and
addressing unmet community needs in collaboration with local organizations.

The Town of Berlin conducted a 10-question community survey to gather residents' input on
the desired programs, services, and facilities for a proposed community center. Distributed
through various channels, including utility bills, social media, and physical copies, the survey
received 311 responses, with 92.5% of participants residing in the 21811 ZIP Code. This report
summarizes the key findings, themes, and suggestions drawn from the survey.
In terms of program priorities, youth programs were the most requested, with 74.63% of
respondents expressing interest. Fitness classes (73.16%) and social events like community
meals and movie nights (69.12%) also ranked high, followed by health and wellness programs
(65.44%), sports and recreation (59.19%), art workshops (58.82%), and senior activities (58.09%).
Educational programs focused on job readiness were sought by 57.35%, with additional interest in
federal and state programs such as WIC (31.62%).

The most requested facilities for the center included a community meeting or large gathering
space (59.56%), outdoor spaces with Wi-Fi (51.47%), a swimming pool (51.10%), and a multi-
sport indoor recreation area (47.06%). Facilities such as exercise rooms, gymnasiums, and
spaces for events and rentals were also noted, though with lower demand.

Regarding the frequency of use, a significant number of respondents indicated regular
attendance, with 63.27% planning to use the center daily, and 57.14% reporting their households
would do the same. Additionally, 68.8% of respondents and 64% of households expect to visit
several times a week. Weekends saw higher interest in evening and normal business hours, while
weekdays favored early morning and evening visits.

Respondents also offered various suggestions, calling for cultural and educational programs
like music education, STEM activities, and financial literacy, as well as recreational facilities such
as a community pool, indoor track, and garden plots. There was an emphasis on ensuring the
center remains a safe, inclusive space with affordable programs that support local employment.

08.11.25 Council Packet Page 68 of 140
TOWN OF BERLIN COMMUNITY CENTER: FEASIBILITY STUDY 37