Watertown Recreation’s online registration system will be getting a major upgrade, allowing for quick, easy transactions for residents signing up for programs, summer camp, and facility rentals.
On Aug. 1, the Recreation Department will debut its new online registration system.
“We basically go on from a software that looks a little bit like dial up internet the old days to a really modern look,” said Assistant Recreation Director Jon “Kaz” Kazanjian.
The new system is powered by software from Rec Technologies. Dan Jenner from Rec Technologies attended the recent opening of Arsenal Park and said the founders of the San Francisco-based company came from Uber and wanted to make a more intuitive booking software.
“Most normal processes are, you have to go online and book through an old, antiquated system, right? Hard to use, not mobile friendly,” Jenner said. “We’re bringing this new software, and Watertown is the first in Massachusetts to get on board with it.”
Users can register and have their information saved in the system for quick checkout. People who sign up now will be entered to get a $100 credit for Watertown Recreation programs, Kazanjian said.
The system will streamline the registration process for popular programs, such as the Pequossette Summer Program.
“When registration opens, the camp is very hard to get into,” Kazanjian said. “Now they’ll be able to just go, boom, boom, boom, because (the registration system has) all their information, all the forms filled out the things they need.”
Watertown Rec programs will be the first items on the program, Kazanjian said, and in January facility rentals will also be added. Along with the user-friendly online system, people will be able to register to use a picnic table, or other facility using signs at the park.
“They’re supplying some signs with a QR code,” Kazanjian said. “Our system now is you fill out a piece of paper, you email it to us, and in five to seven days, we email you back with a permit and a cost, you pay for it, and you get the permit. Now, you’ll be able to walk up, scan the QR code and either instant book, which is in the works, or request a booking and fill out everything online.”
For example, at Arsenal Park people can rent the covered pavilion, which has multiple tables and two grills, for $50 for two-hours if you are a Watertown resident, and $100 for non-residents. An uncovered table with a grill is $15 for two hours for residents.
The Recreation Department looks forward to the launch of the new system.
“It’s easy for us, really even more easy for the user, which is what we’re really excited about,” Kazanjian said.
The Watertown Recreation online registration site can be found by clicking here.