Citizen Engagement In Parks Programming In 2021

Leaders in parks and recreation have learned that virtual programming isn’t a COVID-19 programming stopgap. Rather, it’s an opportunity to engage users through innovation to become a vital resource in recreation programming. Here are five of the hottest categories in virtual programming and ideas for incorporating them into your catalog this year.

 Virtual Games

Esports have risen in popularity due to social distancing, but there are other ways to engage your community using online gaming. Consider scavenger hunts, live board game tournaments, or real-time chat trivia.

The Arts

Virtual art classes can span a wide spectrum, from writing, painting, sculpting, acting, woodworking, knitting, and beyond. Hold virtual contests and feature winners via department homepage spotlights.

Education

Invite kids on virtual field trips to your local history museum and conduct classes to help teens with the college application process. Adults may be interested in volunteering in the community to become public-safety and preparedness leaders by taking a CERT training course.

Physical Health

Virtual yoga, aerobics, weight training, and dance are just a few types of activities where citizens could benefit from signing up online to be led by an instructor and be part of a community.

Civic Participation

Live, in-person events can be supplemented virtually for those unable to attend. Fundraisers or live auctions, festivals, holiday celebrations, career fairs, voter education, and registration events, and more can all be bolstered by virtual offerings that work in tandem with a live event or standalone, giving additional citizens the chance to contribute and participate.

Kathryn Boutwell joined the CivicRec implementation team as a solutions manager. After helping many clients launch successfully with CivicRec, she now helps existing clients take full advantage of all the features and functionality CivicRec offers.