By Chris Hagan
Review Staff Writer
The Orion Township smart phone application has raised the bar on how local municipalities disseminate information and connect-ability to citizens and visitors.
In September, the free app debuted and since has been downloaded by more than 400 devices. Its inception into the app stores makes it the first app for a township and third overall government-managed smart device app in Oakland County.
The app takes a plethora of information and organizes it into 11 sections. Unlike the other two Oakland County apps, the Orion app allows for a more interactive ‘in-app? experience by allowing the user to find the information without having to be linked to a web browser. The contact page has the ability to direct call the township offices and the events calendar offers up-to-date happenings around town.
‘One of the biggest requests we were getting from citizens was that they wanted one central place to see upcoming events,? Orion Township Supervisor Chris Barnett said. ‘Now with the app you’re able to view all township events well into 2016 and we’re always updating those events.?
The supervisor’s office is in charge of monitoring and updating events and Barnett is encouraging those with upcoming events to let his office know so they can get it on the calendar.
Another convenience the app offers is the ability to report issues within the township as well as the ability to send the township a picture. The ‘Trails & Parks? section allows users to view maps directly in the app without being navigated to a web browser or a maps app.
According to Barnett, the app, which cost just over $10,000, will be an extremely useful tool throughout the community over the next several years with the expected road construction slated to take place. Beginning in spring of 2016, work will begin to transform M-24 into a Telegraph-like thoroughfare and Baldwin Road will see the round-abouts added the year after.
‘Orion will have several road projects happening between now and 2017 and this will be another resource we can use to get information out to people,? he said. ‘We’ll be able to provide information on current working areas and how long those are supposed to take.?
The only two other apps that exist in Oakland County that are managed by government municipalities are used in the Rochester Hills and Southfield. Both allow for direct linking to municipalities and give staff directories.
Southfield’s app ‘SPOTSouthfield? stands unique in that it allows for the user to search restaurants, hotels, and shopping. Rochester Hills? app is similar to Orion Township’s but does not offer a colorful, photo-friendly interface like Orion.
Where the three have succeeded has been in the ease of use and finding information quicker than a Google search. All three link users to social media but only Orion Township allows users to link to an Instagram account because neither Southfield or Rochester Hills have an account.
‘We want to be able to connect with people young, old, and everyone in between and that’s what this app allows us to do,? Barnett said. ‘Whether you’re a parent looking for a weekend activity, a concerned citizen discovering an issue, or a student scrolling through photos of our community, we want you engaged in Orion Township.?
The Orion app can be downloaded and used for Apple and Android devices. It’s compatible with iPads, iPod Touch and can also be found on the Google Play store.