Walking and hiking trails are the most important recreation facilities for the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission to provide, according to results of a recent survey of Oakland County households.

When asked to select the most important recreation facilities from a list of 25 options, 90% of respondents consistently chose walking, hiking, nature and biking trails in the top four.

"These results mirror what we are hearing from the local communities in their own research," Daniel J. Stencil, executive officer, for Oakland County Parks and Recreation, said.

In 2002, the park system created the Oakland Trails Advisory Council (OTAC) which has collaborated very effectively to expand trails throughout the county, Stencil said.  More than a dozen trail systems and organizations such as Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Huron-Clinton Metroparks, and the Michigan Mountain Biking Association are members of OTAC.

The Oakland County Parks and Recreation survey queried more than 600 county residents about their future recreation needs, usage of existing facilities and satisfaction with services. Conducted by ETC Institute/Leisure Vision of Olathe, Kansas, the survey results have a 95% level of confidence.

Survey data will be used in the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Master Plan, for integration into a three-year strategic plan and for benchmarking facilities and programs with others nationally.

"In nearly every case, survey responses exceeded or equaled national benchmarking standards," Stencil pointed out.

When asked to prioritize the most important functions of the park system, the top three choices among respondents were: operating and maintaining parks and facilities; providing safe and secure facilities and programs; and providing and maintaining nature areas and wildlife.

In addition, 87% of respondents support acquiring additional open space for parks and recreation.

Potential benefits of Oakland County Parks and Recreation were identified as improving physical health and fitness, making the county a more desirable place to live, and preserving open space and the environment.

Seventy-one percent of households have used at least one facility in the last year. User satisfaction with the physical condition of Oakland County Parks and Recreation sites was 34% excellent and 61% good, both exceeding national benchmarks.

Oakland County Parks and Recreation operates 11 parks and golf courses, including a refrigerated toboggan run, two waterparks and two nature centers.