By 1808Delaware
Planning a walk through the woods, a family outing, or a quiet afternoon outdoors in Delaware County just became easier. Preservation Parks of Delaware County has launched a new partnership with OuterSpatial, a free mobile app designed to help residents and visitors discover parks, trails, programs, amenities, and outdoor experiences close to home.
With the launch, OuterSpatial becomes the official mobile app for Preservation Parks. The app brings together park maps, trail details, points of interest, event listings, real-time updates, staff-curated outings, and interactive challenges in one place. For a park district built around conservation, education, and public access to nature, the new tool adds a digital front door to the outdoor experience.
“We’re always looking for new ways to connect people to nature close to home,” said Mary Van Haaften, executive director of Preservation Parks. “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.”
Planning Before The Visit
OuterSpatial is designed for both advance planning and on-the-go use as visitors can download free offline maps before heading out, a helpful feature in areas where cell service may be limited. They can also check trail conditions, closures, and other timely updates before choosing where to go. The app includes information about parking, restrooms, picnic areas, trails, water access, play areas, and other amenities. It also allows users to browse events and programs throughout the Preservation Parks system.
For those looking for ideas, staff-curated outings and trip suggestions offer a way to discover new destinations or see familiar parks in a different way.
From Trails To Challenges
The app also includes interactive challenges, giving visitors a chance to earn digital badges by completing activities in the parks. That feature adds a playful element to outdoor exploration, especially for families, frequent park users, and those looking for a reason to visit new locations across the system.
From Gallant Farm and Shale Hollow Park to the Braille Trail, natural play areas, paddling access, wooded paths, and wildlife viewing spots, the app is designed to help users match the day’s outing with the experience they want.
Part Of A Broader Shift
The partnership also reflects a larger trend among park districts, recreation agencies, and land managers. As more residents use phones to decide where to go, what to do, and how to prepare, public land agencies are looking for better ways to provide reliable, official information.
OuterSpatial gives park systems a way to share up-to-date details directly from the people who manage the land.
“Preservation Parks brings together the kind of local parks, trails, programs, and visitor experiences that make communities stronger,” said Ryan Branciforte, 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.”
How To Get Started
OuterSpatial is available for iOS and Android. After downloading the free app, users can search for Preservation Parks, explore park locations, view maps, check real-time information, browse upcoming programs, and participate in the Preservation Parks Check-In Challenge.
In Delaware County, park visitors can now use OuterSpatial at Preservation Parks locations, Highbanks Metro Park, and state parks, giving outdoor users a broader way to explore public lands across the area.
