City of Bellflower approves agreement with Kaizen Laboratories for new recreation management system

The Bellflower City Council meeting on April 14, 2025, focused on a significant proposal to replace the city's outdated recreation management system with a new platform from Kaizen Laboratories Incorporated. The current system, which serves over 27,000 registered users, has been criticized for its lack of user-friendly features and increasing costs without improvements in service.

During the meeting, Parks and Recreation staff highlighted the limitations of the existing system, including its difficult interface and inadequate point-of-sale capabilities. The proposed Kaizen system promises to enhance user experience with features such as a membership management system, event scheduling, and advanced merchandising options. Notably, the new platform will allow for online payments through popular methods like Apple Pay and Google Pay, which are expected to increase revenue and streamline operations.

Will Harrison from Kaizen presented the company's vision, emphasizing the importance of modern technology in parks and recreation services. He noted that the system is designed to be intuitive, similar to popular retail platforms, making it easier for families to register for multiple programs without repeated logins. The implementation of this system is projected to be a phased approach, ensuring a smooth transition without disrupting current services.

The council discussed the financial implications of the new system, which operates on a transactional fee model rather than upfront or annual licensing costs. The proposed agreement includes a 6% fee on total collected revenues, which is expected to be offset by increased participation in programs and facility rentals.

In conclusion, the council is set to authorize the city manager to execute the agreement with Kaizen, marking a pivotal step towards modernizing Bellflower's recreation management capabilities. This transition is anticipated to enhance user satisfaction and operational efficiency, aligning with the city's growth and community engagement goals.