LITTLE ROCK, AR--(Marketwire - December 8, 2010) - For travelers, mobile phones have evolved into hand-held guides. Arkansas State Parks has launched its iPhone app, the Arkansas State Parks On-The-Go Park Guide, a fully interactive guide to Arkansas's 52 state parks. Designed by Aristotle Internet of Little Rock, this new mobile application is available for free download at http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/iphone or by searching "Arkansas State Parks" in the Apple iTunes store.
State Parks Director Greg Butts explained, "Arkansas State Parks iPhone application offers a new way to connect with the state parks while traveling. Besides connecting users to the diversity of parks and the many activities in each one, the app will also help us connect to younger generation park visitors."
Features include quick access to park information, search based on both location and type of park, listings of upcoming programs, maps, dial to the park, special notices, and information on the nearest state park and trails to your present location or the city you will be visiting.
According to Joe Jacobs, manager of Marketing and Revenue for Arkansas State Parks, "Whether you live in Arkansas or are just traveling through our state, the On-The-Go Park Guide will help you find the right park for you. Locate a park by type including camping, historic site, lake, lodging, mountains, museum, or by activities such as picnicking." He said, "You can find a park near you and get contact information, details on activities and programs, and a link to that park's website."
Jacobs emphasized that the decision to develop an app for the iPhone operating system verses other systems was financial. "In October 2010, the iPhone, iPad, and iTouch phones accounted for over 83 percent of the smartphone access to ArkansasStateParks.com. With budget limitations, we addressed those users first," he said. "We are researching options to create a mobile environment soon for Android and Blackberry users."
He noted, "Since hiking is one of the most popular activities, Arkansas hiking trails information is an important component of the iPhone app. Find a trail near you, look it up by location, difficulty or type."
Planned updates include directions to the parks from where you are and social media integration. "We will continue to improve the app," said Jacobs.
For details, contact: Joe Jacobs, manager of Marketing and Revenue, Arkansas State Parks, 1 Capitol Mall, Little Rock, AR 72201. Phone: 501-682-6923. E-mail: joseph.jacobs@arkansas.gov.
