The definition of visualization is fairly straightforward: visually communicate and explore complex ideas and information in simple and easy-to-understand ways. Visualization tools help planners, the community and elected officials interact with a project before it’s built—everyone can see how different design choices have different impacts on a project and on the community. 

Visually telling the story of a project can transform the internal design process and change the community planning dynamics from disinterested or outright hostility to participatory and even enthusiasm.

You’ve probably heard of kids playing “Pokémon Go,” chasing animated characters “present” in the real world. Or maybe you’ve used the Ikea app that lets you place true-to-scale 3D models in your very own living room. Embracing this new technologies in parks can help folks of all ages engage with each other, learn about the place they’re physically in and, hopefully, develop even deeper connections with the outdoors as they play in it.