Scalable Two-Way Communications System Safely Connects Parks to People

“Look! Over in that tree!”

All at once, 15 heads turn in the direction of a small willow tree in Howard Marsh Metropark, a birder’s paradise run by Metroparks Toledo. There, perched on one of the branches, is a red winged blackbird rustling its wings and chattering their usual song over the winds of the Marsh.

Luckily the woman who spots the bird doesn’t shout out her discovery and scare him off. Instead, she alerts her fellow tour participants to his presence simply by speaking softly into the headset of the two-way communications system that hangs around her neck.

The system is so sensitive that people can speak in a whisper and still be heard at distances of up to 600 feet.

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Metroparks Toledo implemented the new communications system from Tripp Communications Systems in late 2020 so it could resume its outdoor programming.  At the time, all of its parks and trails had remained open to the public, but in-person programming had transitioned to virtual or socially distanced offerings for over two months due to COVID-19.

“The tour guide system allowed us to start up our regular programs such as naturalist hikes and historical tours, while maintaining proper social distancing according to CDC guidelines. It also keeps our participants and program leaders feeling safe.”
– Nick Dian, Program Assistant

Both tour participants and staff say the system is flexible and easy to use. It consists of small, lightweight transceivers that hang from a lanyard around users’ necks, and a choice of headsets that include earbuds, ear speakers, and over-the-head headsets with built-in microphones and high-quality audio. A headphone jack also lets people use their own earbuds or headsets.

The system’s two-way capabilities allow program leaders and participants to maintain a safe distance but still hear each other clearly. And a simple push-to-talk feature lets participants ask questions and talk amongst themselves, while remaining socially distanced.

Post-Pandemic Benefits

The new audio system also provides Metroparks staff with ongoing benefits they hadn’t anticipated.

One such benefit involves its wheel-chair accessible Explorer Trolley tours, which take participants through the park in an open-air trolley pulled by a pickup truck. Before, it took two staff members to conduct the tours – one to drive the truck and a second to sit in the trolley with tour members and highlight sights and scenery along the way. Now, with the new hands-free audio system, a single naturalist can both drive the truck and conduct the tour, freeing up the second naturalist’s time to serve other park guests.

The system also helps tour leaders overcome the unique challenges that face organizations conducting tours outdoors – waiting to get everyone’s attention, competing with background noise, and struggling to be heard at a distance.

It makes group management easier too, since leaders can communicate with everyone in their group, whether they’re straggling behind or out in front ahead of the pack.

Outdoor skills specialist Alissa Caple uses the new tour guide system for longer hikes of up to eight miles and on after-hours programs where hikers have an opportunity to experience the sounds and smells of nature after dark.

At night, Caple appreciates how the system lets her speak softly to the group without breaking the nighttime silence, yet still be clearly heard. It also allows group members to spread out along the trail and see more wildlife but still stay in contact with each other.

On day hikes she’s noticed the system’s two-way capability encourages participants to talk more amongst themselves and share things they’re seeing with other tour members. She says participants also tend to ask her more questions, which she can now answer easily without having to stop the whole group.

Users, too, say the audio system improves their outdoor experience. Some of the reasons include:

• Transceivers that are easily carried and simple to operate.
• Support for those with hearing problems or hearing aids.
• An extra line of communication that makes participants who may be unfamiliar with the trails feel safer.

System Set Up Is A Breeze

Dian, who worked closely with Tripp Communications through the implementation and upgrade process, says the experience was nothing but positive.

“Tripp Communications helped us choose the right equipment configuration, walked us through the installation, and followed up with outstanding email and phone support,” says Dian. “With additional how-to documentation and a real person to walk us through it, the system was a breeze to get up and running.”

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Metroparks of Toledo is a system of parks and trails in northwest Ohio with over 12,000 acres of protected natural land and 198 miles of trails. Opened in 1930 during the depression, it now boasts 19 parks for users to explore and enjoy, and a myriad of educational outdoor adventures for all ages, interests, and fitness and accessibility levels. With the completion of three new parks in 2020 Metroparks fulfilled its promise to Lucas County’s citizens to place a park within five miles of every home.