How AI and automation are reshaping parks and recreation engagement
By Taylor Willardson
From community events and youth sports to engaging with the public, there are many reasons people choose to work in parks and recreation departments. However, spending hours behind a computer usually isn’t one of them. That’s why parks and rec teams across the country are exploring how AI (artificial intelligence) can help them save even more time and open doors to more human interactions.
AI truly can be a win-win for parks and recreation and residents, but it’s important that local leaders keep a few considerations in mind to ensure technology investments have a meaningful impact.
From Clipboards To Clicks: A Modernization Shift Already Underway
Amid all the talk about AI innovation, it’s important to remember that technology is often used to scale and expand existing, purpose-built parks and recreation capabilities that are transforming how departments work today. Not too long ago, with legacy systems, staff called every phone number on a roster to notify participants of a weather cancellation. Scheduling often meant juggling spreadsheets or even paper forms. Communication was largely reactive, answering residents who called or showed up with questions.
Today, many departments use modern digital tools to manage registrations, send automated alerts, and allow residents to handle their own bookings. That shift alone has saved countless hours. Parks and recreation technology has already turned curve balls into power plays. AI simply holds the promise of leapfrogging this technology by connecting data, automating processes, and delivering more personalized experiences at scale.