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Changes coming for Pokemon Go in Neenah

Mayor Kaufert spoke with game developer Wednesday
Posted at 11:35 AM, Mar 02, 2017
and last updated 2017-03-02 12:35:35-05

Kimberly Point Park in Neenah is doing double duty as a hub of Pokemon activity. 

The popular mobile application Pokemon Go has sent hundreds of would-be Pokemon trainers to the park due to its unique status as a landmark in the game, offering players hard-to-find Pokemon to collect.

The heavy traffic at the park is concerning city leaders, especially after players reportedly trampled grass on park grounds, costing the city nearly $1,000 in seeding and maintenance costs.

Neenah Mayor Dean Kaufert spoke with the game's developers in a conference call Wednesday. He says the developer Niantic has been cooperative with his requests to address problems of overuse at the park.

Both parties agreed to remove Pokemon from the park during overnight hours from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. They agreed to reduce the total number of Pokemon in Neenah by 3, and spread them out more across the city.

Additionally, the game's developers say they'll move Pokemon at the park further away from the road.

Mayor Kaufert says he plans to meet with the developers again this Spring.