Welcome to the Oswegoland Park District’s Innovation Lab! Your ideas, comments, and feedback are encouraged! All ideas are welcomed, big and small! If your idea is related to pay and/or benefits, it will be addressed to Human Resources.
How to Submit your Idea
- Select "+Add a new one"
- Fill out the form
Under Review: All ideas will be labeled “under review” until a decision is made. It will be reviewed no later than 90 days after posting. Each idea is rated based on:
- Feasible – How feasible is this idea to implement?
- Effective – Will the idea have a clear outcome/impact to show effectiveness?
- Values – How well does the idea align with our Values of integrity, collaboration, and innovation?
- Strategic Themes – How does the idea serve our Strategic Themes of Land & Facilities, Fiscal Awareness, Customer Experience, and Employee Engagement?
Decision Time
- Selected: Congratulations! Your idea is leaving the lab and being put into practice! You will be receiving an ATOM (Adding to Our Mission) award. The Values Team will work with the appropriate departments to identify project leader(s) to implement.
- Not Selected: Unfortunately, some ideas are not selected. If we do not select an idea, you will receive a notice in the Innovation Lab with an explanation of the team’s decision.
- Big Ticket: If your idea has merit and may incur additional expenses, it will be tagged as a Big Ticket item. We will collect more information about the scope and scale of information.
If you have any questions, you can contact the Values Team at valueteam@oswegolandpd.org.

Cloud based file storage for staff
In today's mobile digital environment it would be helpful to be able to access files and directories from a variety of online devices and locations. When weather causes issues or employees are on the road or traveling, to be able to securely access information could be of great benefit

Sensory communication boards
Visual communication boards at the local parks to help non-verbal children communicate. These are also called PECS and are often used with special needs kids.

Saw Wee Kee Map QR Code
At the kiosks (3) at Saw Wee Kee or even on the trails, create a sign with a QR code for the SWK map. (Can even have "You are here" on it)
Could post these smaller signs on the posts of the kiosks, so we don't even have to waste space inside.

Birthday Event due to Covid-19
Since the shelter in place has been in effect, I happened to notice (on FB) many children being bummed about not being able to celebrate their birthdays with friends due to Covid-19. Perhaps the Oswegoland Park District could hold a community birthday party to recognize all those children who weren’t really able to have a party during shelter in place. Clearly this would take place once deemed safe for larger gatherings.

Website & Rainout Line Enhancements
Consider adding the Rainout Line and Team Sideline to the OPD Website page that displays in Google (desktop and mobile access) so participants can easily get to these pages if they don't have them saved. See Rainout line example on the Naperville Park District search. Also consider adding the Skating Rink to the Rainout line so customers know when it is open (rather than having to drive by to see the flags).

New Hire Paperwork for Supervisors
It would be helpful if the new hire paperwork folder in the pdrive could be organized differently. It's great that it's all in one place, but it would be easier to sort through if it was labeled or numbered in order, or separated into certain folders. Maybe even adding some short guidelines or reminders for certain forms as well.

Google Forms for Volunteer Info
I have had a lot of luck using Google Forms for streamlining volunteer sign up and data collection for different areas that are not programming or Active related. I use them for PrairieFest Volunteers, Limelight Audition Sign up, and more. The form allows us to ensure that we are getting all of the information that we need (contact info, experience, availability, etc), as well as adjust and edit the fields on the form to be up to date. For example, when I PrairieFest shift is filled, we can take that option off of the form in real time and it is no longer an option for people looking at it. There is also the option to add an automatic response to the individual filling out the form, so they have confirmation that you got their info. It makes it easier on the user end and on the staff side. Win win!
I am happy to share any more info or answer questions, if anyone has any :)

Outdoor Meetings
During the warmer months, we could host catalog and department meetings outdoors to give us the opportunity to get some fresh air/out of the office!

Holiday themed OPD staff shirts
Offer various OPD staff shirts for major holidays throughout the year. An OPD Halloween themed shirt to wear around that holiday. St. Patrick's Day, Christmas or Winter theme, Mother;s Day, Easter, 4th of July. Colored to match the various holiday with fun slogan or graphic and OPD logo/staff

Installing Convex Mirrors out of maintenance lot at PP for Safety
Installing Two (2) Convex mirrors on the exit of the Maintenance area at PP, to ensure safety when exiting that area.
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