The city of Hyattsville has installed several solar-powered messaging boards in local parks.

Designed by Cambridge, Mass.-based Soofa the signs use the same electronic ink screen technology that is used in a Kindle e-reader, which makes them dramatically more efficient than traditional screens.

The kiosks were installed recently at Driskell Park, Heurich Park and on the Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail near The Spot pop-up park.

The kiosks automatically show messages from the city’s Facebook page and online calendar along with other city news and updates.

The back of the kiosk has a wayfinding map and links to important city contacts.

In other cities, Soofa kiosks have been used to provide real-time mass transit information, updates on air quality and weather forecasts.

A few years ago, the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission installed free solar-powered charging stations designed by Soofa at Lake Artemesia.

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