Pokémon Go in the parks

The City of Columbia Parks & Recreation Department will host several Pokémon GO meetups for trainers of all ages beginning Friday, Aug. 5 at Riverfront Park.

Pokémon GO is the newest mobile game to hit your cellphone. Explore the real world through the world of Pokémon, which are fictional digital creatures that players can catch and train, and battle.

“Pokémon Go is a great tool to use to encourage the public to play outdoors, be active, meet new people, and learn about the cultural and historical history of our parks,” said Randy Davis, Director of the City’s Parks & Recreation Department. “We hope the game will lead to an increase awareness of all the features and history our parks have to offer.”

The Parks & Recreation Department invites the public to visit various parks to play as a group or individually. Players are encouraged to wear their team colors.

Park rangers will be available and on site to discuss the PokéStops, which provide players with a variety of items including eggs, Poké Balls and can be equipped with lures that attract wild Pokémon. The PokéStops can be historical or cultural markers and landmarks.

 Pokémon GO in the Parks (Fridays)
Aug. 5
Riverfront Park, 312 Laurel St.
12-2 p.m.
6-8 p.m.

Aug. 12
Woodland Park, 6500 Olde Knight Parkway
6-8 p.m.

Aug. 19
Charles R. Drew Wellness Center green space, 2101 Walker Solomon Way
6-8 p.m.

Aug. 26
South East Park, 951 Hazelwood Rd.
6-8 p.m.

Sept. 2

Finlay Park, 930 Laurel St.

12-2 p.m.

6-8 p.m.

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For more information, call the Parks & Recreation Department at 803-545-3100.