The launching of a new website is no small undertaking, but after lots of hard work, excitement, dedication and commitment from our staff, I'd like to announce the launch of Eppley's new web site.  The idea of a new website for Eppley has been bubbling along for a long time - about 4 years.  Our first web site was completed in 2001 or so.  It was static and a good information site in some ways but certainly not current and did not highlight our or Indiana University's exciting and leading edge approach to using technology.   Our efforts to create a new website have generated a great deal of enthusiasm among Eppley staff, and have required the participation and cooperation of nearly everyone, though our web designers and IT staff have done the lion's share of the work.  We are all very pleased and proud of the final product. 

The new web site offers users some features that were not available previously.  New items include resources, services, news, and blog sections.  Some of the items found within each of these areas can also be accessed through other parts of the site, such as in "What's New."  High profile items of interest are also showcased front and center on the home page, and will be updated throughout the year.  The course listings, staff contact information and basic Eppley information remain consistent with what was available through the prior website, but we realized there was a huge public need and benefit to making our experiences, activities, projects and knowledge much more available to all of you.

Explore Our Resources

The resources component of the website will include a showcase of some of our finished products.  Also included under resources are tools, links, reports, and other documents.

Stay Up to Date

The news section of the website includes the latest news and events associated with Eppley as well as current events that relate to partner organizations.  From the home page, visitors can access the News tab to view press releases, updates, and articles of interest to the industry as well as archived press releases.

Build Your Network

The blog section of the website includes our Twitter feed; links to other Social Media sites where Eppley maintains a presence; and the Institute Blog, which is used to announce Institute events, programs, and other happenings as well as to provide a platform for commentary and analysis.   Our staff, Indiana University faculty and our Senior Fellows will provide insight and opinions about critical park, recreation and public land issues for your review.

Become a Partner

Under services, you will find useful information about what we offer in the areas of planning and design, training and education, and research and assistance. We are proud of our long list of partnering agencies and sponsoring organizations.  And, we are always looking for new partners to assist, support and contribute to as funding and resources allow us to collaborate with each other.

What to Expect in the Future

One of the great things about a website is the flexibility it gives an organization in providing new and exciting information to its audience. As we developed our site, we kept in mind the need to keep things fresh and new.  It's our intent to provide regular updates to the existing content including project updates, new blogs and blog entries, deliverables, e-courses and news about Eppley happenings and the field. In the meantime, please take the time to explore the new website and be sure to visit again soon!

Feedback

As always, feedback is important, and something we are committed to in our Institute.  If you have any suggestions, critical analysis, or recommendations, let me know.  Just add a comment to this blog or email me at sawolter@indiana.edu and share your thoughts.