SCHERERVILLE | Region residents have a new place to turn when they're looking for something to do.

Parks departments in Schererville, Highland and Merrillville have partnered with Next Generation Solutions, Ltd., for an online registration service at www.activenwi.com.

The process started more than a year ago, when the company approached a handful of towns and asked if they wanted to participate, said Mark Orciuch, president of Next Generation.

"One of the biggest positives is that the communities have banded together in partnership with us, rather than doing it on their own, which would be much more expensive," he said.

Schererville Parks Superintendent John Novacich said the town paid a one-time fee of $2,300. There won't be any recurring costs because Schererville was an initial subscriber. However, users will pay a small registration fee, he said.

"It's an economic way for us to offer online registration for our program users," Novacich said.

He said the Web site, which launched Thursday, meets a goal in the department's master plan to address the public's need for online program registration.

All of the classes, programs, trips and activities that Schererville, Highland and Merrillville offer are listed on the site and are searchable by key words, such as by town or activity. A description of the program, including times, fees and how many people already are enrolled will appear, Orciuch said.

Because the Web site is available around the clock, people don't have to worry about registering for classes before Town Hall closes or loading up the car with kids and driving there. It's more convenient, Novacich said.

"I think it's going to fit into the convenience of their daily work schedule and lives," he said. "So many people are busy at work."

Credit cards and e-checks can be used to pay for programs. People still will have the option to register in person at Town Hall, if they prefer, Novacich said.