There are some parks that are gated, and others that while not gated, still have trail entrances. Yes, large US National Parks probably have a gate itself to add, but for smaller parks how should we best mark park entrances? Thanks!
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Great question, @agottworth .
Are you aware that Local Guides can only add POINTS of interest and not any areas or lines? Only Google staff can add areas and lines.
As parks are essentially areas and not points our options are unfortunately very limited.
Ideally, parks should show on the map as an area. When you click on an “area” pin the area is shown clearly with a red dotted line showing the borders. Like you see here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XgEfamdKqLFW1xRB8
Read more about areas here: Stuff we can not edit on Google Maps
In practice, most parks on Google Maps are not areas but simple pins like any business on Google Maps.
The process of convincing Google staffers to convert or create an area park is very difficult and time-consuming. You will need to find copyright-free official documentation for the area with detailed borders shown clearly. Interactive maps are no good. I never succeded on this.
Normal pins can have access points (those are invisible extra pins) that are used by navigating to a place on Google. There can be more such access pins. But you can not create or move such entrance pins - again only Googlers can do this.
Adding an entrance to any park is therefore not a straightforward process. Just adding an extra normal pin can not be recommended.
If you are up for a challenge please seek help with this in the Maps support forum.
Hit the Community tab at the top and make a post. You need to attach or link to official documentation supporting the change you are proposing. Copyright-free governmental maps are probably the best proof you can attach. Without such official documentation, you will not be successful. The volunteer product experts will guide you and tell you if they think your documentation and case is good enough to be escalated to the Googlers.
If you try this, please report back to us to learn from your experiences.
All the best
Morten
PS: Maybe seasoned Mapper @Flash would be so kind as to check my answer and give you better recommendations.
Hello @agottworth ,
Please be advised that I am moving your post to How-tos where it could be helpful to other Local Guides.