Maryland state parks are now using the social networking platform Foursquare to stay connected to park visitors. Using a GPS-enabled mobile device, Foursquare can determine the user’s location to allow him or her to check in at any Maryland state park.
“Foursquare is a great tool for park visitors to connect with one another while encouraging new visitors to enjoy our state parks,” said Maryland Park Service Superintendent Nita Settina. “It will make for a new, exciting park experience, where visitors and staff can offer up their ideas and insight.”
Foursquare is a mobile-web application where members note their location and share what they are up to with others. Park visitors can download the Foursquare app using any GPS-enabled mobile device.
After visitors have checked in at the park using Foursquare, they are able to interact with other users that have checked in at the same location by sharing tips, fun ideas and photos. Users also are able to send that information to their Twitter and Facebook accounts using the Foursquare app.
Although the social networking site is mostly for fun, it also can be a lucrative competition. Some places give the most frequent users the chance to earn prizes and rewards. Participants who check in the most at any one location become the “mayor” of that location on Foursquare. In the future, Maryland state parks will begin offering incentives to those who check in.
Visit the Maryland state parks Foursquare homepage at https://foursquare.com/mdstateparks to open an account and get started. Visitors who already have the app installed on their phones can search for the park they are visiting and check in.
To keep up with Maryland state parks, follow @MDStateParks on Twitter and “like” Maryland State Parks on Facebook.
Christina Holden is with the Maryland Dept. of Natural Resources in Annapolis. She can be reached at dholden@dnr.state.md.us.
