SUNBURY — Discovering Preservation Parks of Delaware County just got easier through a new, free mobile app designed to connect people with the parks and public lands around them, according to a press release from Preservation Parks.
The app will allow residents and visitors to explore parks, trails, programs and outdoor experiences close to home through a new partnership with OuterSpatial, a free mobile app.
With the launch, Preservation Parks visitors can now use OuterSpatial as the official mobile app for the park district.
The app provides a simple way to access park maps, trail information, amenities, points of interest, events, staff-curated outings, real-time updates and interactive challenges, all in one place.
The partnership supports Preservation Parks’ mission to protect and conserve the natural and historical features of Delaware County while inspiring outdoor exploration and learning.
It also places Preservation Parks within a growing movement across Ohio and beyond, where parks, recreation agencies and land managers are using trusted digital tools to enhance the visitor experience and make outdoor spaces more accessible, informative and engaging.
“We’re always looking for new ways to connect people to nature close to home,” Executive Director of Preservation Parks Mary Van Haaften said.
“By launching our new app with OuterSpatial, we’re making it easier for visitors to explore trails, find amenities, discover programs and events, and confidently plan their next outdoor adventure.”
A Better Way to Plan a Park Visit
OuterSpatial helps visitors get the information they need before and during a park visit.
Whether someone is planning a family outing, looking for a new trail, checking what is open or closed, or searching for a quiet place to spend time outside, the app helps bring Preservation Parks information together in one easy-to-use platform.
Visitors can use the app to:
- Download free offline maps before heading out, helping them stay on track even when cell service is limited.
- Check real-time updates for trail conditions, closures and other timely park information.
- Browse staff-curated outings and trip ideas created to help visitors discover new ways to enjoy the parks.
- View park details and amenities, including trails, parking, restrooms, picnic areas, water access, play areas and more.
- Explore events and programs happening across the Preservation Parks system.
- Take part in interactive challenges and earn digital badges while completing activities in the parks.
From Gallant Farm and Shale Hollow Park to the Braille Trail, wooded trails, natural play areas, paddling access and wildlife viewing opportunities, the app helps visitors find the right experience for their next park day.
“Preservation Parks brings together the kind of local parks, trails, programs, and visitor experiences that make communities stronger,” Ryan Branciforte said, CEO of OuterSpatial.
“We’re proud to support their team with a modern mobile experience that helps people plan ahead, stay informed, and feel more connected to the outdoors,” he said.
As residents turn to their phones to plan where to go, what to do, and how to prepare, park agencies are rethinking how they share information with the public.
OuterSpatial helps parks and recreation organizations provide visitors with official, up-to-date information directly from the teams who manage the land.
For Preservation Parks, the app creates a new digital front door for the park district, giving residents and visitors a reliable way to plan ahead, discover new destinations, and stay informed while enjoying the outdoors.
How to use the app
- Download OuterSpatial on iOS or Android
- Open the app and search for Preservation Parks
- Explore parks, plan trips, check real-time info and participate in the Preservation Parks Check-In Challenge.
In Delaware County, park visitors can now use OuterSpatial in Preservation Parks’ locations, Highbanks Metro Park and state parks.
