From Paper Notes to Parks Intelligence: Building a Digital Asset Management Program
From Paper Notes to Parks Intelligence: Building a Digital Asset Management Program
Abstract
For years, Brookfield’s parks team relied on paper notes and staff knowledge to track park assets, leaving no centralized record of asset locations, installation dates, or maintenance history. This made it difficult to understand what assets existed, where they were located, and when they would need maintenance or replacement. This session explores how Brookfield implemented a GIS-based asset management solution using ArcGIS Field Maps to create a digital inventory of park infrastructure. The solution enables field staff to map assets with GPS accuracy, update information in real time, track maintenance history, and support park inspections. Staff can document asset conditions, identify safety concerns, record inspection results, and track corrective actions, helping the Village maintain safety standards while building a reliable foundation for maintenance planning, budgeting, and long-term asset stewardship. Optional asset identification methods, including QR codes and asset IDs, further improve field operations and asset accountability. Attendees will learn how the Village transformed a manual, knowledge-based process into a scalable digital workflow that improves data accuracy, supports inspections and maintenance planning, and provides better visibility into infrastructure investments. The session offers practical lessons for parks departments, public works agencies, and GIS professionals looking to establish or modernize asset management programs without introducing unnecessary complexity.