Proposal for Revising the Wayspot Criteria

Proposal for Revising the Wayspot Criteria:
Greater Inclusivity and Accessibility in Small Towns and Suburbs

As an enthusiastic player and involved resident of smaller towns and suburbs, I notice that the current criteria for nominating and approving Wayspots can sometimes be too restrictive for these areas. Especially in regions lacking large monuments, statues, or historic sites, it seems difficult to meet the standard eligibility criteria. I would like to advocate for more inclusivity and flexibility so that these neighborhoods and communities can also benefit from the positive effects of the game, and that more variety and liveliness can be created in these areas.

The Value of Green and Public Spaces in Suburbs

In many smaller neighborhoods and suburbs, you won’t find major monuments or cultural icons, but there are small patches of greenery, squares, or pathways true green connecting houses that are used daily by many residents. These locations are often not recognized as Wayspots, even though they are valuable and vibrant for the local community. They serve as meeting spots, walking routes, and places where people gather, greet each other, walk their dogs, or pass through on their way to school or work.

Adding Wayspots at these locations would not only enrich the gameplay experience but also support the social and physical well-being of residents. It could encourage greater appreciation and visibility of these green connections and public spaces within the game. It’s not necessary for these places to have sporting or cultural functions, but that they contribute to the livability and social fabric of the neighborhood.

Inclusivity for People with Limited Mobility

Furthermore, it is important to recognize that not everyone is able to travel far or visit large monuments. For people with limited mobility, the elderly, or those without their own transport, short walks and stops in the neighborhood can make a significant difference. Adding Wayspots at accessible and relevant locations for these groups would enhance the game’s inclusivity and ensure that everyone can participate in a way that suits them.

Revision of Max Points and Distribution

Another point I wish to highlight is the current concentration of maximum points in specific areas, such as industrial zones lacking proper sidewalks or areas with little to no foot traffic. This creates a skewed perception where certain locations are deemed extremely ā€˜important,’ while residential neighborhoods and communities with great potential remain underrepresented.

I propose that the distribution of max points be more evenly spread across residential neighborhoods and public spaces rather than predominantly in industrial areas. This would give residents and players in these neighborhoods more opportunities to enjoy stops and gyms, making the game more fun and fair for everyone.

In Summary

I am not advocating for arbitrary placement of stops and gyms, but for a revision of the criteria that takes into account the characteristics of smaller towns and suburbs. Adding Wayspots at small green spaces and public areas within residential neighborhoods can improve accessibility, social interaction, and the overall gaming experience. This would be a step toward greater inclusivity and a fairer distribution of play locations, allowing everyone to enjoy PokƩmon GO and the benefits of being outdoors, regardless of where they live.

3 Likes

We cannot have different criteria. The criteria though allows for enough grey areas for your local community to consider.

Serving as a meeting place is not enough. It has to meet one of the three eligibility criteria. Green spaces are allowed if they serve as parks.

1 Like

I’d agree that it’s difficult to get communal green spaces in where there’s not a sign or some other focal object. Those could be a pocket park or some notable natural feature, in the past those sorts of places weren’t eligible but now they sometimes are, so clarifying that might help.

Unfortunately, some places just don’t have anything eligible to be a wayspot. Some suburbs have exactly nothing, just endless houses with no amenities seemingly for miles.

4 Likes

I agree that sometimes there is just nothing to make a wayfare point.

Only right now the rules make it so that the few things that could be a point and contribute to the game and players are not allowed.
And i think its up to the criteria/rule maker’s to revise them and consider what I propose.

1 Like

Hello,
It will be interesting to see how this conversation develops.

It is worth starting off by tackling which comes first wayspot or a game? Wayfarer doesn’t exist to supply one game to demand. It provides wayspots, it is then up to the games what they select.

The criteria need to be flexible to enable them to apply globally so not too prescriptive with their use of words that would means something that suited one place was no use 5,000 miles away.

A key issue though is about anchor points. For places without a sign or a defined object placing a point on the map is difficult. I say difficult as it’s not impossible. Parks & Outdoor Recreation
Gives an example of a park without a sign.
So if it is officially recognised as a park then it could be possible.
Pedestrian alleyways are convenient but they are no more than a specialised walkway.
There is nothing about being older that needs adjustments - it’s best not to make assumptions based on age. Trying to have a game board suitable for everyone is just not possible when it’s based on real life. The game itself is very adaptable as you can specialise in ways that suit individual play.
Powerspots are not wayfarer related directly, although some wayspots may become powerspots. the imported ones are a game decision.
The places with statues and historical significance are few and far between - I don’t think they dominate. most of us have to look at criteria and apply it as best we can.
I think a common area of confusion is the thinking that a place where people meet should be acceptable. If they meet and go then that is not a social spot. If there is a place to meet and sit so you stay there then that is a social space.
So let’s meet at the utility box on Stoneybridge Lane to go for a walk. Is not suitable.
Let’s bring coffee and go to the seats (next to the utility box :thinking:)on Stoneybridge Lane for chat there, is suitable.
So where are the places you sit and chat?

2 Likes

Hi @Minervawand
I’d be interested how these green spaces look like. If you don’t mind I’d be happy to see a photo.


Its a green space with a bike lane and sidewalk around it and as seen a bridge over the water for pedestrians.

1 Like

Not all green spaces are parcs, sometimes a grass field is just a grass field.
But because i cant nominate a soccer play thing on it (cos its not there) i cant do anything with it? To me this seems unfair.
At the same time i am getting annoyed with all the kis playgrounds being accepted cos those are not good chill places for everyone that is not a parent and is over 15 years old.
So yes i would like to be able nominate my simple and plain grass field.

I did not make assumtions based on anyones age :smiley:
There are more then just elderly people who are limited in their mobility, like myself and many others! We are able to walk but not able to walk far. And yes walking 2km outside is far for me. So i would like to be able to be playing in my own neibourhood.
On global events/comdays ect i will torture myself and walk true the pain but still would prefer if that was not needed.
I am also not able to play from a car since i dont own one or have friends who own one.

Wayfare may not deside on power spots yet this is the only place i know where to wrtite this and thats why it is included in the bigger story.
I do think statues and historical items/locations do dominate the waypoints.

We dutch people meet up andwalk & talk. We do not sit down for no reason.
So why expect us to have spots to sit down?
What we do do is when we meet each other at a green spot (like shown as reaction on the other persons reacton) is stand and chat or more commen walk and chat. Cos the green spaces make for a more relaxed setting where a human is more eager to chat.
There are many points in the game that are stops where there is nothing nearby to sit on so why should being able to sit/chill a strickt criteria?

I would concentrate on the Bridge. Is it a short cut to 2 estates.

I would vote Yes for that.

You have to be careful with changes, state that ā€œGreen Spacesā€ are acceptable and suddenly everyone is nominated the grass verge at the front of there house… :frowning:

I am a single bloke in his 50s and I have no problems walking past a playground. Remember there quite a large distance you can interact with so you do not need to get on one of the swings to play… :slight_smile:

1 Like

I would concentrate on the Bridge. Is it a short cut to 2 estates.

I would vote Yes for that.

It used to be a wayfare point and it got removed not that long ago.
So ye i dont know.

You have to be careful with changes, state that ā€œGreen Spacesā€ are acceptable and suddenly everyone is nominated the grass verge at the front of there house… :frowning:

Thats why i am not saying all grassfrields, or all trees on corners of streets.
There has to be a way how we can allow this outside inner citys/ in places with low wayfare/stop counts so that the game will be better for everyone.

People who nominate the front yards of themselves or others should just be banned cos that is abuse and that is not a solution i am looking for.

Walk past and sit down at playground are 2 diffrent things.

Some people are just lucky that they have something eligible to nominate that happens to be at the front of there house (not me :frowning: ), should they be banned?

Locally there are small ā€œVillageā€ parks that will have an area with the younger kids play equipment (maybe even fenced). I will happy sit in the park where I am able to reach a stop at the playground. Sitting down to rest and talking too much interest in the kids is also 2 different things.

The smaller ā€œestateā€ playgrounds can be a bit more difficult but the distance you can react with a waypoint you should be able to play the game without kicking the kid off the see-saw :slight_smile: .

I am also of limited mobility so I have to take regular breaks and if the nearest bench is near the playground that is the one I am using. I have never had anyone complain and I would have a few choice words if they did…

Elderly people are not limited in their mobility because of their age.
I fall into this category- elderly.
People of all ages can have limited mobility because of an illness, long term condition or disability.

It is abuse of the rules

There are no benches at these playgrounds, also these playgrounds only have 1 or 2 playthings, i would not call it a parc. Cos it is not a parc by any means.
So ye as grownup without kids sitting down in these places you will be marked as a creep and you(everyone, not just you) are not wanted in these places.

Using the play equipment is normally defined as for the use of children ( otherwise I would be on those swingsšŸ˜‚)
Using the seating areas is not restricted, at least not in the UK

2 Likes

No it isn’t. If there is a legitimate waypoint at the front of your house you are in your rights to nominate it.

If you make a fake waypoint or mis locate one so it is at the front of your house then that is abuse…

1 Like

I’m not sure where that is true outside of Thailand (I’m just going by what I’ve seen in posts on here :laughing:). Certainly where I am, statues and historical items/locations are in the minority.

In the countryside near me, trail markers are absolutely in the majority because I’ve created nearly every wayspot and there’s not a lot else to find. I have a huge advantage in that over a lot of countries because England/Wales has a wide network of trails and marked public rights of way (PROW).

Do not use the ones where you have to put your legs through, having the fire brigade get you out is very embarrassing. :flushed_face:

4 Likes

Quote:
We dutch people meet up andwalk & talk. We do not sit down for no reason.
So why expect us to have spots to sit down?

That’s what we Scots do too :smiling_face_with_sunglasses:
Because sitting down to stay at that location is what turns a point to meet at into a place you stay and therefore a social space. The seats are a good anchor point.

What we do do is when we meet each other at a green spot (like shown as reaction on the other persons reacton) is stand and chat or more commen walk and chat. Cos the green spaces make for a more relaxed setting where a human is more eager to chat.

Moving around (which is good to do) with someone and chatting can happen anywhere. If you followed a defined walking route for encouraging exercise that would be marked as such with an official project website. You could stand anywhere so there is no anchor - no single spot.

A field that has official public access and presumably maintained by the local authority that is provided as a space for play or exercise or picnics for example might be able to be considered as I would say that is parkland. Presumably it will appear on a website somewhere that shows public access and maintenance? It would not be easy by any means but with the right official evidence of its purpose it’s not impossible.