Virginia State Parks Developing New Visitor Information System
RICHMOND, VA - July , 2006
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation has contracted with Imperial Multimedia of Baraboo Wisconsin to develop a new interactive visitor information system. The Virginia State Parks Interpretive Information System uses outdoor, weather and vandal resistant, touch screen, interactive information kiosks to provide park guests with state park and local attractions information around the clock.
The new system will be installed in 31 state parks by Spring 2007. The proprietary information program builds on a system that has been successfully used in the Wisconsin State Park system.
The Interpretive Information System Imperial developed exclusively for Virginia State Parks includes GPS based trail information, wildlife spotting guides, in-depth information on park amenities, printable guides and maps, program descriptions, schedules and more. The stations will also provide interactive virtual tours of every trail in each of the thirty-one parks selected for the project.
“Imagine park guests having the ability to preview trails and amenities, plan their visit, print out custom maps and guides showing points of interest and information tailored specifically to them or their families,” said Warren Wahl, DCR’s State Parks Deputy Director. “Our goal is to help our guests access a world of information about Virginia's natural places and the resources available to them, in and around, the state parks.” Wahl leads a DCR team working with Imperial.
DCR hopes to recoup the project’s development costs through Imperial’s solicitation of advertising, sponsorships and partnerships with businesses and attractions that cater to state park visitors. These potential partners range from locally owned and operated shops and attractions to national brands.
“Imperial Multimedia and the Commonwealth of Virginia strongly believe in promoting tourism and recreation based economic development in and around the state parks,” said Lawrence Fisher, Director of Experience Development for Imperial Multimedia. “As a result of this belief, the project has been developed to create opportunities for local organizations to participate with the option of adding enhanced content describing their business or service.”
Businesses and service providers can go to the Imperial Multimedia website, www.imperialmultimedia.com, to find out how to participate in the project. The website features expanded information about the project; a sample of the type of information that will be available; and additional opportunities for sponsorship and special interest partners.
Headquartered in Baraboo Wisconsin, Imperial Multimedia is a full service company specializing in delivering custom interpretive and information solutions in public places. The firm's work includes state, local and national parks; museums and historical sites; mass-market and specialty retail; theme parks and destination resorts; public transportation; and more.
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation manages the Virginia State Park system, celebrating its seventieth anniversary in 2006. For more information on any of Virginia’s more than 30 state parks, go to the DCR website at www.dcr.virginia.gov or call toll-free, 1-800-933-PARK (7275).
