The waymarked point is at the orienteering control point in the parking area of the south part of Bob Woodruff Park in Plano.
This technology-driven permanent orienteering course was an Eagle Scout project for a local Boy Scout who partnered with the Plano Parks Department to create the course.
From the City of Plano website: (
visit link)
"Permanent orienteering courses in North Texas
Public courses: Bob Woodruff Park, 2601 San Gabriel Dr, Plano, TX 75074
Currently, this is only publically accessible permanent orienteering installation in North Texas. Note: It is not a traditional permanent course, but a technology-driven
one.
The course was the creation and Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Eagle Scout Service Project of Jared Chrisman. Jared is a member of BSA Troop 1001, chartered by Trinity Bible Church, Richardson, Texas, and graduate of Plano Senior East High School. NTOA served as one of the project sponsors and is hosting the course online.
Jared developed the course in coordination with the City of Plano Parks & Recreation department to promote the sport of orienteering and benefit patrons of Bob Woodruff Park.
How it works:
• There are thirty-two control points scattered throughout the park that are used to create over 200 different 10-point courses. Controls can be found near the parking lots near both the North and South Pavilions.
• The control points themselves are 4"-inch square aluminum plates printed with the QR code, URL and sponsor information. (See photo above.)
• It’s easiest to use a smartphone with a QR reader app to participate. Scanning any QR code identifies your current control location, and lets you either click a link for more info, or to start a new course.
• When you click "Start New Course," one of hundreds of random 10-point courses is generated. Your start time is also noted.
• From there, you can zoom in on the map to orient yourself and look for the next control. By zooming in (pinching) on your phone or tablet, you can get a clear view of the control circles.
• If you make a mistake, it tells you! Otherwise, it records your split time, shows you your elapsed time, and sends you on to your next leg
• When you've completed all 10 controls, it displays your elapsed time and splits.. . . "