SPRD launches registration system

Sisters Park & Recreation District (SPRD) went live with a new registration system on December 17.

SPRD Executive Director Anne Heath told The Nugget that SPRD's board and staff have been seeking a better system for several years. Better customer service and user-friendliness were the important goals of the new system, Heath explained.

Vermont Systems is the same registration software being used by Bend Parks & Recreation District and is one of the leading registration systems for parks and recreation districts in the country.

"What we have been hearing from our customers for several years is that the old system was confusing and not user-friendly. Vermont Systems is easier to use and has some new features that will allow our customers more information such as family and community calendars, more program information, and viewing becomes much more pleasant," said Heath.

The new system also allows the district to award scholarship dollars and work credits and place them on to a customer's account to be used by the customer online for their program choices. This was not possible with the old system forcing customers to come into the office to access programs with a scholarship or work credits.

The program also has elements that could be useful to the district's partners and committees as well as other organizations in town, Heath notes. It is the hope of the SPRD board and staff that this investment serves the entire community and enhances citizen's and visitor's ability to obtain more information regarding recreation and enrichment opportunities, and therefore, participate more in all that is happening in Sisters Country.

"It will take a couple of months to get the whole system fully operational, so the district requests that customers be patient," Heath said.

The district will not be transferring any new information from the old system to the new system. Therefore, all customers must put in all of their most current information when opening a new account. Customers are encouraged to go online and check out the new system, get an account set up, and then be ready to go when they have a program they wish to sign up for.

To check out the new system sign on to http://www.SistersRecreation.com. ;

The district has also just released a new winter/spring catalog which is downloadable on the website and is available at many locations throughout Sisters including at SPRD. The catalog reflects the District's commitment to increase adult programming. There are many programs for all ages to choose from. Community members are encouraged to sign up early.

For more information call 541-549-2091.