Residents Near Public Parks Voice Concerns About Pokémon Go

Residents near a popular lakefront park in Milwaukee say crowds of Pokémon Go players are causing problems. In a public hearing this week, Lake Park residents couldn’t reach common ground on whether or not the players should be permitted in the park after dark.

They said mobile game players make noise late at night and litter in the park. Director of Milwaukee County Parks John Dargle said the growth of visitors has increased the amount of trash, but other institutions have helped in dealing with it.

“The (Milwaukee County) House of Correction inmates have been accommodating and they’ve sent some crews out there so it really helps the taxpayers in saving those dollars with the community service that we’re getting from the inmates,” Dargle said.

The parks director said they have increased the amount of trash cans, signs and portable bathrooms in the park.

The app quickly gained popularity after being released in early July.

Other Wisconsin cities are welcoming players to their parks. La Crosse Director of Parks and Recreation Steve Carlyon said he sees the benefits of the game.

“It’s getting people in our parks and our natural areas, and to date there’s really been no conflicts or no problems,” Carlyon said.

Carlyon said overall people have been respectful of the park and other public property.

He said if an issue arises where players are taking the park away from public use, they would look for a way to curb the issue.

Dane and Marathon counties have reported littering and erratic driving tied to the game. As for the app, Dargle said he doesn’t think the popularity will survive the winter.