The Special Districts/Midwest program has selected Naperville Park District’s Information Technology Director Omar Sandoval as the winner of two Special District Technology Innovation Awards: one in the Operations Category and one in the Citizens Category.
Sandoval received the awards at the September 18 Special Districts Summit/Midwest in Chicago. The regional Special Districts program was launched in 2017 by Government Technology and AT&T to offer a forum for local government special districts to collaborate and share best practices in technology.
The Operations Category award was given for Sandoval’s work to develop the Naperville Park District’s 311 Parks system that enables residents and staff to report conditions in the parks via mobile device when they are out in a park. The user can select from a menu of issues and also can type in a description and location. The 311 system helps the park maintenance department address problems proactively and track the types, frequency and locations of reported issues over time. The trend data aids in planning and budgeting more efficiently, leading to better service for the community.
The Citizens Category award recognizes Sandoval’s initiative to bring complimentary Wi-Fi service to eight parks and facilities through a partnership with WOW! and Digital Lobby. Patrons can now access Wi-Fi at Fort Hill Activity Center, Centennial Beach, Centennial Grill, Knoch Knolls Nature Center, the Riverwalk Café, Springbrook and Naperbrook Golf Courses, and Rotary Hill.
Naperville Park District is the first district to win two innovation awards.
