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Steamboat Springs, CO uses cell phone data to gauge traffic at city parks, trails
The Steamboat Springs Parks and Recreation Department is using cell phone data to better understand and manage traffic at its parks and trails. By analyzing location data from mobile devices, officials can monitor visitor patterns, peak usage times, and areas of high congestion. This approach aims to improve the allocation of resources, enhance visitor experiences, and reduce environmental impact.
Steamboat Springs, CO
United States
Boston, MA adds urban tree data to open data hub
As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance public access to urban tree data, the city’s Parks and Recreation Department and Urban Forestry Division will now give the public access to data collected from the street tree inventory conducted in 2021 and data from ongoing efforts to inventory trees in parks on Analyze Boston. This integration into Analyze Boston consolidates valuable urban forestry information alongside other city datasets for research or analytic purposes.
Boston, MA
United States
Camden, NSW Hook, Line & Measure project works with anglers on research about local waterways
Council officials ask residents to fill out an online form when they fish on local rivers and streams. The form asks for the date, location, and outcome of any fishing activities in Camden. Anglers are also asked for fish species and weights along with photos of their catches. The Hook, Line & Measure website includes an interactive map and data about the most commonly caught fish. Additional resources cover topics like humane harvesting and state licensure.
Camden, NSW
Australia
Clearwater, FL works with University of South Florida researchers on ARTours Clearwater app
The city's Community Redevelopment Agency supported wall mural creation in an effort to reinvigorate downtown streets. USF researchers captured 3D images of four murals and their surrounding spaces with LiDAR sensors. These images were converted into interactive experiences, audio narration, and videos throughout the 0.7-mile mural tour. Visitors open the app, point their cameras at the murals, and learn more about artworks celebrating local culture and history.
Clearwater, FL
United States
Coquitlam, BC and UrbanLogiq turn city operations data into tech-based service improvements
Coquitlam selected UrbanLogiq for a two-year pilot through the regional Project Greenlight procurement system. This partnership focuses on gathering and analyzing data in three service areas: Economic Development, Parks, and Transportation. New insights will shape sustainable approaches to business growth, park design, and traffic management. City officials anticipate service improvements aligned with Coquitlam's Environmental Sustainability Plan at the pilot's conclusion.
Coquitlam, BC
Canada
Queenstown-Lakes District Council, NZ trials environmental sensors in recreational reserves
The Ben Lomond and Mount Iron reserves each received five Attentis pole-mounted sensors. The sensors gather around-the-clock measurements of pollen, air quality, soil moisture, and structural movement. Reserve patrons can plan their trips by checking data on a mobile app. Thermal images are sent via the Spark NZ network to emergency personnel for early detection of wildfires. Council officials will evaluate the technology's effectiveness during a summer pilot.
Queenstown-Lakes District Council, NZ
New Zealand
Regina, SK Inclusion Support Service makes recreation programs more accessible to all residents
The free service creates individualized recreation plans for residents with accessibility concerns. Support staff navigates participants through registration and identifies transportation options to recreation venues. Leisure Companions offer emotional support and assist recreation leaders with adjusting activities to user needs. Regina pursued this service as part of an Adapted Recreation Plan calling for a systemic approach to accessible resources.
Regina, SK
Canada
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, CN collaborates with Minsait on smart beach technology
People-counting sensors measure patron use of facilities and sidewalks at Playa De Las Canteras. This project also monitors bin fill levels, water consumption in showers, and weather conditions. An AI-enabled platform creates predictive models of resource needs based on evolving usage patterns. Municipal officials anticipate remote facilities management and rapid responses to emergencies at all public beaches using this technology.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, CN
Spain
Los Angeles County, CA harnesses anonymized fitness app and location data for more equitable parks
The county's Department of Parks and Recreation used data from Strava users for evaluations of park usage. Unacast location data from 2019 to 2020 provided insights into usage at 40 facilities in outlying areas. These data sets were analyzed within the context of park-poor communities identified through the Healthy Places Index. County officials then approved a revised park needs assessment with recommendations for remedying social barriers and environmental vulnerabilities.
Los Angeles County, CA
United States
Exeter City Council, GB converts hard-to-recycle plastic waste into park benches
Exeter collects plastic waste including bags and films from household collections, street cleaning, and beach sweeping. The city's Materials Reclamation Facility granulates the plastics and delivers materials to Circular11 for the construction of park benches. City officials note that the benches can be recycled at the end of their useful lives. This project introduces low-value waste into Exeter's circular economy efforts and offers a blueprint for other councils.
Exeter City Council, GB
United Kingdom
Greater Geelong, VIC protects grey-headed flying foxes in local park with smart irrigation system
The grey-headed flying fox is considered a vulnerable species with high susceptibility to heat stress. Greater Geelong and community organizations installed climate sensors in trees surrounding a flying fox colony in Eastern Park. The sensors evaluate temperature and humidity with nearby smart sprinklers activated to cool the colony. Recent sensor data are available for public review in the council's Data Exchange platform.
Greater Geelong, VIC
Australia
North Lanarkshire Council, GB makes country park more accessible with myEyes mobile app
The myEyes app provides audio narration of walking routes and areas of interest based on location data. Council officials worked with iKi Technologies on adapting myEyes for patrons of Strathclyde Country Park. App users find out about native wildlife and journey through the park's paths thanks to timely alerts. The app accommodates audio messaging in multiple languages. North Lanarkshire Council will evaluate the app's impacts prior to potential use in other public spaces.
North Lanarkshire Council, GB
United Kingdom