|
TALLAHASSEE – Florida State Parks today
launched an addition to the award-winning online park
guide, offering virtual tours of five Florida state
parks. The feature allows 360 degree panoramic views of
beaches, trails and historic landmarks at Caladesi
Island, Highlands Hammock, Silver River, Torreya and
Wakulla Springs State Parks.
“Virtual tours allow visitors to explore the natural
and historical resources of Florida state parks through
their computer,” said Florida State Parks Director Mike
Bullock. “As part of our online park guide, users will
be able to tour parks, search for upcoming events and
plan a visit to …the Real FloridaSM.”
The online tours provide a preview of the natural
wonders at Florida State Parks. Virtual visitors may
stand on the dive platform above the 72 degree spring
water or visit the historic lodge at Wakulla Springs
State Park. At Torreya, visitors may take in the
breathtaking view from the bluffs along the Apalachicola
River, or take a stroll on the hammock trail at
Highlands Hammock. Visitors may enjoy the beach at
Caladesi Island, or observe the cabins and museum at
Silver River.
Recently honored with a Media Excellence Award from
the Florida Recreation and Parks Association, the
Florida State Parks online park guide welcomes nearly
10,000 visitors daily to plan trips, book reservations
or tour Florida state parks from Key West to Pensacola.
The guide details each state park, including images,
park descriptions, upcoming events, contact information
and driving directions. The site also features
information about recreational activities offered at
each park, including canoeing, fishing, hiking or
camping. Visitors can customize park trips by searching
for activities and events based on activity, location or
date, and invite friends and family to join via an event
invitation.
A finalist for the Gold Medal award honoring the
Nation’s Best State Park Service, Florida’s state park
system is one of the largest in the country with 159
parks spanning more than 720,000 acres and more than 100
miles of sandy white beach. Under the leadership of
Governor Jeb Bush, Florida has added nine new parks and
more than 240,000 acres to its nationally-renowned park
system. From swimming and diving in rivers and springs
to birding and fishing or hiking and riding on natural
scenic trails, Florida’s state parks offer year-round
outdoor activities for all ages. Battle reenactments and
Native American festivals celebrate Florida’s unique
history, while art shows, museums and lighthouses offer
a window into Florida’s cultural heritage.
For more information about Florida State Parks, visit
www.FloridaStateParks.org. |
2012 State of Florida