20 Jul 2016 Pokemon Go thrives at Arkansas State Parks
Arkansas State Parks has a history of embracing the latest technology to encourage Arkansans and others to visit their state parks. Park staff stays connected to visitors through various social media sites including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The ArkansasStateParks.com website uses the latest design features to make it usable on most computer, smartphone and tablet platforms.
In 2008, Arkansas State Parks began the ParkCache Program which placed geocaches in all 52 state parks and created a challenge of finding all of them to get clues to find a 53rd geocache and a prize. (Learn more at ArkansasStateParks.com/things-to-do/geocaching.)
The state parks recently began embracing a new game, Pokémon Go, an augmented reality game that allows smartphone and tablet users to search for and collect virtual Pokémon characters. So far, officials have seen numerous characters along with Pokéstops and other features showing up in Arkansas State Parks.
Arkansas State Parks Director Grady Spann said, “We are very excited about greeting players who may not have visited a state park recently and encourage them to come on out and enjoy our beautiful outdoor spaces.”
While at a park, visitors are reminded that the parks department is tasked with the safety of visitors plus the preservation of natural, cultural and historical resources. With those things in mind please be respectful of the following:
• Before going to a park, check the park hours. Park hours are available online at ArkansasStateParks.com. Entering a park outside of those hours can constitute trespassing.
• Please stay on marked trails and pathways while in the park. Walking off trail can be dangerous and can upset delicate ecosystems the park is tasked with protecting.
• If your search takes you on trails, make sure to carry water and wear proper hiking shoes.
• Always be aware of surroundings. While looking at the screen on an electronic device, you may not be able to see uneven footing, “real” wildlife on the trail, other hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians or other potential hazards near the trail.
• Please be respectful of solemn areas of the park such as cemeteries, monuments and museums.
• Visitors come to the parks for many reasons. Please respect each other and don’t disturb others in the park.
• While you’re visiting, take in the sights and sounds of your Arkansas State Parks.
To add to the fun, tag your Pokémon Go photos or any photos taken in the parks with #ARStateParks. You may find yourself featured in our social media or on our website.
Now, go “Catch Them All.”
There are 52 Arkansas state parks for you to enjoy, experience and treasure. Find out about all of them at ArkansasStateParks.com.
(This story is courtesy of the Arkansas State Parks.)
