Written by: Devin Carlson, GISP
At Clark Dietz, we often see how technology can support communities in practical ways. Occasionally, it also creates moments of connection and joy. For the Village of Green Oaks, IL, that moment comes each December with their annual Santa Parade. Started six years ago, the parade is led by Village Engineer, Ben Metzler, PE, and has become a local tradition. Our team looked for a simple way to support the Village and enhance the experience for residents.
The result was an interactive Santa Parade StoryMap that allows families to follow the parade route and track when Santa will be in their neighborhood. What began as a small community-focused project has become one of our favorite examples of how GIS can impact a community through a meaningful and approachable solution.
A Simple Map Serving a Real Purpose
The Santa Parade StoryMap provides a clear, easy-to-use view of the parade route and timing. Residents can access it from their phones, share it with neighbors, and plan where to watch the parade, minimizing time spent outside on a cold winter afternoon. The goal was never to build something complex; instead, it was to create a tool that was helpful, intuitive, and easy for the Village to share year after year. The response from the community has shown that even a simple map can make a difference.
More Than a Holiday Project
While the StoryMap was created for a seasonal event, it also served as an introduction to GIS for the Village. At the time, Green Oaks did not have a centralized GIS for its utilities or infrastructure. Information existed across different formats and locations, making it harder to access and maintain. Through this project, the Village was introduced to GIS and the value of having spatial data organized in one place. Since then, we have begun working with Green Oaks to establish a more comprehensive GIS that supports utility mapping and other information needed for day-to-day operations. The Santa Parade StoryMap became a natural starting point for these conversations.
A Scalable Approach for Small Communities
Green Oaks is a reminder that GIS does not have to begin with a large investment or a major system overhaul. It can start with a single use case, build confidence among staff, and grow overtime as needs evolve. Our work with the Village reflects Clark Dietz’s broader approach to GIS for smaller communities. We focus on practical solutions, collaboration with local staff, and systems that scale appropriately. The goal is not technology for its own sake, but tools that genuinely support how communities operate.
Looking Ahead
Each year, when the Santa Parade StoryMap goes live again, it serves as a reminder that GIS can be both useful and engaging. In Green Oaks, a simple holiday map helped bring residents together and laid the groundwork for a more connected approach to managing community data.
Sometimes the most effective GIS projects are the ones that start small, meet a real need, and grow naturally alongside the community they serve.
Scan the QR code or visit Village of Green Oaks Santa Parade to view the Santa Parade StoryMap.
Questions? Contact Devin Carlson, GISP, or Ben Metzler, PE.
