From Good to Great: How Channahon Flipped to 70% Online Registration and Gained $20K in Revenue
Keys to Project:
Modernized Online Registration and Boosted Community Access
City:
Channahon Park District, Channahon, ILPopulation:
13,383Products:
Challenge:
Residents had limited access to online registration; staff faced time-consuming processes and outdated user experience.
Solution:
CivicPlus Recreation Management delivered a mobile-friendly, modern registration experience with automated payments, surveys, and streamlined program management.
Result:
Online registrations increased from 30% to 70%, day-one revenue grew by $20K, and staff saved hours on refunds and manual tasks.
Recognizing the Need for Modern Convenience
Channahon Park District was doing things the way many districts do: solid programs, helpful staff, and a dependable, yet manual registration system. But the world was changing. Parents were juggling busy schedules, residents were on their phones more than their desktops, and expectations for convenience were rising fast.
That’s when the Channahon team asked, “How can we make this easier for everyone?”
We wanted something simple. Something our residents could use quickly, like adding to their Amazon cart.
Lauren Koszola
Director of Recreation, Channahon Park District
They weren’t just looking for new software. They were investing in a better experience for their team and their community.
The Right Fit: Modern, Mobile, and Made for Parks & Rec
After evaluating multiple vendors, CivicPlus® Recreation Management stood out not just for its features, but for the people behind it. The CivicPlus team came to Channahon in person, worked to understand their needs, and tailored the setup to fit their unique programs.
The transition felt more like a partnership than a project. From duplicating seasonal programs in a few clicks to offering mobile-friendly signups and automated payment plans, it checked all the boxes, and then some.
It just makes everything easier for our staff—and for residents, who are trying to sign up from their phones while juggling life.
Lauren Koszola
Director of Recreation, Channahon Park District
Online Registrations Took Off and So Did Revenue
Just one season after launch, the numbers told a powerful story:
- Online registrations increased from 30% to 70% of all registrations
- Opening day revenue jumped $20K
- Staff saved hours thanks to instant refunds and fewer in-person bottlenecks
Midnight hit, and people were ready to register. No lines, no delays. It was exciting and a sign we were doing something right.
Lauren Koszola
Director of Recreation, Channahon Park District
The platform wasn’t just a win for convenience. It became a reflection of the kind of service Channahon strives to provide: modern, thoughtful, and accessible for everyone.
Looking Ahead: More Access, Insight, and Community Impact
With smoother operations and happier residents, the team is already exploring more tools within Recreation Management like league management, scheduled reporting, and smarter participant communication.
They’re not slowing down. They’re just getting started.
This system reflects who we are and where we’re going. It’s easy, it’s modern, and it helps us focus on what matters: serving our community.
Lauren Koszola
Director of Recreation, Channahon Park District
CivicPlus Recreation Management is built for communities like Channahon: where doing well means getting better.
Ready for smoother operations?
Contact us today to see how Recreation Management can make a difference.