# ParkApps NE Ohio > Interactive park guide for science learning and exploration in Northeast Ohio. (iPhone/iPad app by Dr. Richard Ferdig.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/parkapps-ne-ohio/id1102569234 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Dr. Richard Ferdig](https://appshunter.io/developer/1118599934) - Category: Travel, Education - Price: Free - Rating: 4.00/5 from 3 App Store ratings · 4 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 8.1 · 91 MB - Languages: English - Released: 2016-05-28 - Data updated: 2026-06-10 - Monetization: free - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/parkapps-ne-ohio/id1102569234/reviews.md ## What is ParkApps NE Ohio? ParkApps NE Ohio is an interactive learning app developed by technologists, educators, and scientists at Kent State University, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and Cleveland Metroparks (partially funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation #1422764). This free tool provides park visitors in Northeast Ohio with relevant and interesting science content. It’s like having a park ranger walk with you through some of the most beautiful ecologies in both Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Cleveland Metroparks. Like other apps, ParkApps does provide an interactive map with points of interest. Users can click on points to see a description of the location, pictures, and even amenities. Users can also get directions to that location regardless of whether they are hiking, biking, or driving. However, this app is more than just a map. This app was created to help people learn science in parks. There are currently two key features for informal science learning. “Adventure Tracks” allow park visitors to explore content within trails. For instance, they can take a hike on the Ledges Trail to learn about “life on the ledges.” They can walk the Beaver Marsh to learn more about ecology in the marshes. The app is not meant to have people walking around the park glued to their phone. Instead, the phone sends a notification when the person has entered a geofenced area. The user can then stop and move to the side of the trail to learn more about the place they have entered. Rather than just sharing information, the app is set up to ask interactive questions about science content. At the end of each adventure track, participants earn digital badges. Park visitors can also attempt to find hidden “easter eggs” (information that is available when they enter the geofenced area) that are not available on the map. (Park visitors who want a hint can tweet their request to @appsforparks) In addition to these two learning activities, ParkApps NE Ohio gives the users the chance to create their own map of favorite places. They can record a point, enter a description, and even save a picture. Future iterations will allow users to share their points of interest. This is the first release of the app. Subsequent releases will include both identification (to help learn more about flora and fauna) and new citizen science projects where citizens can help scientists conduct research in the park. FOR USERS WITH LIMITED MOBILITY: There are some beautiful parts of our national, state, and local parks that have limited access simply due to the terrain of the trails. While we encourage all of our visitors to walk the trails if they are able, ParkApps provides pictures and descriptions of content so that users with limited mobility can virtually participate in the great outdoors. PLEASE NOTE: This app requires an initial internet connection to download content. Users can then go “offline” in the park if they choose. New content will be delivered and user content will be uploaded to their user account once the mobile device is connected. Battery Disclaimer: Continued use of GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life. ## Key features - Interactive map with points of interest - Geofenced notifications for trail content - Adventure Tracks for guided learning - Interactive science questions - Digital badge rewards - User-created favorite place maps - Offline content access ## Recent user reviews (4 of 4) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/parkapps-ne-ohio/id1102569234/reviews.md ### 2/5 — Leaves a lot to be desired *2020-08-09* The map does not work very well. Took me forever to figure out how to get to actual trails. Then there is almost no info. Zoom into any useful level and you get is a blank grid with dots on it. Appears to have only Summit and Cuyahoga county. Odd for an app from Portage county. ### 5/5 — Explore! *2019-06-18* Great app to explore the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Cleveland Metroparks! Try some citizen science and help park researchers! ### 5/5 — Good *2016-06-03* Good ### 5/5 — Stellar App! *2016-06-03* Though not entirely finished, this app looks very robust, comprehensive, and useful, even in its infancy. I expected a simple GPS map, but found that it is so much more. I look forward to exploring with my family with the Adventure Tracks, and hope to encounter some Learn As You Go hidden spots. Citizen Science, the identification portion, and the badging offer numerous opportunities for expansion. I, for one, am psyched! ## Frequently asked questions about ParkApps NE Ohio ### What is ParkApps NE Ohio? ParkApps NE Ohio is a free interactive learning app designed to provide park visitors with engaging science content. It offers features like an interactive map, guided 'Adventure Tracks' on trails, and geofenced notifications to enhance the park experience. ### Does ParkApps NE Ohio have ads? No, ParkApps NE Ohio is ad-free. The app is developed by educational institutions and funded in part by a grant from the National Science Foundation, allowing it to be offered as a free, ad-supported experience. ### Can I use ParkApps NE Ohio offline? Yes, after an initial internet connection to download content, ParkApps NE Ohio can be used offline in the park. This allows users to access maps, trail information, and interactive content without a continuous data connection. ### What kind of science content does ParkApps NE Ohio offer? The app focuses on informal science learning related to the ecologies of Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Cleveland Metroparks. Content includes information on 'life on the ledges' and marsh ecosystems, presented through interactive questions and descriptions. ### How does ParkApps NE Ohio help users with limited mobility? For users with limited mobility, ParkApps NE Ohio provides pictures and descriptions of park content that might be inaccessible via trails. This allows them to virtually participate in learning about the great outdoors. ### What are 'Adventure Tracks' in ParkApps NE Ohio? 'Adventure Tracks' are a key feature that allows park visitors to explore science content within specific trails. Users can follow a trail and receive geofenced notifications with relevant information and interactive questions about the area. ### How often is ParkApps NE Ohio updated? The app was last updated on March 12, 2019, to version 1.2. Future iterations are planned to include flora and fauna identification and new citizen science projects. ### What devices does ParkApps NE Ohio support? ParkApps NE Ohio is available for iPhone and iPod devices. It is rated for ages 4 and up. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 1.2 — 2019-03-12 Bugs fixed. ### 1.1.9 — 2018-11-11 Added new features to enhance the security of users data. ### 1.1.8 — 2018-09-14 General update for the year 2018. ### 1.1.7 — 2017-07-20 -offline issue solved. ### 1.1.6 — 2017-06-01 -offline bug fix ## Apps similar to ParkApps NE Ohio | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Kelley House Tours](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kelley-house-tours/id1604281880) | — | Free | Travel | | [Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/lake-erie-coastal-ohio-trail/id1190943588) | 4.0 (2) | Free | Travel | | [Chimani: National Parks](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/chimani-national-parks/id436381327) | 4.5 (1,148) | Free | Travel | | [NPS Parks App](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/nps-parks-app/id688735038) | 4.6 (676) | Free | Travel | | [Meteora Monasteries Audio Tour](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/meteora-monasteries-audio-tour/id6448356689) | 4.7 (9) | Free | Travel | | [Kourion Cyprus GPS Tour Guide](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kourion-cyprus-gps-tour-guide/id1483595260) | 5.0 (1) | Free | Travel | ## More apps by Dr. Richard Ferdig - [Number Line Touch: Multiplication](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/number-line-touch-multiplication/id1112897111) - [MyCPH](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mycph/id1477344147) - [Tree Health Survey](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/tree-health-survey/id1498515762) All apps by Dr. Richard Ferdig: https://appshunter.io/developer/1118599934 --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*