HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-05-18; Parks & Recreation Commission; 0509-7; Demonstration of new web sitePARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION - AGENDA BILL
AB#0509-7
MTG. DATE: [5/18/09
STAFF: [STROPES
DEMONSTRATION OF NEW WEB SITE
\X\ INFO
ACTION
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Receive a presentation from staff regarding the new features and benefits associated with the
upgrade to the city's Web site.
ITEM EXPLANATION:
The city is in the process of changing the design and functionality of its Web site,
www.carlsbadca.gov to:
- Promote awareness of the city and entice users to return frequently;
- Make information easier to find and more user-friendly, thereby improving customer
service;
- Offer more online services, such as interactive maps, access to CIS information and online
bill payments;
- Create a consistent user experience that reflects the quality of our community.
In June 2008, the city hired Ascentium, a digital marketing firm based in Seattle, to build, design
and implement the new web site. Ascentium has worked with numerous clients in both the public
and private sector, including UCLA, Expedia.com, Random House Publishing and Nike.
Some of the features of the new web site include:
- A prominent, permanent place for Parks and Recreation on the home page;
- A more efficient and intuitive layout that features links to resources, related pages and
other online services;
- Interactive maps with driving directions that show aerial and street-level views of parks,
trails and facilities;
- Improved calendar feature that will allow users to filter events by audience (i.e. families,
seniors) and event type (i.e. Parks and Recreation, Trails, etc.);
- Ability to incorporate social networking tools, such as Facebook, and an "e-mail this page
to a friend" feature.
During the coming weeks, city staff will be working on moving content from the existing web site
to the new web site. The next step will be a rigorous testing phase involving staff and volunteers
representing a cross-section of potential users.
The anticipated "go-live" date for the new city web site is late summer 2009.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
EXHIBITS:
None.