WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – It’s a popular game that has taken the nation by storm. Pokémon Go has attracted millions to the virtual game, but it’s caused some controversy too. The latest gaming craze is guiding many Pokémon players to be outside around town.
Saturday in Wichita there’s an event that involves playing the game and cleaning up.
“We noticed that there were lots of people out here and as a group we wanted to get together and make something good out of it, so we said why not just clean up the place?,” explained Cayde Brown, a co-host of Pokémon Go Community Cleanup.
While playing their favorite game, players will be cleaning up areas around the Keeper of the Plains and, the Ark River.
“It gets a lot of people to come out here and cleanup and the same time and helping out the park” said avid Pokémon Go player, Angel Soto.
“We have such a great community of Pokémon go players in Wichita and we’re always out catching Pokémon, but we should be cleaning up the town and catching that trash and getting it out,” stated Wichitan, Carley Jones.
Brown is one of four hosts of Saturdays Pokémon Go Community Cleanup. He says some players have left parks and river banks a mess. This event is an opportunity to change that.
“Anytime you have lots and lots of people you’re going to have that 1% that’s just not going to be nice to their environment and we’re trying to be as nice and helpful as possible,” stated Brown.
He believes about 1,000 people will participate. Players just need to bring their smart phones because, trash bags, gloves, and bottled water will be provided.
“There’s pokey stops all the way along here on both sides of the river, and just while you’re catching, catch, grab and put it in your bag,” explained Brown.
Organizers say this event will make a positive difference in the community.
“A lot of people means a lot of trash and a lot of people working together to do something can mean a very clean area,” Brown said.
The event starts Saturday at noon and runs until 9 p.m.
Details are on this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1564239057206000