How parks and recreation teams can use AI to market smarter
By Casey Malone
For most people, AI has landed somewhere between intimidating and exciting, often both at once. The fear usually comes from not knowing where to start or not having a safe space in which to experiment. But it doesn't have to feel that way.
Most parks and rec departments are still running on software that predates the smartphone. The hesitation makes sense, but there are several easy ways to get started with AI while the window is open, and before it becomes a larger undertaking. Several departments across the country are already leaning in and seeing real returns.
The good news is that AI covers a wide range of use cases for parks and rec teams, and marketing is one of the most immediately useful. In a recent survey by Rec Technologies of Texas’ Arlington Parks, Recreation & Culture staff, marketing was one of the top three areas where staff expressed a desire for AI support. Acting as a brainstorm partner, a first-draft machine, a data organizer, and a communications assistant all rolled into one, AI helps with speed and efficiency in marketing, but the real value is getting staff out of the weeds and back into the work that requires a human touch.
Here's a practical look at how departments are putting AI to work today.