The Naperville Park District is looking to phase in a new software package, pending approval by commissioners that will hopefully add to what executive director Ray McGury described as “the lifeblood of the Park District.”
“Program registration for classes and programs is our lifeblood and at the core of what we do, and the current software we are using is being phased out in the next two years,” McGury told commissioners Thursday during a meeting of the Naperville Park Board. “The software we are using is archaic and it’s time we moved into the 21st century.”
Both McGury and Director of Recreation Brad Wilson spoke about Active Net – a recreational software staff feel offer more ease of use for patrons as well as password security and other features.
“This software is more user friendly for our residents, offer enhanced security and interfaces better with social media,” Wilson explained. “There is more functionality than we’re used to having and we feel it will serve our needs and make program and class registration easier.”
McGury said certain cost savings incentives would be available to the Park District thanks to working in conjunction with other groups to license the software. The Active Net, he said, would actually cost less than the current software that is being phased out.
“Currently, we’re paying $150,000 per year for the software we’re using, whereas the new software would be $120,000,” McGury said. “The Active Net is currently being used by the Chicago Park District and has also been the software for the Chicago Marathon. It’s a very robust program.”
McGury said the only “drawback” would be not having the software up and running until late winter of next year.
“At this point, we’d like to have this operational by next year when the new rec center opens,” McGury said. “Once the board has had time to review our proposal, hopefully we’ll get the approval to award a contract and begin moving forward.”
