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Park/street orienteering is a type of orienteering adapted for the urbanised population of Australia. It is conducted in locations such as the parks and street of our towns and cities. The key is to read the map with the course to visit each control point going as fast as you choose to go. Executing the most efficient route choice is the strategy.
Park/street orienteering courses vary in distance and time. They are a fun way to enjoy orienteering close to home either by yourself, with your mates or with your family.
It’s an awesome type of orienteering that caters for all ages and capabilities in an easy and accessible way.
In Park/Street Orienteering there are three formats: scatter, score and line. In each format there are various levels of courses. It depends on how long you would like to be out there collecting control points.
The aim of the scatter format is to locate a designated number of controls. For example 10 of 20 that may be on the map. You choose the order. First to finish with the correct number of controls for each course on offer wins. The challenge is to plan the most optimal route to locate the required number of controls. Course lengths usually range from 3 kms to 10 kms.
The aim of the score format is to get the greatest number of points within a set time limit by locating control points. Each control point is assigned a point value. For example, from 2 to 5 points. The challenge is to plan and execute the most optimal route to get the greatest number of points possible. Course times can be between 30 to 60 minutes. You choose how long you want to be out there. Penalty points are deducted for being late. So you need to wear a watch, and be familiar with the time allowed for your course.
The aim of the line format is to locate the controls point in numerical order for the course you select. In this format easier navigation courses are all about following things like tracks and streets to locate control points. More challenging navigation courses introduce route choice options. The challenge is to execute the most efficient route choices. Course lengths often vary between 2kms and 5kms.
You don’t need much gear at all to go park/street orienteering.
Some park/street orienteering events use a Sportident card (“stick”) to check the control points you go to and record your time. Don’t worry if you don’t have one, as at events that use Sportident you can either borrow or hire a stick.
Some park/street orienteering events give you the option to use the MapRun app on a smartphone to check the control points you go to and record your time. MapRun is a smartphone/smartwatch app for orienteering. It was developed in Queensland. It is used around the world for orienteering events and training.
So now you know more about park/street orienteering it’s time to give it a go. Bring some mates, your family or go by yourself. Everyone is welcome!
Your first start point is to visit the events page of each of our member associations.
South Australia and Northern Territory
You can also go to our Eventor page. Eventor is the Orienteering Australia events, results and membership portal that lists all orienteering events across Australia.
