Urbana Park District partnered with PUREi to overhaul their outdated website, aiming to create a dynamic, user-friendly platform that would better serve their community. With a hard deadline of October 1st to avoid a costly renewal with their previous provider, the PUREi team rose to the challenge and delivered a comprehensive website that went live ahead of schedule. Packed with advanced features and custom integrations, the new website reflects Urbana Park District’s commitment to providing an exceptional online experience for residents and visitors alike.
The Need for a New Website
The previous Urbana Park District website was functional but lacked the modern features and ease of use that today’s users expect. It struggled to keep pace with the district’s expanding programs and offerings, leaving visitors searching for information in a disorganized layout. Recognizing the importance of a strong digital presence, Urbana Park District sought a solution that would streamline navigation, improve content management, and provide seamless access to their seasonal program offerings.
PUREi’s task was to develop a visually appealing, highly functional website that not only reorganized and streamlined content but also integrated ActiveNet, a popular programming software, to dynamically display program information directly on the site.
A Thoughtfully Designed Digital Experience
PUREi began by working closely with Urbana Park District to reorganize the website’s structure, improving navigation and user flow. Using detailed wireframes, we mapped out an intuitive layout that made it easy for visitors to find information about parks, facilities, events, and programs. Special attention was given to designing a responsive framework, ensuring the site looks and functions perfectly across all devices, from desktops to smartphones.
The homepage features a rotating marquee of graphics with customizable start and end dates, giving Urbana Park District a flexible way to highlight events, announcements, and featured programs. Alerts functionality was also built in, enabling the district to add time-sensitive notifications or countdowns to any part of the site.
Advanced Functionality for a Seamless User Experience
One of the standout features of the new site is the integration of ActiveNet programming software via its API. This allows seasonal program offerings to be dynamically displayed on the website, eliminating the need for duplicate data entry. Visitors can easily browse and filter programs, with each listing linking directly to ActiveNet’s registration page for a seamless sign-up process.
Other advanced functionalities include:
- Interactive Parks and Facilities Map: Visitors can explore Urbana Park District’s parks and facilities using an interactive map that filters amenities, helping them find exactly what they’re looking for.
- Dynamic Calendar and Event Listings: The integrated calendar enables staff to update events easily, with the ability to push entries directly to social media for greater reach.
- Custom Form Builder: A flexible form builder allows staff to create and manage surveys, polls, and contact forms across the site.
- AI-Powered Accessibility Compliance Widget: Ensuring the website meets accessibility standards, this widget provides users with tools to adjust site elements according to their needs.
Efficient Content Management and Administrative Tools
At the core of the new website is PUREi’s custom-built content management system (CMS), designed to empower Urbana Park District’s staff to manage and update the site independently. With features like scheduled publishing, administrators have complete control over content creation and updates.
The CMS also includes tools for managing news, FAQs, photo galleries, and a secure file extranet for staff and board members. These features streamline internal processes while ensuring the site remains fresh and relevant for visitors.
Meeting the Deadline: A Successful Launch
With a critical October 1st deadline looming, PUREi worked diligently to complete the project ahead of schedule. By the end of September, the new Urbana Park District website was live, delivering a polished, modern platform that met all of the client’s needs.
The launch marked a significant upgrade for Urbana Park District, providing them with a website that supports their mission of serving the community with engaging and accessible digital resources. From its seamless integration with ActiveNet to its robust administrative tools, the new website is a reflection of PUREi’s expertise in creating tailored solutions that drive results.
Empowering Urbana Park District to Serve Their Community
The new website not only meets but exceeds Urbana Park District’s goals, offering a visually stunning design paired with advanced functionality. It simplifies access to programs and services for the community, while also giving staff the tools they need to manage content with ease.
For PUREi, this project highlights our ability to tackle complex requirements under tight deadlines, delivering innovative solutions that make a meaningful impact. The Urbana Park District website is now a valuable resource that enhances community engagement and strengthens the district’s online presence for years to come.