Using Technology So Everyone Can Find a Park

About the Program

Category: Parks and Recreation (Best in Category)

Year: 2018

The County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is reaching more people on more platforms and reaching more customer service goals thanks to four innovations that went live in 2017. Faced with a flatlining budget and increased costs, DPR had to get creative to meet marketing goals which called for better online communications. The team audited a series of technological trends and platforms shortlisting any that could enhance DPR’s web presence without additional funds. After an extensive search, three mapping technologies were added to the marketing portfolio, including a robust trails app called Easy2Hike, a mobile-friendly GIS-enabled park finder map on sdparks.org and a multi-jurisdictional grid of all the parks in San Diego County on a site called GetOutsideSanDiego.org. Google Trekker technology was also added to the mix, steering Street View off-road for virtual trail experiences though a special camera pack. Each advancement supports the other, giving consumers the resources they need to plan their next outdoor adventure along with opportunities to share those experiences on their favorite social networks. As such, DPR is keeping pace with technological trends by connecting the data dots through trending technology to tell a more comprehensive and compelling parks story.