Innovate Parks & Recreation

About

The Innovate Parks & Rec Taskforce mission is to Make Innovation a Habit. Innovation plays such a major role in having a successful workplace culture. We define innovation as—introducing new processes, ideas, products, and services to enhance and enrich our department and our communities. Studies have shown that organizations that cultivate an innovative workplace increase efficiency, performance, positive change, and growth.

IPR Brings You... Eyes Have It!

Eyes Have It believes in ensuring our facilities and spaces are beautiful, safe, and functional. From easy fixes to long-term projects, Eyes Have It funds a range of improvement projects spearheaded by staff. 

Major idea-inspiring-improvement categories include:

  • Enhance Indoor and Outdoor Spaces
  • Modernize Public and Staff Spaces
  • Explore Feasibility for Upgrading Technology and Increasing Accessibility
  • Focus on Sustainability
  • Brand All Spaces (with the M-NCPPC logo)

Applying is as easy as…

  1. Take a (virtual) walkthrough of your day-to-day operations using fresh eyes.
  2. List desired improvements, renovations and/or additions. 
  3. Share your bright ideas by submitting a thorough description of your project with supporting pictures (or video).  

Additional Information

  • We will be accepting submissions for Round Two from February 8–March 12.
  • If selected, you will have the opportunity to work closely with subject matter experts to make your bright ideas become a reality.
  • Additional consideration will be given to projects focused on outdoor spaces and trails and projects that can be fully completed by June 30, 2022.
  • All project ideas are welcome! 
  • Email innovation@pgparks.com with any questions.

Eyes Have It FAQs

Unable to attend our Coffee & Chat Q&A Session? Watch it here at Eyes Have It Q&A Session via STREAM

  1. When will projects be approved? 
  2. What is the deadline to submit applications? 
  3. Can I submit more than one application?
  4. Must I submit as an individual or can I submit as part of a team?
  5. Do I need approval from my supervisor on the project before submitting?
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  1. Where can I access the application?  
  2. Can I submit an application on behalf of a coworker?
  3. If my application is not chosen for Round 1, can I resubmit an application with updated information for Round 2?
  4. My photo/video file is too big to upload to the application. How can I share the link to it on OneDrive? 
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  1. If I am unsure of my exact budget, is it better to overestimate or underestimate?
  2. How do I estimate staff costs?
  3. Can project funds be paired with existing FY’21 program funds?
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  1. How can I access the recording of the “Coffee and Chat Q&A Session”?
  2. Who can I contact with additional questions? How can I connect with a subject matter expert to help me estimate project costs?
View All

Discover Innovation Where You Are! 

At the Department of Parks and Recreation, we have embraced innovation! We have used a process called Innovative Program Initiative (IPI) to help bring ideas from the front lines all the way to the top. Included in the resources packet is everything we have created to help move IPIs along.


Resources

Download this packet to get your agency started.

  1. IPI Resource Packet (ZIP)