In a concerted effort to bolster security measures within the city's park systems, the City of Irving's Information Technology (IT), Parks and Recreation, and Police (IPD) departments have collaborated on a project aimed at upgrading camera technology.
The initiative, which commenced with an assessment of the existing camera infrastructure by IT, highlighted inefficiencies in the previous system. With disparate locations and separate storage systems, maintenance was both time-consuming and costly. Moreover, the lack of modern features, such as video sharing and data analytics capabilities, underscored the need for an overhaul.
Beginning in July and concluding in December 2023, the project saw the removal of the old system and the installation of the new Verkada camera system. The endeavor, totaling $542,480, covers the next five years with minimal ongoing maintenance expenses. The cloud-based system boasts an array of features, including analytics on people, vehicles, and motion. With unlimited long-term storage in the cloud, maintenance costs are significantly reduced compared to the previous setup.
Integral to the upgrade is the integration of outdoor Wi-Fi networks, facilitating the installation of cameras in previously unmonitored trails and remote areas of parks. This strategic expansion enhances the safety of park facilities, extending surveillance coverage to previously overlooked areas.
The new system has been deployed across various parks in the city, including Fritz Park, Heritage Park, Heritage Senior Center, Jack D. Huffman Community Building, Levy Event Plaza, Lively Pointe, Senter Park, Veterans Memorial Park, West Irving Aquatic Center, and West Park/Georgia Farrow Recreation Center.
