Integration of GIS in Athletic Field Planning and Management

Tuesday, September 29 from 2:45 PM - 3:10 PM EST

Exhibit Hall: Speed Sessions Section A (Booth #2747)

Session Type: 20-Minute Speed Session

Topic(s):
Data and Evaluation, Planning and Design

Description:
Montgomery Parks manages more than 300 athletic fields across our 419 public parks, which promote sports activities for individuals and organizations across Montgomery County. We make data-informed planning decisions to prioritize improvements that meet community needs, in consideration of social context, such as fair priority areas and street networks. This project leverages GIS applications to illustrate access to athletic fields across the county and conduct spatial analyses that evaluate both supply and needs using ArcGIS Pro, Instant Apps, Experience Builder and GIS Dashboards. Project objectives include: (1) developing an athletic field inventory GIS layer that details characteristics of athletic fields; (2) publishing a public-facing accessible web map that enables park users to easily locate and access athletic fields; (3) creating a GIS dashboard that allows internal stakeholders to engage with spatial data; (4) conducting access and needs analysis to identify gaps where enhancements are necessary. These initiatives aim to enhance the recreational experience for all and ensure our athletic fields meet the wide-ranging needs of the community.

Learning Objectives:

1. Attendees will learn how Montgomery Parks uses GIS to manage and assess access to more than 300 athletic fields countywide.

2. Attendees will be able to list GIS tools and their capabilities to help agencies with inventory management and planning decisions.

3. Attendees will collect strategies for conducting access and needs analysis to uncover gaps in recreational facility coverage.

This session will be pre-recorded and available on-demand via the NRPA app as part of the 2026 NRPA Virtual Conference.

Speaker(s):
Carl Weber