Public input also has been integral in the design of two new regional parks being planned in Port St . Lucie .
Using AI to Increase Efficiency
Parks & Recreation Department
Artificial intelligence is changing the way work is done across many industries .
That includes the City of Port St . Lucie Parks and Recreation Department , which is using an innovative AI-assisted device to make field preparation more efficient . The automated robot known as “ Turf Tank ” uses GPS technology and proprietary software to line different types of sports fields , with little to no staff interaction .
The expansive Torino Regional Park , spanning almost 200 acres , is currently in the design stages . When completed , the park will bring their ideas to life and create a space that truly reflects the desires and needs of the community .
This reduces the amount of staff time that is required to perform the task , while also saving on the amount of paint used . As an example , when the Turf Tank is used to paint soccer fields it saves an estimated 8-10 hours of staff time . That allows the parks staff to complete other necessary projects while the technology gets the job done .
Though AI can reduce the need for some human participation , engagement with the community is vital for Parks and Recreation when it comes to planning . As an example , in 2019 residents noted that having access to walking , hiking and paved bike trails was the No . 1 recreational need as part of the City ’ s 10-year master plan for Parks and Recreation .
As a result of that engagement , the department began planning a multi-phased Wilderness Trail located in the heart of central Port St . Lucie . Throughout the process , City staff sought public opinion to help shape what the plan would look like . Construction on the project is expected to begin in late 2023 / early 2024 and soon will be available for public use .
499,896
Recreation center users across all facilities in 2022 / 23 . That ’ s a 45 % increase from 2019 / 20 .
Tradition Regional Park , a highly versatile 110-acre , City-owned gem nestled in the heart of Tradition , will break ground in 2024 . One of the highlights of this collaboration is a partnership to introduce the distinctive USA BMX Adaptive All-Wheel Park . The facility will offer BMX biking , skateboarding , scootering and inline skating .
1,583
Number of acres maintained by Parks and Recreation .
2023 City Manager ’ s Annual Report | 35