Batavia Park District Spins a Web of Beauty with New Web Site

After nearly two years of planning, research, and development, the Batavia Park District has launched its powerful, new, interactive web site: www.bataviaparks.org

When you visit the new site you can take virtual tours or get driving directions to any one of Batavia’s park or facility sites; plan family outings with the events calendar; apply online for employment; use a smart search feature to locate programs that you want to register for online; tap into a large pool of community resources and links to organizations within the community; and even enter for a chance to win prizes by simply completing a Web site survey located in the Interactive Zone. The latest addition to the site is a photo gallery, which will be stocked daily after special events and programs.

“The Batavia Park District faced the unique challenge of translating Batavia’s small hometown feel, old-fashioned values, and rich windmill heritage into a Web site that users can call ‘Batavia’s cyber home away from home’”, said Allison Sohr, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for the Batavia Park District. With the Internet becoming a media powerhouse, she feels that it is important to bring the human touch and values into the realm of the World Wide Web. “Municipal sites tend to be informational in nature but should also portray a unique web presence, one that is dynamic and attractive for Batavia Park District residents, potential residents, and visitors,” said Sohr.

The Web site’s enormous transformation serves multiple purposes such as: acting as a credible resource for people to make decisions about their leisure activities; providing comprehensive information about the events, facilities and services available through the Park District; offering convenience for people to register for programs and services online; communicating the long-range planning and vision of the district; and attracting local organizations, corporate sponsors and potential volunteers. The design and navigation is intended to provide a seamless customer service experience with the convenience of being able to conduct business in your own time and not just during park district hours.

For the technically savvy, the site offers multiple dynamic flash interactions, database driven content, games, an interactive calendar and an updated search engine to help you locate the wealth of content accurately and quickly. “The cutting edge technology allows users of the park district's Web site to enjoy a more interactive experience,” stated Executive Director Mike Clark. The site was designed so that even the not so technically savvy will enjoy their experience. “It is important to have a customer focused, user-friendly Web site using intuitive navigation controls that make it easy for visitors to locate the information they are seeking,” said Clark.

The park district rolled out the innovative site in April, under the guidance and expertise of Weblinx, Inc., an Oswego based web development and graphic design firm. According to Andy Clements, CEO of Weblinx, Inc., “The Batavia Park District Web site offers the most interactive park district web experience in the state of Illinois, setting a new standard for park districts throughout the state.”

Check out the site at www.bataviaparks.org and let the park district know what you think!

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