FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Storytelling and Technology Strengthens Connection Between Visitors and Olmsted Park System
BUFFALO, N.Y. –The Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy has launched Olmsted App 2.0, an update to their mobile app, featuring an expansion of their augmented reality attractions to Front Park. As an essential tool for visitor experiences, the Olmsted App 2.0 provides park users with updated wayfinding capability, an event calendar, news in real time, as well as cutting-edge technology and imaginative 3D models, through augmented reality (AR), to reveal history and fun facts about Buffalo’s historic Olmsted landscapes.
“Our parks and outdoor spaces are critically important for accessibility, now more than ever,” said Stephanie Crockatt, Executive Director, Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy. “As our community seeks refuge in Buffalo’s historic urban green spaces to exercise, gather with family and friends, and soak up the benefits of being in nature, the new Olmsted App 2.0 is the enhanced tool park users need to navigate their access, and for learning more about how our Olmsted parks play a vital role in everyone’s environmental health and wellness today.”
The enhanced app aims to engage and encourage park goers, Frederick Law Olmsted enthusiasts, nature lovers, individuals, and families to visit the nation’s first urban park system. It also can provide important park updates as to amenity locations, events, closures and alerts. Designed by New Bird, the app is available on Android and Apple mobile devices. The app redevelopment was supported by Market New York through I LOVE NY/New York State’s Division of Tourism as part of the Regional Economic Development Council initiative, and M&T Bank.
“M&T understands how important our Olmsted Parks System is to our community by providing access to beautiful green space for all of Buffalo’s neighborhoods,” said Nancy Brock, Vice President, Program Director, The M&T Charitable Foundation at M&T Bank. “We are proud to support the launch of Olmsted App 2.0 which will enhance the experience of all users of the park system by creating a more interactive and educational experience.”
The original Olmsted App was first launched as part of the 150th celebration of Olmsted Parks in 2018. The Conservancy hopes the mobile app will strengthen the connection and communication between visitors and these historic landscapes, while cultivating the next generation of park supporters to maintain and preserve over 850 acres of Buffalo’s Olmsted parkland.
“Exploring and discovering our Olmsted parks has never been more important to our health and wellness,” said Joel Feroleto, Delaware District Councilmember. “The Conservancy’s upgraded Olmsted App 2.0 is the tool we need to help us navigate, inform and educate. For instance, the new Augmented Reality feature in the App will show historic Delaware Park’s lost Quarry Garden, and there will be enhanced directions, signage, and park details in making our Olmsted system of parks accessible and patron friendly.”
“Here, in Buffalo, we are so fortunate to have such a wonderful park system as Olmsted, said David Rivera, Niagara District Councilmember. “The launch of the Olmsted App 2.0 only increases the number of ways in which families and individuals can interact with and enjoy these beautiful and historic green spaces.”
To learn more or download the mobile application visit https://app.bfloparks.org/.
Please download the following media content at this Google Drive link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1f6nQtdmjfRB1T2QnHKCEZqURJfbPIMnc?usp=sharing
- Video of Olmsted App features and Augmented Reality of the Lake View House at Front Park
- Video of Olmsted App features and Augmented Reality of the Quarry Garden at Delaware Park
- Photos of the Olmsted App interpretive signage at Delaware and Front Park
