New York State Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation
10/10/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/10/2024 08:59
State Parks Unveils New ‘Explorer App’ Features and Icon Redesign in Honor of 100th Anniversary Celebration
October 10, 2024
(518) 486-1868 | [email protected]
New 'Events' Calendar Feature Allows App Users to Discover Upcoming Events at Parks and Historic Sites through Filters of Their Choice
Online and Offline Trail Maps Help Visitors Navigate Their Surroundings and Enhance Safety
The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) today announced a new events feature and refreshed icon design for the New York State Parks Explorer app. The New York State Parks Explorer app is a free, user-friendly resource for visitors to plan trips and stay connected to their favorite locations throughout the State's unparalleled collection of parks, historic sites and recreation trails.Enhancing users' visit planning and on-site mobile experience, New York residents and visitors now have a first look at upcoming activities, events, and educational programming at parks and historic sites. The app's new events calendar feature offers users the ability to filter events by selected dates; activities like biking, concerts and nature education in its "Seasonal Highlights" category; State Parks' geographic regions; and selected park and historic site locations.
"New York State Parks' Explorer app is an incredible digital tool that provides key trip-planning information and resources at visitors' fingertips," said New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons. "Whether you're an avid hiker, history buff, or wellness enthusiast, we're excited to now give individuals and families direct access to the countless events, activities, and programming our incredible facilities have to offer. I strongly encourage New York residents and visitors to download the Parks Explorer app today to begin planning their next outdoor adventure!"
The Parks Explorer app's recently refreshed icon artwork now features the agency's iconic maple leaf and nods to exploration. Trail maps on the app are available online and offline on individual park profile screens on the app, allowing visitors to view their locations in real time while on a trail and navigate trail information more easily to avoid getting lost.
Developed by a team at State Parks and the Office of Information Technology Services, the State Parks Explorer app allows users to learn more about top destinations and discover new must-see locations with rotating content curated by staff. Users will enjoy quick access to park information, including directions, hours, amenities, fees and rates, helpful know-before-you-go details, and the ability to receive important updates and alerts.
Visitors can also link directly to online camping reservations and easily access select State Parks' social media channels to share their experiences within the app. The New York State Parks Explorer app can be downloaded for free on Android devices by visiting Google Play Store and for iOS devices by visiting Apple Store.
For the remainder of 2024, New York State Parks will continue marking the 100th anniversary with a range of programs and events. Celebratory initiatives include 'Blazing A Trail,' an interactive timeline chronicling the agency's history and influential figures; an exhibit in the New York State Capitol's State Street Tunnel currently on view; the Share Your Story project, which invites people to tell their own stories relating to parks and historic sites; the Centennial Challenge, which encourages people to win prizes by participating in various activities at parks and sites; and the release of the Centennial Collection merchandise, which includes t-shirts, hoodies, mugs and more.
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 saw a record 84 million visits in 2023. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Join us in celebrating our Centennial throughout 2024, and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), the OPRHP Blog or via the OPRHP Newsroom.