Augmented reality game in our parks
AGAME to rival Pokemon Go is about to launch in Stockport in a bid to get more youngsters into parks.
Findar, an ‘augmented reality’ scheme developed by Chris Hunt, of Davenport, goes live across 15 parks in the borough over the Easter weekend.
From Good Friday, people can hunt for patterned signs and, using an app they have downloaded, scan it with their phone to get a character to appear on it.
Each park has four hidden characters - a unicorn, a witch and a dragon as well as a wizard, which is the hardest to find - that can be used for pictures and videos.
Dad-of-three Chris, 36, came up with the idea last year and has introduced it with help from Stockport Council. He said: “It has taken a fair amount of work but the point of the scheme is to see if technology can be used to entice people into public parks.
“There are health issues of people not going outdoors much and this is designed to get people out. We have a lot of great parks in Stockport.
“No local authority has done this before so it is ground breaking and a bit of a first. Now we hope it can connect with its audience.”
The scheme will have a three month trial throughout the spring and if successful it is hoped that it will be rolled out to other parks and become more involved with more characters.
It was tested in Cale Green Park. Others that will now be used are Abney Hall Park, Adswood Park, Alexandra Park, Bramhall Park, Brinnington Park, Bruntwood Park, Great Moor Park, Heaton Moor Park, Marple Memorial, Reddish Vale, Romiley Park, Torkington Park, Vernon Park and Woodbank Park.
Pokemon Go took the world by storm in 2016 and players used their mobile phone to locate, capture, train and battle virtual creatures.
Chris added: “Pokemon Go had more money put into it and wasn’t as location specific as this but they are similar, using computer imagery in a physical setting to draw people in.”
Councillor Sheila Bailey, cabinet member for communities, said: “We hope that this pilot will provide a fun activity and added interest for everyone to enjoy.
“The fact that the idea has come from one of our own residents makes this pilot even more exciting and appealing. I hope as many people as possible download the app.”