The City of Tallahassee launched its first free Wi-Fi services for the residents of Tallahassee and visitors to Cascades Park, while hosting the wildly popular event centered on the mobile app, Pokémon-Go.
“Pokémon in the park,” the city’s feature event was held July 22 to the public, showcasing the expansion of technology and innovation by the city’s commission.
Alison Faris, director of communications, for the City of Tallahassee said, “We are very excited to be able to offer Wi-Fi service, it is just another way that people can connect here at Cascades, and we like to call it Tallahassee’s first smart park.”
The feature provides local residents the opportunity to surf the web, stream music and videos and much more.
Signifying its 20- year mark, after bursting on the scene back in 1995, Pokémon has now transformed into an app that its crazed fans can’t seem to get enough of.
Pokémon Go is a free-to-play activity based mobile phenomenon that is regarded as the “most popular video game in the world, among the gaming community.
With more than 2,000 attendees present at the event, the eager Pokémon lovers flocked in to capture their favorite monsters at the numerous Pokestops located throughout the park while conserving their data and utilizing the “Talgov Wi-Fi.”
Attendees using the Talgov Wi-Fi were rewarded by the “Pokémon prize patrol,” a golf cart loaded with a variety of prizes ranging from cell phone chargers to water bottles.
Jakari McGee, 24, a Tallahassee native and frequent Pokémon Go player said, “This is motivating me to get out and exercise and I love that the Pokémon app is like a community of people trying to achieve the same goal. When you see multiple people in one area then you know what’s going on.”
The city staff of Pokémon “trainers” were on sight to assist players with surviving the game to become expert “Pokemasters,” including a Pokémon Center located in the Prime Meridian Plaza next to the Cascading Waterfall Pokémon Gym.
City staffers also provided a recharging station for the community to enjoy at their leisure to prevent attendees from worrying about their phones dying from overuse.
Jennifer Davis, 29, a local resident and Pokémon fanatic said, “This is the first time I’ve been to Cascades in over a year. Do you see how many Pokestops are out here? I will definitely be returning! It’s also very important to live somewhat of an active lifestyle especially when you have children to set a good example for.”
Children and adults of all ages can visit Tallahassee’s first “smart park,” as Cascades is fully equipped with Wi-Fi throughout its 24 acres.
The City of Tallahassee plans to expand its Wi-Fi services centrally throughout surrounding areas including Lake Ella, FAMU Way and Gaines Street.