The first week of September Asbury Woods will debut a new interactive trail map and visitor experience through Engage by Cell, a recognized leader in mobile technology solutions. The new program will allow visitors to use a QR code to have a dynamic trail map in their hands. “Blue Dot” waypoint locating will use GPS to show visitors where they are on the trail system to enhance navigation and wayfinding. The program will also include points of interest along the trails to provide a deeper level of engagement for visitors who want to know more about the flora, fauna and history of Asbury Woods. Seasonable updates will ensure that there is always something new to learn whether a first-time visitor or a frequent trail user.
Additional Asbury Woods content, videos, quizzes, feedback forms and links to upcoming programs and events will provide a one-stop-shop for all things Asbury Woods. The platform provides easy to use, app-like interaction with the convenience of not having to download a specific app to your smartphone.
To kick off our new platform, Asbury Woods is launching a trail naming contest! Currently there is a short trail that connects the Guided Trail to the east end of the boardwalk trail. This trail is called the Meteorite Trail as a nod to the large rock that sits at the intersection with the Guided Trail. The name meteorite is misleading. In fact, this unique rock is a glacial erratic. A glacial erratic is a rock that differs in type from the composition of rocks native to the area and was deposited in a new location through the movement of glaciers. Glacial erratics can be small pebbles or the size of a building but were all moved from their original location to where they rest due to glacial activity. They often are in unusual locations, don’t match the surroundings and often show signs of scouring from movement over the surface of land and ice.
You can be part of Asbury Woods history by submitting your suggestion for a new name for this trail! Use the QR code below to visit our new mobile visitor platform and submit your suggested trail name by November 15. While on the platform, check out the interactive trail map, the points of interest and view upcoming events.
This initiative was made possible thanks to funding from Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority’s Building a Better Future: Parks, Fields and Trails Grant Program.