Tracks

How do we show the impact of conservation efforts to the Cleveland area? (Track Mentor: Pat Lorch, Natural Resources)

• How can existing data sources (e.g., water quality, air quality, weather data) be used to measure the impact of urbanization or climate changes on habitats, park infrastructure, and biodiversity?
• How can data on habitat structure be generated and used to identify key features of our parks that aid migratory birds and Monarch butterflies?
• Natural Resource management works with a variety of partners. How could these partners be brought together for effective collaboration? Partners include Outdoor Education, Natural Resources, external organizations, volunteers, communities and municipalities.

How can nature education be enhanced with technology? (Track Mentor: Jake Kudrna, Outdoor Experiences)

• Park guests frequently have questions about things they’ve seen on our reservations. How can they quickly get their questions answered by one of our naturalists? Their questions may be about something they’ve seen, heard, smelled, or touched.
• Cleveland Metroparks has many regular visitors to the parks. How can technology be used to connect them with each other, encourage more frequent use, or bring new guests to the park?
• There are many communities in the Cleveland area who do not have direct access to Cleveland Metroparks. How can we bring the parks & natural education to these under-served communities?

How can health & fitness be measured in our parks? (Track Mentor: Trishna Desai, Information Technology)

• Outdoor experiences are more frequently being prescribed as a healthcare management tool. How can we use data to show the health benefits of living in proximity to or participating in physical activities in Cleveland Metroparks as it relates to general health, air quality, water quality, asthma incidence, etc.?
• Can social media channels be used to aggregate anecdotal physical activity data & activity types? What are the demographics of park users based on these activities?
• How can the details of a specific fitness/activity be tracked? Are integrations with existing fitness trackers possible? What does that data tell us about park usage?

(Track Mentor: Joe Roszak, COO, Park Operations)

The Cleveland Metroparks Hackathon is open to all ideas that align with our mission of conservation, education, and recreation.  This track is for teams who have an idea that exists outside of the other tracks.