BAZETTA — Nearly 200 residents responded in an online survey of what they like in the township and where they would like to see improvements made.

That information will be used by a steering committee of township officials and residents for updating the township’s current comprehensive plan, which was last done in 2009.

The deadline for submitting the digital online survey was Friday.

Members of the comprehensive plan steering committee met Thursday at the fire station.

Jeffrey Jiang, a consultant with Fuji Lee Strategies of Cortland, compiled the data from the 199 respondents, whose ages were mostly between 45 and 65.

As for the parks, the residents indicated they like the township park, but were not aware that there are walking paths and trails and other items.

Deanna Long, chairwoman of the committee, said people are not aware what is in the park.

“When you say Bazetta Township Park, they think Imagination Station. They do not realize there is a walking paths and a gazebo. We need to promote more exercise and walking and what we have to offer,” she said.

Jiang said more signage at the park would help to better publicize all the park features.

He said he walks at Mosquito Lake State Park nearby and efforts could be made for more walking at the township park.

Township Trustee Mike Hovis said there are plans by trustees to replace the aging Imagination Station play area in the fall, with the play area to close after Labor Day for demolition of Imagination Station and new play units within two months.

Hovis said efforts are to get all costs covered by grants and other funding.

Residents in the survey indicated they would like to see pickleball offered and other efforts to make the park more multigenerational.

Jiang said people indicated they do approve of and support the work of the police and fire safety forces, but want to have increased police patrols if possible.

Committee member Mary Sims said the public does not always know that the safety forces are short-staffed staffed with the township fortunate to not have a lot of crime, with police able to provide protection.

As for infrastructure, residents would like to see road improvements when possible, with many indicating McCleary Jacoby Road needs work since it is a heavily traveled road.

Residents also praised the work and the upkeep of the cemeteries and also indicated they would like to see more economic development with new businesses and stores if possible.

Longo said the new plan will help the township for the next 10 or more years providing a guide for future land use.

“The comprehensive plan we are looking to update helps us plan for future land use in the township and for future development,” Longo said.

Efforts are being made to get the new comprehensive plan in place by the end of June.

Jiang said what will be key is to communicate with the residents via various media on what plans are taking place in the township to make improvements at the parks, with roads and with other infrastructure.