Wikivoyage:Park article template

Note: This is an informational skeleton that describes the structure to use when creating articles about national parks, other large natural areas and large archaeological sites. Editing this template will not create a new article; for information on how to create new articles see Project:How to start a new page.

Use the structure outlined in this template when creating articles about national parks and other natural areas that are large enough to be destinations in their own right. It is not meant to be used for city parks, amusement parks and areas that do not fit the Project:What is an article? criteria.

To quickly insert a complete blank park template, copy the quick version into the edit box on the page you are editing.
You can also just type in {{subst:park}}, and the template will be included when you save.

Text in italics below is editorial comment, with suggestions for what should go in each section. You should plan on ruthlessly eliminating if you copy this code to a new park article.]

The first section of the park article does not have a heading. This is a where you give a quick descriptive overview of the park. Be sure to include some context so readers know where and what they are reading about. Links to the region and country that the park is in can be useful here, too.

Also give a high-level description of the park and why people would want to visit (i.e. Yellowstone National Park was the world's first national park, created to protect an amazing array of geothermal features and a vast amount of wildlife). Keep the description here brief, as most information will be included in the Understand section.

Understand

This is a more subjective description of the park -- what it's like, why someone would want to go there, the scenery and geology, the history, the weather, what makes it different and distinct from other areas.

History

An overview of how and why the park came into existence.

Landscape

If the park is known for its mountains, caves, canyons, or other natural features, provide a brief description of those features and why they are unique.

Flora and fauna

Some of the more common plants and animals that people may be interested in.

Climate

What is the weather like? When is the best time to visit?

Get in

Arrival details. How do most people reach the park? Are there any special considerations (bad road conditions, multiple isolated entrances, etc.?) If the park is accessible by car, give driving details and directions for getting to it from the nearest one or two large cities. Try to include the names of major highways and rough travel times.

Fees and permits

Entrance fees, camp site fees, hiking permits and fees along with any notable rules and regulations.

Get around

How to get around once you are there: bus, train, bicycle, foot, car, boat, etc. Describe any special concerns such as bad road conditions, limited available fuel, etc.

See

List attractions that people come to this park for, such as common points of interest, backcountry sights, visitor centers, geologic formations, etc. You can also note here general information about attractions, such as need for a guide, weather warnings, good walking routes, general areas to hang out in, etc.

Name of Attraction, Address (extra directions if necessary), ☏ phone number, fax: fax, email. Days and times open. One to five sentences about why this attraction is worth seeing, things to pay special attention to, warnings, notes, historical or other background information. $entryprice.

Do

This is for things that travellers will do themselves. More active participation is needed for Do things than for See things. For example, going to see a river goes under See; kayak trips down the river go under Do.

Name of Activity, Address (extra directions if necessary), ☏ phone number, fax: fax, email. Days and times open. One to five sentences about why this activity is worth doing, things to pay special attention to, warnings, notes, historical or other background information. $entryprice.

Buy

Where can supplies such as gas, bug repellent, outdoor gear, etc. be purchased within the park? Are souvenirs sold anywhere?

Name of the store or venue, Address (extra directions if necessary), ☏ phone number, fax: fax, email. Days and times open. One to five sentences about the goods sold, specialties, atmosphere, service, parking, what have you. price range (if possible to determine).

Eat

For restaurant listings and other food-related stuff. Are there restaurants in the park? Grocery stores? Any way to obtain food?

Name of Restaurant, Address (extra directions if necessary), ☏ phone number, fax: fax, email. Days and times open. One to three sentences about the food, service, atmosphere, view, specialties, music, what have you. lowprice-highprice (if possible to determine).

Drink

For sources of liquid refreshment, alcholic and non-alcoholic. Are there any bars or coffeehouses in the park? Do some of the hotels have lounges?

Name of Bar, Address (extra directions if necessary), ☏ phone number, fax: fax, email. Days and times open. One to three sentences about the drinks, service, atmosphere, view, specialties, music, what have you. beerprice draft/bottle beers, $wellprice well drinks.

Sleep

Lodging

List hotels, hostels, etc. within the park. In addition, if there are viable lodging options located outside (but nearby) the park, consider mentioning those as well.

Name of Hotel/Hostel, Address (extra directions if necessary), ☏ phone number, fax: fax, email. Check-in: Check-in time, check-out: Check-out time. One to three sentences about the service, atmosphere, view, rooms, what have you. lowprice-highprice.

Camping

Listing of developed campsites within the park.

Name of Campground, Address (extra directions if necessary), ☏ phone number, fax: fax, email. Check-in: Check-in time, check-out: Check-out time. One to three sentences about reservations, the number of sites, amenities (shower, RV hookups), environment, what have you. lowprice-highprice.

Backcountry

Blurb on backcountry description, rules, etc. What is required for an overnight trek?

Stay safe

Safety guidelines for survival within the park. Include information on dangerous animals, poisonous plants, weather hazards, etc.

Go next

Information about nearby destinations that would serve as a good "next stop." Provide a brief description of other nearby destination suggestions, neighboring cities or day-trip ideas. Don't duplicate information that's up in "Get in."