Yorkshire-based tech firm Sprytar has reported a surge in demand for its family walks mobile app from local authorities across England and Wales.
The company has secured new contracts over the last twelve months with 24 councils including Manchester, Walsall, Wolverhampton, Scarborough and Babergh and Mid-Suffolk council for its Love Exploring app, which encourages families and children to explore the great outdoors.
It reports a revenue increase of 320% over the last year and the business expects the trend to continue with more local authority leaders and park managers encouraging greater use of outdoor spaces within Covid-19 guidelines. During the pandemic use increased by 500%.
The introduction of a new booking system has also allowed playgrounds and parks to be pre-booked in 30-minute slots to help manage demand with capacity restrictions in-place.
Available in parks across England and Wales, the free app harnesses augmented reality and allows users to discover self-guided walks and educational games through their mobile phones and devices.
It has several games including a dinosaur safari, enchanted fairy walk, a space expedition and heritage trails and is suitable for ages six and above.
Tom Matthews, Creator and Play Innovator at Sprytar, said: “Through the creative, custom deployment of mobile apps, our technology generates significant efficiencies for park teams.
“It also enhances the health and wellbeing of the local population and brings some much-needed fun and enjoyment.
“The app is tailored specifically for local park routes and can be implemented in two weeks. This helps local authorities to run socially distanced events and activities and gives them the ability to quickly adapt and communicate with users.
“We continue to develop new games and activities all the time and look forward to helping people enjoy the outdoors throughout Christmas, into the new year and beyond.”
The Love Exploring App is available in locations including Manchester, Wigan, Bradford, Kirklees, Goole, Withernsea, Scarborough, Derby, Wakefield, Hereford, Wirral, Stockport, Barmouth, Cardiff, Lowestoft, Derbyshire and East Riding of Yorkshire.