The Dallas Parks and Recreation Department unveiled a new online registration system that will enable tens of thousands of city residents to sign up for fitness, sports, technology, dance and after-school programs from the convenience of their home computers. Online registration requires participants to first purchase a card from any recreation center.
"Our city has been working diligently toward providing e-commerce for citizens," said Ken Brack, IT manager for the Dallas Parks and Recreation Department. "We look forward to better serving our recreation participants by implementing efficiencies and eliminating manual, paper-based processes."
Nearby Arlington has instituted an electronic system for obtaining permits, having plans reviewed and making payments online. Permits for simple items such as fences can be approved and issued in minutes. More complicated permit requests can also be monitored by computer, allowing builders to view comments on building and engineering plans. Fort Worth and Austin have similar systems. In addition, Austin on Oct. 9 will implement an online system for local vendors, allowing them to receive automatic emails for bid opportunities.
Last year, the city of Farmers Branch received an award from the American Planning Association that recognized its "e-planning strategy" that utilizes Web sites, e-mail, digital convergence meetings and online television to increase communication with the public.
