Flowbird Launches Mobile Application For Admission to Austin Swimming Pools

Flowbird Group, a global leader in mobile and automated payment technology, has expanded its services in the City of Austin by announcing the launch of a complete mobile and self-service ticketing solution for Austin Parks and Recreation Aquatic Division (PARD). The new Flowbird mobile ticketing app, ATX Swims, allows users to remotely purchase entry tickets for the Division’s public aquatic facilities. In addition, Flowbird successfully deployed automated fee payment machines located at 2 of the major PARD facilities, making it easier than ever to access on-site ticket sales.

The Austin Parks and Recreation Aquatic Division operates 45 public aquatic facilities, including renowned Barton Springs and Deep Eddy Aquatic Center. In addition to being the cool-off destination in the hot summer months, PARD’s facilities also host open water events, swim team competitions, and instructional programs. To better streamline the purchase of entry passes and make the best use of staff time during the busy summer months, PARD, in partnership with Flowbird, launched a mobile application and self-service kiosk solution.

ATX Swims, a City branded mobile application powered by Flowbird, gives visitors the convenient option to purchase entry passes before they arrive to their Austin Aquatics destinations. By downloading the app, users can select from various entry passes including: Resident/Non-Resident Day or Season entry passes, and Adult, Child, or Senior passes. Once they have added all desired tickets to their mobile cart, they may complete their transaction with a debit or credit card. The purchased products are stored on the app until they are ready to be activated on the day-of-use. Upon arrival, the user pulls up their pass on the app’s ‘Passes’ tab and presents it to the facility attendant on duty. The attendant scans the mobile QR code with Flowbird’s handheld validation solution called ‘Hawkeye’ and the visitor then proceeds to enter the facility.

For visitors that do not wish to use the app, PARD has deployed Flowbird self-service kiosks. Now, PARD staff do not have to spend time taking payments at an entrance booth. Rather, they can focus on more critical day-to-day tasks while pool goers enjoy the convenience of using the app or the easy-to-use kiosks which feature a 9.7” full-color touch screen display.

The payment kiosks, along with the mobile app and Hawkeye enforcement solution, are remotely managed by Flowbird’s cloud hosted Flowbird Hub solution. This powerful tool helps PARD staff manage payment processing, all configurations related to fee structure, and product availability times. Parks staff have 24/7/365 access to the Flowbird Hub, providing real-time visibility on pool admissions.

This solution expands on other mobility services provided by Flowbird in the City of Austin. The City has been a Flowbird client for over a decade and utilizes over 800 Flowbird payment kiosks to help manage parking occupancy downtown.

“We are very proud of our long relationship with the City of Austin,” said Benoit Reliquet, President of Flowbird North America. “The City is truly a leader when it comes to innovation and we are happy to play a key role for their parking and parks & recreation departments.”

As of September 2021, The ATX Swims mobile app combined with corresponding website, Pard.Flowbirdhub.com, average 15,000 transactions per month.

About Flowbird

Flowbird operates in over 5,000 towns and cities in 70 countries. The company is constantly innovating and breaking new ground to help provide solutions. Its mission is to facilitate the individual journey and maximize a city’s unique mobility potential while considering all city stakeholders and end-user experiences. Through its devices, elite service platform, and teams, Flowbird enables a new era for maximizing urban harmony and value throughout the city’s core.