SEQUIM — In an effort to bring more options to its biggest park for families, Sequim city staff look to take the fun of “Pokemon Go” and combine it with education for a Sequim-centric phone game.
The augmented reality app “Agents of Discovery” launched June 26 for free on Android and iOS devices. More information is available at sequimwa.gov/1314/Agents-of-Discovery.
City staff said, once downloaded, the game 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.
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 parks while 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.”
‘Agents of Discovery’
“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 to 45 minutes and can be used independently at the park. 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 held 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.
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Matthew Nash is a reporter with the Olympic Peninsula News Group, which is composed of Sound Publishing newspapers Peninsula Daily News, Sequim Gazette and Forks Forum. He can be reached by email at matthew.nash@sequimgazette.com.
