That cliche, "there's an app for that," has failed us more than once. Happily, though, there is an app for Citygarden, and it's a pretty powerful one. Designed by Lelander, a St. Louis-based software development studio, it launched today, and replaces the cell phone audio tour (which was actually pretty cool in its own right).
The app uses GPS to give visitors a "location-aware" tour, bringing up relevant information on nearby features as you roam the garden. Approach, say, one of the 24 pieces of sculpture, or the waterfall, dance chimes or video wall, and the map pin will morph from purple to orange; a tap the pin, and you'll get informational text, as well as audio info narrated by a St. Louis celebrity. The app can also help you find a nearby restaurant, or (glory of glories!) a parking spot, always a challenging thing downtown.
But (as they say) there's more: you can use it to plan a trip before you go. It'll give you driving directions, a list of events, tips on kids' safety, information on the plants in the landscape architecture, and even advice on finding the food trucks that day. Heck, it's more flexible and useful than some of the serious, grown-up apps Look-Listen uses for boring stuff like budgeting, and at least as much fun as the games and silly camera filters (which, of course, you can also use at Citygarden).
The app is free, and downloadable from iTunes here. It's compatible with iPhones, iPads, and iPod Touch devices.
