Empowering Community Growth in Apache Junction, AZ, through CivicPlus

Building a Foundation for Community Success

Located against the stunning backdrop of Arizona’s Superstition Mountains, Apache Junction is a small community with big ambitions. Known for its breathtaking natural beauty and a strong sense of community, the city thrives on providing top-tier recreational programs for its residents. Guided by its “small town, big heart” philosophy, the Apache Junction Parks and Recreation Department is dedicated to creating exceptional recreational experiences for all ages. Recreation Management, part of the CivicPlus suite of solutions, has proven instrumental in transforming how Apache Junction engages with residents, expanding the reach and efficiency of its parks and recreational offerings.

Overcoming Communication and Operational Inefficiencies

Before CivicPlus, the Apache Junction Parks and Recreation Department was struggling with an outdated software solution According to Riley King, Management Analyst for the city, the previous system “was not user-friendly, not staff-friendly, and training new staff on it was difficult.” The limitations became particularly evident during the pandemic, highlighting issues with both usability and customer support. Apache Junction needed a platform that could facilitate smoother interactions for both staff and residents, making program setup, registration, and overall management more intuitive and efficient. The team realized it was time to switch to a reliable and supportive solution that could keep pace with the community’s growing needs.

Switching to Modern, Easy-to-Use Software

Apache Junction chose CivicPlus for its new recreation management solution, largely influenced by positive recommendations from neighboring communities and the city’s existing partnership with CivicPlus. CivicPlus’ Recreation Management’s user-friendly interface was a major factor in the decision. King explained, “Our staff see the same catalog as our customers, so if a customer needs help, our staff can easily guide them through the process.” The simplicity and ease of use of Recreation Management stood out during demos, making the transition an easy choice. The implementation process was smooth and efficient, with dedicated support from CivicPlus every step of the way, enabling a seamless transition that met the unique needs of Apache Junction.

Efficient Implementation and Training within a few Hours

Civic Plus’s implementation process was designed to ensure a smooth transition for Apache Junction. Riley King praised the hands-on support, noting, “We met weekly, had dedicated support, and they walked us through each step.” By starting fresh without importing outdated customer data, Apache Junction was able to make a clean transition, setting up a system tailored to current community needs. The structured onboarding and training – combined with an easy-to-use interface – enabled staff to quickly adapt, reducing the training time from days to just a few hours and saving valuable staff hours across the board.

Time Savings and Increased Participation

Since implementing Recreation Management, Apache Junction has witnessed significant improvements in efficiency and engagement:

• Time Savings – program setup has gone from days to hours: With Recreation Management, program setup times have been drastically reduced. “Setting up each facility used to take a week; now it takes a day,” noted King, highlighting the platform’s intuitive design. Similarly, program setup times have been shortened from days to just a couple of hours, freeing staff to focus on more valuable activities.
• Increased Participation and Revenue: Apache Junction’s program participation is up across all areas, contributing to revenue growth. Although multiple factors influence participation, the ease of registration through Recreation Management has undoubtedly played a role in making programs more accessible to residents.
• Reduction in In-Person Registrations: Registration days now primarily take place online, with only a handful of residents coming in person. The CivicPlus user-friendly design has enabled residents, including seniors, to register for programs with minimal assistance, significantly reducing the volume of calls and time-consuming walk-in registrations.

Customer Support and Positive Staff Experience

CivicPlus’ commitment to customer support has been a game-changer for Apache Junction.

The reliable customer service has alleviated previous frustrations and has streamlined operations, allowing the staff to focus on delivering excellent service. The unified account management across CivicPlus products further enhances this experience by providing a single point of contact for support, simplifying communication, and strengthening Apache Junction’s relationship with CivicPlus.

Driving Impact: Less Staff Hours, More Programs

The return on investment with CivicPlus is evident in the time saved, increased participation, and overall staff satisfaction. The department has been able to reallocate saved staff hours to expanding programming and community events. King highlighted the impact:

The Recreation Management solution has not only increased efficiency but also enhanced the community’s access to new and diverse recreational opportunities.

Looking Ahead: Sustaining Success and Innovation with CivicPlus

As Apache Junction continues to expand, with new parks and annexed land on the horizon, CivicPlus remains central to the city’s strategy for managing and scaling its recreational offerings. King is excited about Recreation Management’s upcoming inventory management module, which will replace the current Excel-based system, further enhancing operational efficiency. “We’re a growing city, and I’m excited for our new residents to see all we offer,” she shared. With CivicPlus, Apache Junction is well-equipped to embrace future growth, ensuring that both current and new residents have access to seamless, top-quality recreational experiences.

The transition to CivicPlus’ Recreation Management solution has transformed Apache Junction’s Parks and Recreation Department, enabling it to deliver more efficient, accessible, and enjoyable recreational services. With the CivicPlus user-friendly interface, robust support, and commitment to innovation, Apache Junction is poised to continue serving its community with excellence. The partnership has allowed the department to save time, increase program participation, and enhance the quality of life for residents, proving that small communities can achieve big results with the right tools.