Bartlesville parks important stop for Pokémon Go players

By Lisa Beeman
Parks and Recreation Director

In the last week, I have happily noticed increased attendance at the City parks. Upon further inquiry, I have learned that a lot of people coming to the city parks are using their phones to look for elusive digital creatures. I would like to welcome all of you Pokémon Go players and your avatar trainers to your city parks. Exploration has always been a part of the Pokémon world, from Kanto to Alola, and it is an important part the Bartlesville City Parks, where I hope you might find more than just a new virtual companion. It’s exciting to explore new places, and Bartlesville’s city parks have some great ones for you to discover, many of which identified as Pokéstops or gyms in your monster collecting adventure.

As you travel to Johnstone Park, Sooner Park or other city parks, walk along Pathfinder Parkway, wander throughout downtown Bartlesville or visit other areas of the City of Bartlesville chasing virtual monsters to add to your collection, I encourage you to take a look around at the beauty of these places. Breathe in the fresh air. Climb to the top of the Sooner Park Play Tower and enjoy the magnificent view of the city. Actually look at the artwork on the buffalo. Cool off at the Sooner Park Swimming Pool or the splash pad. Climb aboard the train. Enjoy the history and read the cool stories on the markers and plaques representing the PokeStops and gyms. Our city parks are amazing places to run and play, to hike and bike, to wander and learn. Just make sure to keep your eyes open,

look up and be aware of your surroundings — and stay safe. We don’t want you stumbling off a path or falling over a park bench while you’re looking for the flying, swimming, and crawling creatures on your screens. And remember that all City parks close at 11 p.m.

So go have fun! Get out and explore! Sit on a park bench under a shade tree and let the Zubats come to you. Soak in the serenity and beauty of Pathfinder Parkway as you get your steps in to hatch an egg. Hang out at the gym with your team mates and share a lure to catch the rare Horsea. Enjoy your parks. That’s what they are there for. I know you’ve gotta catch ’em all, but take a moment to be reminded of the value of life’s simplest pleasures, like the pleasure of feeling your suspended body sway smoothly through space on the seat of a playground swing.

Lisa Beeman is director of Parks and Recreation/Community Development for the City of Bartlesville.