The state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation has enhanced its Parks Explorer mobile app to orient visitors and provide helpful wayfinding information when in the parks and on the trails.
The multiple new enhancements are in addition to the app’s information about the destinations and activities available throughout the Empire State’s parks and historic sites.
“Since its introduction, the Parks Explorer app has been a useful and easy way to plan your next outdoor adventure, and now with this latest release it delivers an elevated visitor experience with interactive mapping tools and improved wayfinding,” said Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid. “Whether you’re new to a park or a seasoned hiker on the trails, the new map features will help you explore the parks and discover new favorites more easily.”
The new features include upgrades to trail mapping functionality such as planning hike distance using the new trail mileage tool, offline maps for use when connectivity is a challenge, and live maps for use on Wi-Fi or with good connectivity.
Interactive map elements now provide visitors:
• Easier wayfinding: When the user’s mobile device’s location services are turned “on”, visitors can easily follow along with where they are on the map.
• The ability to zoom in on and around each map to learn more about the facility.
• Information about trails, park features and amenities by simply tapping on a trail or icon;
• Trail segment distance.
• The ability to change base layers in live maps from satellite view, simple street view or topography.
The app also includes a link to a brief video to demonstrate the new mapping features.
Additional improvements as part of the Park Explorer app’s new release are the expansion of the search function so that visitors can search for parks and historic sites from multiple regions at a time, and users will now have easier access to NY State Parks Gift Cards and Shop.
Empire State Development Vice President and Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said the state Parks offer unparalleled activities and experiences that complement any trip, from a weekend getaway to an extended vacation. Tools that make our world-class State Parks system easier to explore and enjoy help visitors take advantage of all the amazing outdoor recreation opportunities awaiting them in the Empire State.”
The Parks Explorer app is a free, user-friendly resource for visitors to plan outdoor adventures and stay connected to favorite parks and historic sites. Fans of the outdoors can learn more about their preferred destinations and discover new must-see locations with curated content and easy-to-access to park information such as directions, hours, amenities, fees and rates, trail maps, helpful know-before-you-go details, and the ability to receive important updates and alerts.
The mobile app is available at no cost for download for iOS and Android devices.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which are visited by 78 million people annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov.