“As we shake off the aches of too many weeks with too little motion, and the sun starts to shine, and cities from New York to Milan to Vilnius talk of blocking off streets to make room for people on foot and on bikes, let’s make this our summer of the humble, free, and better-than-ever walk..”
– John Hanke
Greetings Niantic Explorers!
There is something very special about summer. We have always been inspired by the power of the outdoors and the opportunity for exploration and adventure it provides, this year more so than ever. Finally being able to reconnect with nature and each other is such an exciting prospect. Many of us venture out with a new appreciation for the role that outdoor spaces play in our physical and mental well-being. There is real science behind these benefits as research has shown.
This Saturday is National Get Outdoors Day, intended to inspire and motivate us to get outside for a “healthy, fun day of outdoor adventure.” Local neighborhoods and national parks across the United States will be celebrating it and encouraging families, friends and communities to come outside together. With so much outside for Niantic Explorers, it is the perfect day to start new adventures together.
Our Explorers and our own Niantics are united by a shared love for the outdoors to reset, restore–and reconnect with friends both old and new. We’re here to keep you inspired to get out there and play, which is why it seems like a great time to share all things outdoors that we are so excited about.
Earlier this week, we rolled out our Live Events schedule for Pokémon GO, Harry Potter: Wizards Unite and Ingress. Those event experiences are a great way to bond over legendary Pokémon, put your wands to work in dragon combat, and defend Ingress portals.
We have co-sponsored Open Outdoors for Kids, a program designed to get kids outside exploring and learning about nature.
We are working with Esculas Sustenables to rehabilitate parks in different states of Mexico, engaging up to 150 players per park as volunteers working to paint, plant, build, and make these parks wonderful places for all community members to enjoy. So far we have rehabilitated Cultuparque in Teotihuacan & Fracc del Parque in Merida. Next up are Metropolitano in Guadalajara & Los Berros in Xalapa which will be done by the end of the summer.
We’ve also rolled out the Meet You Out There Program for our Niantics to host casual meetups in cities across the United States and interact with our community on July 3, August 14, and August 15. As much as you, our Explorers, have missed attending live events, our Niantics have missed meeting you first hand. They’ll be meeting local communities in over 25 states with swag in hand. We’ll be sharing more about where you’ll be able to meet us in the coming weeks.
Over the weekend and through the summer, tag us or use #MeetYouOutThere on your social posts, we’ll be keeping our eyes peeled for great posts.
There has never been a better time to get outdoors, so grab your kit, your chargers, water and sunscreen. #MeetYouOutThere
-The Niantic team