Local parks are in for a magical makeover thanks to a virtual reality app launched in collaboration with national Parks
Week.
Designed specifically for children, the Magical Park app augments the real-world view with visuals on your devices and
turns parks into a fantasy world where the aim is to collect dinosaur eggs and achieve other fun tasks.
The app can now be used locally at Heath Johnstone Park, Ayton Park and the Uawa Skate Park.
Communities and asset manager Garrett Blair said it was an initiative designed to get families out using our parks while
learning about reducing waste.
Data analysis from games developer Geo AR Games shows children are running up to two kilometres per 30 minutes of use.
While similar augmented reality apps have caused safety concerns with users unaware of their surroundings, Magical Park
has a digital boundary which turns off the visuals when the user is within 15 metres of a roadway.
The app can be downloaded for free from Google Play and the Apple app store.
Parks Week runs until March 18 and the app can be used locally until March 25.