Keene Asks Residents to Weigh In on Robin Hood Park Phase II Plans

The survey is intended to help shape the design of planned upgrades and to provide documentation needed for federal funding.

City officials are asking for public feedback as they move ahead with planning for the next round of changes at Robin Hood Park, with an online survey now open for residents and frequent park visitors.

The Parks & Recreation Department launched the questionnaire on Monday as part of its work on Phase II of the park project. The survey is intended to help shape the design of planned upgrades and to provide documentation needed for federal funding.

People who take part are first asked about how often they use Robin Hood Park and what draws them there. From there, the survey turns to possible additions and improvements across the property, including a redesigned playground, more parking, better access, and other amenities.

Several playground features are under consideration, such as slides, swings, climbing equipment, shaded areas, natural play elements and routes that improve accessibility. City officials are also gathering opinions on a proposed multi-sport court and agility area, with possible uses ranging from basketball and volleyball to ice skating and open flexible recreation space.

Input is also being sought on a planned program building and public restrooms. The city is asking how those spaces might best serve the community, with potential uses that include youth programming, neighborhood events, recreation classes and family activities.

Transportation and access are part of the review as well. The survey asks about additional accessible parking, drop-off locations, walking connections and the suggested one-way traffic pattern on Robin Hood Lane. Other topics include an accessible fishing dock, improvements to the amphitheater and ways to better interpret the park’s history and natural features.

The survey comes after a Sept. 15 public feedback session held by the Parks & Recreation Department, the Robin Hood Park Steering Committee and CHA Solutions.

Current Phase II plans call for a new playground, more parking, a multi-sport court, a program building, pavilion upgrades, an accessible fishing dock and a nature play trail. Phase I, which focuses on the park pool, is now out to bid.

Residents can complete the Robin Hood Park Renovations Community Feedback Form on the City of Keene website.