In 2011, the number of smartphones sold exceeded the number of PCs sold (10 Mobile Statistics You Need to Hear). With the internet, email, and apps right in their pockets, people access the world from the palms of their hands. That’s why cities, parks and recreation departments, and other community organizations have built mobile apps to connect with visitors and customers to inspire activity. Here are ten mobile apps that will help you with some ideas when you develop a great app for your organization:
1. Ottawa Parks and Recreation App
The City of Ottawa’s mobile application offers information on all facilities and parks from child care centers to baseball fields and more. With an interactive map and one touch dialing to facilities, this app helps people find and search great activities from their fingertips.
Users can search over 43,000 verified park locations around the United States with this free app. People can also search for pools, tennis courts, picnic areas, sports fields, and more.
Balboa Park in San Diego offers a way for mobile users to discover special events, museum exhibitions, restaurants, gardens, and more. With maps and bookmarking, this app offers a lot for visitors and residents.
Winnetka, Illinois offers a way for citizens and guests to find details about parks, recreation opportunities, golf courses, beach, special events, and more. Users can view the seasonal brochure, register for a program, and stay connected through social media.
5. City of Calgary Pathways & Bikeways App
This app is designed to offer ‘Calgarians’ people-powered alternatives of transportation. Users can search and find pathways and bikeways with an interactive map and plan their routes.
See more apps from the City of Calgary.
I♥Boulder is a grassroots initiative to celebrate and promote the unique culture of Boulder, Colorado. With the mobile app, users can tag photos from their phones with one of many colored ‘I♥Boulder’ logos, and share them socially.
Search by location, date, and more to find campsites at National Parks, Forests and other recreation areas. You can view campground details and photos, pick the best spot, and reserve your selected on the Recreation.gov website or over the phone.
8. Ball State University Recreation Services App
Students, faculty, alumni, and guests can see all of the recreation facilities and how busy they are. The app is updated each hour so people do not have to waste time walking to the gym, pool, or wellness center if it’s too crowded.
Visitors and residents can find recreation, entertainment, shopping and more with this mobile application. With social integration, bookmarking options, and ratings, this app does a good job of personalizing the experience for each user.
10. Sparks, NV App
Sparks, Nevada launched this official city app to provide users a way to search for special events, restaurants, parks, and more (even city softball standings). Users can use augmented reality to explore venues through their camera lenses.
SEE ALSO: 10 Mobile Statistics You Need to Hear
