Parks and recreation facilities are imperative for a healthy community. Recreation centers and parks provide the geographical means for people to stay in touch and be active. Through a culture of care, parks and recreation facilities incite social responsibility among their visitors. However, a well-maintained and properly structured recreation facility or park is imperative to bring a positive change. While the planning and construction of a recreation center or a theme park may take years to actualize, it takes one stride of poor management to destroy all hard work.
Recreation centers and parks are high-traffic locations. They are challenging to manage because of the constant flow of people. Whether it is ticketing, scheduling events, or taking care of the physical appeal of the building, it will require some effort, time, and resources. Also, high-traffic facilities are bound to suffer from some cracks in the walls, chipping of paint, lack of coordination among staff members, and whatnot. However, there are steps to avoid that and enhance the recreation facility experience for your customers.
- Empower and train your staff to manage better.
Your frontline workers, the ticket attendants, the cashiers at the food court, or the guards are the first point of contact for your customers. They must have adequate training to counter avoidable mishaps. Make sure your staff has a clear idea of the services offered at the facility and how to book or pay for a service, among other essential tasks. Tackling client issues holistically will help your frontline workers become efficient and improve their work performance while giving an up-to-par experience to your customers.
- Incorporate technology into your management workflow.
Automation has streamlined management workflows in every industry. With the emergence of parks and recreation software, it is easier to design and plan activities, create payment schedules for your customers, and enhance organizational productivity. However, most recreation centers lose points with terrible registration service, especially in-person ones. A technological evolution unlike any other marks the 21st century; people are eager to use technology whenever and wherever possible. Even booking an event at the recreation center, with an automated customer portal system like the one FinnlySport offers, new customers will have a smooth onboarding process. It would allow customers to engage in activities better and enhance their experience.
- Refresh your program statement annually.
A program statement is the initial shape and structure of your recreation facility or park. It is a guideline for the architects or engineers that build the facility for you and includes an explanation of its uses. If your facility usage doesn’t coincide with the program statement, it needs readjustment. Reviewing the facility’s program statement yearly and noting any changes is recommended. It can involve upgrading existing furniture to suit modern tastes or including more activities and food options on the menu. Change fosters growth, and a change in how your customer engages with the facility will enable a better experience.
- Expand on your activities.
Speaking of change, revamp the activities at your recreation facility or incorporate newer attraction spots at the park. The more activities at your facility or park, the more eager people will become to visit the facility and engage with others. For example, better and improved equipment at the gym and new activities for senior citizens or families are some ways you can increase customer engagement and experience at the facility. In addition, include activities that improve physical and mental fitness, increase wellness and inclusivity and create a positive environment at the facility.
- Make amendments when needed.
Part of providing a modern recreation experience is to give people what they want: a modern approach to fun and relaxation. Whether changing the facility’s aesthetic appeal to provide it with what the customer desires or making amendments when needed, you can revamp old furnishing and countertops, replace doors and renovate restrooms to give the space a new twist. Predicting what needs change implies observing issues when they arise and acting upon them instantly. For example, if a high-traffic area like the reception has worn-out paint, don’t wait until the end of the season to apply a fresh coat of paint. Do that right away. You may even wish to consider upgrading the receptionist software, to ensure faster sign-ins and improve the visitor experience. Your reception is the first point of contact for customers; it would be best to focus on it.
- Create a management schedule.
One of the most critical aspects of providing a good customer experience is scheduling management tasks at your park or facility. Aside from making amends when needed, follow a consistent schedule like trimming the grass regularly, keeping the food supply fresh, and regularly cleaning high-traffic zones. Overgrown bushes or poorly maintained greenery can leave a wrong impression on visitors. Similarly, poor greenery management, like planting high-pollen plants, may cause health risks for visitors and dampen their experience.
- Integrate eco-friendly practices.
People visiting a recreational facility prefer spending time in an environmentally conscious zone rather than posing risks to nature and the environment. Though it’s related to planning, you can incorporate activities and design that consider the safety and sanctity of the wildlife, natural resources, and the atmosphere. If the activities at your recreation center inhibit pollution or harm the wildlife, they won’t provide a positive experience for the customers. In fact, you can inculcate positive, eco-friendly habits like recycling and cleanliness through certain activities at the center or park.
- Prioritize your customers.
Know your customers and their families well to ensure they are satisfied with the services offered at your park or recreation facility. Also, ensure their data is updated, like birthdays or addresses in your system. You can enhance communication with your customers by sending birthday reminders or notifications of promotions and events at the facility. You can build a rapport with your customer and help improve their experience through such interventions.
Conclusion
Dynamic parks and recreation facility specializes in the domains mentioned above. Successful facilities train their staff properly and prioritize customer satisfaction over revenues and mere numbers. To make your customers and staff happier, make sure to engage in productive workflows that enhance efficient customer service.