Park District’s Computer System Takes Hit in Brownout

computer system was down for more than two weeks last month interrupting registration for winter classes and programs that begin last week.

The park district’s communications superintendent Vince Clark said that both main servers experienced a “catastrophic hardware failure” resulting in a loss of being unable to provide even the most basic customer services.

“A lot of times next to [],” Clark said. “All the power came down and went back up again and blew through our battery backup.”

Clark said the brownout killed both servers at the park district’s administration center, which is located adjacent to Advocate Christ, which handled all of the park district’s registration, payroll and accounts payable. All of the park district’s facilities—the administration center, , , , , and —work off one server.

As of Dec. 23, the park district was able to restore some systems allowing facilities to process walk-ins and registrations for classes and programs.

“We’re still recovering,” Clark said. “All of the systems and temporary equipment has been installed, which took two weeks. We know it has been a hassle.”

The Oak Lawn Park District does not have an online registration system unlike neighboring Alsip, Burbank, Chicago Ridge, Evergreen Park and Palos Park. Residents must still register in person for classes and programs, snail mail or by faxing credit card information when registering by phone.

Asked if a resident faxing a registration form with his or her credit card information was a wise idea, Clark said the fax machine was kept in a secured office and used only for registrations.

“I don’t know how many people that participate fax their information,” he added.

A new online registration system is schedule to go live this spring, as well as a complete redesign of the park district’s website.

Clark said that the park district’s was already planning to replace its “old and antiquated” computer system. He was unable to provide the costs for repairs or new servers.

“We’re still in repair mode,” he said. “We’re waiting for service companies to send us bills. We also have them quoting new servers.”