The Florida Park Service has released a free smartphone application that allows users to receive instant access to information on all of Florida’s 171 state parks, trails and historic sites.
The app includes several features such as GPS mapping, a calendar of events and an alert that can be used in case of emergency, said Jennifer Diaz, external communications manager with the Florida Park Service.
“We want to increase access to visitors in the parks and help plan trips to state parks,” Diaz said.
Diaz said the park service partnered with ParksByNature Network and Pocket Ranger to create the app.
Plans for the app began in the summer, she added, but development didn’t start until the fall. The app is currently available for Android and iPhone devices.
“We are encouraging people to download the application,” Diaz said, “and use the app to plan a trip to their favorite park.”
Diaz said users who download the app onto their phones can get into any of Florida’s state parks for free today.
Simone Nageon de Lestang, a 22-year-old UF natural resource conservation senior and a lead guide for TRiP, said she goes to state parks at least five to six weekends during the year.
She said the app is a good idea for residents who visit parks across the state.
“We have the best state parks in the nation,” she said. “If it’s going to promote state parks, that’s wonderful. It seems helpful.”
