Why Parks and Rec Departments Need Waterproof Trail Maps
- Folding Maps
- Parks and Rec
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Why Parks and Rec Departments Need Waterproof Trail Maps
Mother Nature doesn’t always cooperate, and your maps must be ready.
When visitors explore your parks and trail systems, they expect easy navigation, no matter the weather or terrain.
A flimsy paper map won't last long in rain, wind, or muddy conditions — but a waterproof trail map will.
Here’s why smart parks and rec departments invest in waterproof maps to improve safety, satisfaction, and sustainability.
1. Waterproof Maps Stand Up to Real Outdoor Conditions
Rain, humidity, muddy hands, and spilled water bottles — outdoor environments are brutal on standard paper.
Waterproof trail maps are:
Tear-resistant
Moisture-proof
Durable enough for folding, crumpling, and repeated use
Visitors can use the map throughout their entire hike, even during sudden weather changes, without fear of it falling apart.
2. Better Trail Safety in All Weather
In poor conditions, having a reliable trail map isn’t just convenient — it’s critical.
Waterproof maps help visitors:
Stay oriented on long or complex trail networks
Find emergency exits or ranger stations faster
Navigate safely when signs are missing, faded, or obstructed
Better navigation equals fewer rescues and incidents and a safer, more enjoyable park experience.
3. Longer-Lasting Maps Mean Lower Costs
Yes, waterproof materials are a small upfront investment —
but they save parks money over time by:
Reducing the need for frequent reprints
Holding up better at outdoor kiosks or map dispensers
Lowering waste from destroyed or discarded maps
Proper design and bulk printing allow you to provide thousands of visitors with durable, professional maps year-round.
👉 Learn more about custom-printed trail maps here.
4. Waterproof Maps Enhance Visitor Satisfaction
Visitors appreciate tools that work.
A visitor who gets caught in a downpour with a durable map will:
Feel prepared and cared for
Stay longer (because they feel confident)
Recommend your park to friends, family, and online reviewers
Small touches — like providing waterproof maps — leave big, positive impressions.
5. They Show That You Care About Conservation
Providing reliable, reusable maps reduces trail litter (from shredded paper maps) and helps promote Leave No Trace principles.
You can even design your waterproof maps to include:
Leave No Trace reminders
Wildlife protection zones
Trail etiquette guidelines
A simple map can encourage thousands of small, positive visitor behaviors — protecting your park’s beauty for future generations.
Quick Recap: Why Parks and Recreation Departments Need Waterproof Maps
✅ Withstand rain, mud, folding, and real-world use
✅ Improve visitor safety in all conditions
✅ Save money with longer-lasting materials
✅ Boost visitor satisfaction and brand trust
✅ Promote conservation and responsible trail use
Ready to Upgrade Your Trail Maps to Waterproof?
At PocketMaps, we specialize in designing and printing durable, weather-resistant trail maps that are made for real outdoor adventures.
Whether you need 5,000 or 50,000 maps, we’ll help you deliver a safer, smarter, and longer-lasting visitor experience.
With our easy online ordering dashboard, tracking your project from design to delivery is simple, giving you full visibility into every step.
👉 Start your custom waterproof map project with PocketMaps today.
Let's keep your visitors safe, happy, and exploring — no matter the weather.
Manage Your Project with Full Transparency
When you work with PocketMaps, you get great design and printing, and get complete visibility into your order every step of the way.
Our easy-to-use online dashboard lets you:
Track your project from design to proofing to production to shipping
See estimated ship dates and delivery times
Upload updated files or split shipments if needed
Chat directly with our customer service team anytime
We built this platform because, before PocketMaps, we were customers too — and we couldn’t find a solution that worked.
After 10 years of building and refining our system, we’re proud to offer you a faster, easier, stress-free experience.