Smooth launch of online parks and rec registration system, Kalispell officials say

Kalispell Parks and Recreation Department officials say that the rollout of a new online registration system for the agency’s programs has gone smoothly.

The web-based portal, designed to make the department more efficient as well as allow residents to register for programs from home, launched Nov. 15. The system had handled 670 registrations within the first two weeks of its rollout, many for afterschool programs, officials said. 

“So far it has been great,” said Paul Reinhardt, city recreation superintendent. “It doesn’t create any limitations for services, but it has been much more efficient in the office.”

Officials began revamping the municipality’s sport, event and space registration system in early autumn. The cost of implementation — as well as the first year of annual fees — came to $23,195. The fee to maintain the system will run the city about $12,935 a year, City Manager Doug Russell said earlier this year. 

Online-based registration systems are becoming more common across the country, Reinhardt said. He recommended that local families looking to enroll in future programs get a jump start by setting up accounts with the system. 

Residents without computers or internet access can still come to the Parks and Recreation Department’s office at 306 First Ave. E. to enroll in programs or events. They can also receive help creating their account at the office. 

One early complication with the system is that it requires entries for each member of the household looking to enroll in a program. For example, a parent planning to sign their children up for Little League must add each child — including their ages — to their account to complete the process.

The facilities portion of the system, which allows residents to reserve pavilions, fields, and other public spaces for events, is likely to go live in January. 

A preview of upcoming winter events and activities can be found at www.kalispell.com/243/Recreation-Activities.

Reporter Carl Foster can be reached at cfoster@dailyinterlake.com.