Parks using technology to get tips from the public

By Randy Bell    

Special signs are popping up at Clinton’s city parks.  They feature a two-dimensional matrix barcode known as a quick-response or QR code, enabling the public to report a maintenance issue or vandalism at a park using the camera on their cellphone.

“It takes them to a webpage on the [City’s] website,” Parks and Recreation Director Courtney Nunn said at the August 18 Board of Aldermen meeting.  A citizen can fill out an online form describing the issue with the opportunity to upload a photo showing the problem.   

According to Nunn, “This allows our Parks and Recreation team to be made aware of problems sooner and respond more efficiently.”

She called it the latest in a series of “proactive steps to improve safety, maintenance and the overall experience at our parks.”

Nunn said the idea is “to get the public involved in helping us.”  She continued, “Keeping our parks safe and well-maintained is a shared responsibility.  We encourage residents to be our eyes and ears in the parks and report concerns when they see them.  The sooner we know about an issue, the quicker we can respond.”

“These signs are another tool in our ongoing commitment to providing clean, safe, welcoming and well-maintained parks for everyone,” said Nunn.  “We appreciate our citizens’ partnership in helping us protect and improve these important community spaces.”