Weston staff demonstrates new Sportspoon recreation software for reservations and reporting

Parks staff showed the committee how Weston’s new recreation platform manages registrations, shelter and field reservations, point-of-sale transactions and reporting across multiple sites. "It tells you the dates, the cost," a staff presenter said, showing how the system produces rosters and daily sales reports, and how GIS mapping determines resident versus nonresident rates. The demonstration included the system’s ability to send automated emails and texts to registrants and to run scheduled financial reports that staff said simplify reconciliation.

Trustees asked whether email addresses collected through reservations could be exported for newsletters or Friends of Kennedy Park communications. Staff said the system supports text and email alerts and suggested a survey follow-up approach that gives customers an opt-in for broader communications. "There's a place where you can get a notification and it comes through," the presenter said, noting a plan to explore whether exported lists can be formatted for mailings.

The committee discussed operational details: staff training, how the public front end works, and limitations on booking windows and restroom availability tied to seasons. Staff said memberships and swim-lesson registrations will be available through the system by Dec. 1. The presentation concluded with staff noting that scheduled reports and enhanced financial reporting should aid both daily operations and long-term budgeting; trustees asked staff to follow up about potential export/opt-in workflow and whether that work would fit into current staffing priorities.

Staff said they will report back with specifics on data-export capabilities and suggested language for opt-in messages if trustees want the Parks Department to begin limited outreach to recent users.