Pokemon Go Players Seek Clarity on Park Access
The Crossings park was abuzz Thursday night, not with the chirping of crickets or rustling leaves, but with the passionate pleas of Pokemon Go players. They filled the Colonie Town Hall meeting, their shared love for the augmented reality game bringing them together in a quest for answers.
A Community United By Pixels
“I personally live in Troy, and without Pokemon Go, I don’t think I would be coming to Colonie as often as I do and spend money in the area,” one player passionately expressed during the public comment period.
Another echoed the sentiment: “I wouldn’t have these friends if it wasn’t for The Crossings and Pokemon Go bringing us all together to play.”
It was clear that The Crossings had transformed into more than just a park for these enthusiasts. It was a vibrant community hub, united by their shared pursuit of virtual creatures and the camaraderie that blossomed alongside it.
A Passive Park Predicament
However, a cloud of uncertainty had been hovering over their beloved gathering spot. The park’s designation as a “passive park” by the town’s parks coordinator had cast doubt on the future of their organized game sessions. The term “passive,” with its implication of informal, non-structured usage, left players wondering if their gatherings, though spontaneous and casual, fell outside the park’s intended purpose.
They argued that their Pokemon Go gatherings closely resembled other accepted park activities, such as groups of runners or families enjoying a picnic. Their presence, they stressed, did not disrupt the natural rhythm of the park or interfere with its intended use.
A Supervisor’s Unexpected Revelation
Colonie Town Supervisor Peter Crummey stepped forward to address the concerns, assuring the crowd, “No one on this board is trying to destroy Pokemon Go.” His words were met with a palpable sense of relief, but the players were eager for a more concrete solution.
Crummey surprised everyone when he revealed his own nostalgic connection to the franchise, pulling out a deck of Pokemon cards from his pocket. “I actually have Gen 1 cards,” he shared, showcasing the faded cardboard rectangles. “I always liked Wigglytuff.”
This unexpected display broke the ice, fostering a sense of shared understanding between the players and the supervisor. Austin Czechowski, a Pokemon Go player present at the meeting, later revealed that Crummey had even expressed interest in joining them at The Crossings to experience the game firsthand.
“He expressed to me that he would possibly be interested in perhaps joining us at the Crossings to play some Pokemon Go with us, maybe try to catch a Wigglytuff for himself like he mentioned,” Czechowski recounted.
Striking a Balance: Pokemon Go and Passive Parks
While Crummey affirmed that Pokemon Go would be welcomed at The Crossings, he emphasized the importance of preserving the park’s passive nature. The challenge lay in finding a harmonious balance—allowing the Pokemon Go community to thrive while ensuring the park remained accessible and enjoyable for all.
What are the specific concerns that Pokemon Go players have regarding their access to public parks?
## Pokemon Go Players Seek Clarity: An Interview
**Interviewer:** Welcome to the show. Tonight we’re discussing the growing concerns surrounding Pokemon Go players and their access to public parks. Joining us is Alex Reed, a local Pokemon Go enthusiast and organizer of the community group “[Group Name]” that meets at The Crossings park.
**Alex Reed:** Thanks for having me.
**Interviewer:** Tell us, what’s the situation at The Crossings park?
**Alex Reed:** Well, The Crossings has become like a second home to our Pokemon Go community. [[1](https://gameranx.com/features/id/519239/article/pokemon-go-eggs-pedition-access-event-schedule-and-bonuses/) Players from all over, myself included, come together there to play, socialize, and explore the game. But recently, there’s been some confusion about whether or not our gatherings are actually allowed because the park is considered a “passive park.”
**Interviewer:** So, the term “passive park” has caused some alarm?
**Alex Reed:** Absolutely. It’s not clearly defined what constitutes a “passive” activity. We’re not being disruptive, we’re not harming the park, and our gatherings are completely spontaneous and casual. All we want is to enjoy our hobby in a safe, open space.
**Interviewer:** What impact would it have on your community if these gatherings were no longer permitted?
**Alex Reed:** It would be devastating. A lot of us have built strong friendships through Pokemon Go, and The Crossings has become a central meeting place for us. People travel from neighboring towns to play there, which also benefits local businesses. Not to mention, this game encourages physical activity and social interaction, which are both positive things.
**Interviewer:** What are you hoping for in terms of a resolution?
**Alex Reed:** We are just asking for some clarity from the town officials. We want to understand what “passive” means in this context and make sure our gatherings are in line with park regulations. We are willing to work with the town to find solutions that benefit everyone.
**Interviewer:** That sounds reasonable.
**Alex Reed:** We just hope they understand how important this park is to our community.
**Interviewer**: Alex Reed, thank you for sharing your story and perspective. We will be following this issue closely and hope for a positive outcome for all involved.
