In an effort to bring more options to its biggest park for families, staff with the City of Sequim look to take the fun of “Pokemon Go” and combine it with local education for a new Sequim-centric phone game.
The augmented reality app “Agents of Discovery” is available starting June 26 for free on Android and iOS devices with more information available at sequimwa.gov/1314/Agents-of-Discovery.
City staff said once downloaded, it can be used without data or Wi-Fi in the park.
In the game, park-goers are led by Agent Sunny, a red-tailed hawk, on the “Reclaimed Water Wonders” campaign that transforms users into secret agents on missions to learn about reclaimed water usage at Carrie Blake Community Park’s Water Reuse Demonstration Site, according to city staff.
A launch event is set for 3:30-6 p.m. Thursday, June 26, in the northern part of Carrie Blake Community Park at the Interpretative Center, James Center for the Performing Arts, and other nearby locales in the park.
City staffers will be on-hand in the park to provide free, temporary Wi-Fi for app downloads, assist with the game, and provide interpretive displays and activities to enhance understanding of water reuse.
Emma Jane Garcia, parks and events assistant manager, said city staff helped develop the content for the app that follows a city initiative to find a way to bring more children to the parks while also helping them obtain a deeper understanding of reclaimed water.
“By showcasing how reused water is utilized in the park through a gaming-based educational platform, we hope to inspire kids to get active, enjoy the outdoors, and learn more about how their city functions,” she said. “We are always looking for different and meaningful opportunities for kids to explore and enjoy our parks.”
More on the game
“Agents of Discovery” is suited for children with at least a third-grade reading level. Once downloaded, park visitors can complete missions by discovering park features and answering questions at designated hot spots, staff said.
“You can wander all over the park and it gets you moving,” Garcia said.
A typical session lasts 30-45 minutes and can be used independently at the park following the app launch on June 26. Those who complete their mission will receive a password to share with city staff to receive a sticker.
Garcia said this is the first iteration of the game that will run through the year with plans to update it with seasonal items to keep it fresh.
On June 18, a small group of children were the first to hold a trial run of the game in the park and had a lot of fun, Garcia said.
“Agents of Discovery” is a year-long package, with options to renew annually at $3,999.00.
Photo courtesy City of Sequim/ Avy and Maci Priest try out the “Agents of Discovery” app in the Water Reuse Demonstration Site on June 18. The app launches on June 26 and is free to download and use.
Image courtesy City of Sequim/ Agent Sunny, a red-tailed hawk, will lead local children in the free “Agents of Discovery” app via the City of Sequim on a mission to discover features in the Water Reuse Demonstration Site and answer questions about designated hot spots.
