Success Story: How Arbiter Transformed Operations for Burbank Parks and Recreation

Case Study

Transforming Recreation Management with Arbiter

City of Burbank

 

The Challenge

Burbank Parks and Recreation Department struggled with outdated systems to manage its sports programs. Manual processes like spreadsheet scheduling and cash payments led to frequent errors, inefficiencies, and administrative headaches. Handling last-minute changes and preparing for audits were major pain points that strained the department’s ability to deliver seamless recreation services. 

The Solution

To address these challenges, the department implemented Arbiter, a powerful digital platform designed to streamline sports management. With Arbiter’s user-friendly interface and flexible tools, Burbank Parks and Recreation transformed its operations, reducing workloads and improving satisfaction for both staff and officials.

 

Key Benefits of Arbiter

Simplified Scheduling and Coordination

Arbiter centralized scheduling, enabling administrators to assign officials quickly and adapt to changes without disrupting operations. Real-time updates ensured seamless communication between staff and officials, even during emergencies.

"The ability to see all officials’ qualifications and schedules in one place eliminated so many headaches. Managing $2,000 in weekly payouts is now seamless. Arbiter completely eliminated discrepancies." said Jon McGinley , Recreation Manager.

Hassle-Free Digital Payments

The platform replaced the cash-based payment system with a digital process, providing real-time tracking and accountability, and staff no longer needed to handle cash in the field, reducing risk and saving time. 

Simplified Audits

Arbiter’s robust reporting tools eased audit preparation by providing detailed, accurate reports instantly. Built-in checks and balances ensured transparency and accountability across all operations.

"During a recent audit, everything was handled in minutes compared to the chaos of manual processes," 

Customized Solutions for Unique Needs

Arbiter’s flexibility allowed the department to automate pay adjustments for unique scenarios, such as single officials covering multi-role assignments. This customization ensured fairness and reduced administrative work.

Improved Recruitment and Retention

The platform’s ease of use, real-time notifications, and guaranteed pay structure helped attract and retain quality officials.

"Knowing they’ll get paid on time—even for forfeits—has been a game-changer for recruitment," 

The Outcome: A Modernized Parks and Recreation Department

By adopting Arbiter, Burbank Parks and Recreation transformed into a modern, efficient department. From streamlined scheduling and payments to simplified audits, Arbiter delivered measurable improvements in transparency, efficiency, and satisfaction for both staff and officials.

As Jonathan summed it up:
"Arbiter isn’t just a tool; it’s a framework for operational excellence. It’s transformed the way we serve our community."