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California State Parks to Launch New Reservation System This Summer

The new system is being developed by by Xerox State and Local Solutions Inc. through a contract that will continue through July 2023 for a total of just over $1 million, according to information State Parks provided to Techwire.

California State Parks and Recreation plans to launch a new online reservation system in August. It's one of the capstone projects of a two-year modernization and transformation initiative that concluded last month.

The new system, called ReserveCalifornia, will include a Web-based system, real-time updates on campsite availability and more payment options once the transition from previous servicer Reserve America has taken place.

The new system is being developed by by Xerox State and Local Solutions Inc. through a contract that will continue through July 2023 for a total of just over $1 million, according to information State Parks provided to Techwire.

State Parks serves more than 67 million visitors each year. Visitors will now be able to plan their trips on the website via interactive maps as more campsites are added. Parks, restaurants and other amenities that campers could be interested in will be included in the maps as well, said State Parks spokesperson Gloria Sandoval.

“We wanted to modernize the way we connect with visitors and the way that we deliver services to them. We want to be able to provide the public with the ability to sit down at their computer and explore our reservation system, and for them to feel more connected with us," Sandoval said.

State Parks will use visitor information to help fill campsites that may otherwise remain empty. Self-adjusting prices will reflect seasonal demand.

“With this new system, we want to engage better with our visitors and learn more about what they like and don’t like,” Sandoval said.

Automated payment processing will reduce accounting errors and standardize payment processes across all parks, a concern because “every state park location is unique and has different challenges,” a State Parks blog says. This will also make managing parks easier when paired with park data and revenue tracking.

Along with allowing for gift card sales, the system also will create targeted marketing and notification programs for visitors through analytic reports. 

The State Parks transformation effort, which included a team of department employees and outside consultants, followed accusations of fund mishandling. The team wrapped up its work in February, but left a progress report and plan for the next two years.

Other modernization projects include a smartphone parking app which is being expanded to function at all state parks. The department has also encouraged social media use through Wi-Fi that is now available in most parks. 

Kayla Nick-Kearney was a staff writer for Techwire from March 2017 through January 2019.