Michigan Recreation and Park Association and Mousetrap Mobile create free SMART Parks app, text alert service From beautiful sandy beaches and inviting pools to miles of hiking and bike trails, family campsites, and ball fields; the roll-out of a free smart-phone app will help you easily navigate Michigan’s most scenic parks and recreation areas.
The Michigan Recreation and Park Association (MRPA) has partnered with Royal Oak-based Mousetrap Mobile to unveil SMART Parks; a free custom mobile app and text alert service. SMART Parks allows park and recreation departments to reach residents on-the-go with updates via text alert, while the mobile app displays park website and event information in an easy to navigate mobile format.
“We are excited to have developed this program with MRPA,” said Gregory Nasto, president of Mousetrap Group, LLC. “Providing this technology and communication system to Michigan communities will improve administrative efficiencies as well as enhance community services and user experiences. Plus, the program is supported through local business and corporate sponsorship, which generates new revenue that is shared with each participating park system.”
The customizable mobile apps, which can be accessed through local park and recreation websites on any mobile device or downloaded through iTunes and the Android Market, provides park and recreation information for each community that has signed-up with MRPA as a “SMART Park.” Port Huron, Oakland County, Howell, Grand Blanc, Oxford, Frankenmuth, the Southeastern Livingston County Recreation Authority (SELCRA) and the Michigan Amateur Softball Association (MASA) have already created apps that are live and available for download.
“Parks and recreation is extremely important to revitalizing our cities and towns, and SMART Parks easily connects mobile users to parks and recreation departments,” said Ann Conklin, chief operating officer at MRPA. “Now, more than ever, park and recreation departments must re-invent how we provide and market our services, and we are excited to offer this mobile guide free of charge to Michigan residents and visitors.”
Mobile users can choose which notifications they’d like to receive—from pool and beach closings to trail conditions and recreation game delays. Information is displayed clearly with descriptions and includes links to additional information, social media sites, and more.
“Easy access to parks and recreation provides people with great places to be active and healthy,” Conklin said. That’s why we created SMART Parks; to provide local recreation departments with mobile friendly ways to promote their programs, parks and facilities, while connecting residents and visitors to pertinent information.”
Michigan’s parks and recreation services are essential components of vibrant communities that produce jobs, spur economic development, and create opportunities for healthy living and community activity. For more information, resources and testimonials about SMART Parks, visit http://mrpaonline.org/Programs/SMARTParksandRecreation.aspx.
About the Michigan Recreation and Park Association
Founded in 1935, the Michigan Recreation and Park Association (MRPA) provides advocacy, resources and professional development opportunities to a devoted and diverse membership of park and recreation agencies, professionals, vendors and advocates. MRPA exists to provide members with resources, to advocate for the profession and to prove parks and recreation matter.
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