DENVER, Colo. – Oct. 1, 2001 – Without existing catalogs, databases or global agency lists, the task of benchmarking, budgeting and reporting facility data has been a challenging process for recreation professionals. That changes today with the launch of ActiveParks’ new Facility Inventory Manager (FIM), the first nationwide, online inventory and database of local recreation facilities that leverages the power of the Internet to provide easy access to real-time tracking, measurement and reporting capabilities.
Launched through a joint technology initiative by The Active Network and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), recreation professionals will get hands-on demonstrations of FIM during this week’s NRPA Congress & Exposition. The FIM database can be accessed at inv.activeparks.org
“The Internet has made a once, near-impossible task very achievable because data can now be added to one global database from thousands of remote terminals simultaneously," explained Jim Woodman, vice president of business development, The Active Network. "The ability for recreation professionals to securely login to their agency's management console from any Internet connection in the world, and gain complete access to add, edit or delete recreational facility information that can be shared among consumers and other parks and recreation professionals is unprecedented."
After two years of field research and extensive feedback from park and recreation professionals, FIM replaces an earlier database version and offers the following features:
- Friendly user interface – Smooth access with straight forward navigation.
- Single login – Agencies can create a username and password to login, from any Internet connection in the world, and manage their recreational facility information. After users login, they are immediately placed in their organization’s FIM management console where they can add, edit or delete relevant information.
- Easy, fast, and standardized data entry – Additions, updates and changes can be made quickly. Customized templates, which allow for simple “mouse-click" choosing of related facility attributes, ensure a very user-friendly and standardized data entry and collection process.
- Powerful reporting capabilities – Professionals can compare and measure their agency through numerous variables such as total park acreage, resident and non-resident population served, residents per facility, etc.
- Consumer access – Consumers will be able to search the FIM database for local recreational facilities from park and recreation agency Web sites, The Active Network’s Internet properties and an array of media partners such as Ticketmaster Online-CitySearch, USA Today and numerous daily newspapers and regional sports magazines.
“The ActiveParks Facility Inventory Manager will revolutionize the way people obtain information about recreation resources close to home or nationwide," added Kathy J. Spangler, marketing director, NRPA. “The Active Network and National Recreation and Park Association collaboration promotes healthy lifestyles and showcases the essential benefits of parks and recreation via advanced technology tools."
To get started, park and recreation administrators can visit inv.activeparks.organd simply click on “Get Started." For agencies that entered information into the older version of the database, their agency and parks data has been transferred to the FIM. Previous users need only login at inv.activeparks.org, using their same username and password, and update specific attributes for each facility.
Agencies that complete their information by November 15, 2001, will be eligible for a free one-year NRPA membership or free passes to next year’s NRPA Congress & Exposition. For more information about FIM, visit inv.activeparks.orgor e-mail activeparks@nrpa.org.
About ActiveParks
ActiveParks.org is a collaborative venture between The Active Network and the National Recreation and Park Association to create the first comprehensive inventory of nearly 200,000 local recreation facilities in the United States. This landmark database will allow citizens to find recreation facilities and associated activities in virtually every American neighborhood. In addition, park and recreation professionals will be able to benchmark their agencies against national or regional standards. For more information, visit www.activeparks.org.