Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Recreation Programs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Stow Parks & Recreation sees program growth, weighing registration software change
Summary
Board heard that youth and senior programs are growing, campground registration dates were set and staff are evaluating new registration software options (Civic Plus/CampLife/CampSpot/CivicREC) though cost and migration issues remain.
Parks & Recreation staff told the board that many programs saw higher participation in 2024 and that the department is preparing for the 2025 season while evaluating registration software options.
Staff reported strong participation in youth sports: the elementary basketball program has nearly 300 children (an increase from prior years), seventh- and eighth-grade programs have about 60 participants and the high-school program includes seven teams (about 80 students). Seasonal day camps and volleyball plans are underway. Staff said many programs experience wait lists and that the new community center will free up space for previously waitlisted activities.
Campground registration dates were announced: registration opens Feb. 10 and the campground season registrations begin April 11. Staff said campers have already contacted the office asking when registration will open.
The department is reviewing several registration systems. Staff tested CampLife but said it cost more and did not meet all needs. Civic Plus (CivicREC) was discussed but staff reported a quoted price around $20,000 and concerns about data migration and implementation timing for day-camp and campground needs. Staff is also trying to contact CampSpot for a campground-focused solution. Because CivicREC (as presented by the vendor) would not be ready for the upcoming season, staff is delaying a final decision and will seek references from other municipalities that use these products before moving forward.
Marketing and engagement metrics were presented: staff reported roughly 216,000 emails sent in 2024 through the department’s Constant Contact accounts with an open rate cited at about 61% and 12,344 clicks reported; staff said those metrics represented a 38% increase from the prior 12 months and were about 25% above industry average. Social media growth was noted: the City of Stow Facebook page surpassed 9,000 followers and the Fun & Stow page recorded about 37,910 visits for the year. The City page’s largest single post reach was for a vigil for community member Megan Kellerman.
Staff also detailed senior programming changes tied to the new senior center: a $5 subscription to the senior newsletter will include a key tag for building entry; staff said seniors may trial drop-in programs up to three times before becoming members.
Board members asked staff to continue outreach and training for seniors to increase online registration adoption; staff described having run classes to help seniors register online and noted that a mix of online, in-person and newsletter outreach will remain necessary to reach diverse users.
