This sticky summer has been just ducky and doggone distracting!
While trying to pay attention to the world’s challenges, who would have thought in June when we began promoting the Riverwalk Duck Race that a new outdoor game called Pokémon GO would attract so many players to the Riverwalk in July? Further, who would have anticipated so many reports from individuals who say they’re shedding pounds outdoors when they play the electronic game?
At the same time, who would have thought groups swarming the Riverwalk and downtown Naperville with eyes fixed on screens as they run and walk would create another reason to drive carefully in a city where the speed limit already is 25 mph on all neighborhood streets unless otherwise posted?
With billions of internet links, it’s a wonder anyone is on the same page. But this summer, Pokémon GO is a hit. Somehow a phenomenal free app for smart phones got the U.S. to go outside when all the advice from government programs to get moving has pretty much fallen by the wayside. Cheers to private enterprise!
We’ve enjoyed Riverwalk encounters with youngsters who have explained trying to capture beastly monsters and activating other features that change by the day. One kid showed us how stars practically jump out of his iPhone.
All this attention along the Riverwalk is perfect timing. On September 7, 2016, the community will mark the 35th anniversary of the dedication to the first phase of the winding brick path that originally began at Main Street and Jackson Avenue.
The 35-and-under set that was born here and more recent newcomers may be unaware how the Riverwalk came to be a special commemorative gift to recognize the spirit of Naperville during the city’s sesquicentennial anniversary in 1981.
While young individuals have taught us about Pokémon GO, we’ve enjoyed educating them about the Riverwalk.
Just as North Central College, Nichols Library, Kroehler Y and Naper Settlement, the Riverwalk comes with a rich history of determination by well-meaning individuals with innovative ideas.
And while kids are going outside to capture imaginary Pokémon, they’ll likely see real wildlife such as ducks, geese, great blue heron and Double-crested Cormorants along the Riverwalk and in neighborhood parks. Maybe, just maybe, the real thing will attract their interest, too, so they can learn why it’s deleterious on many, many levels to feed wildlife. Yes. Just as deer and coyotes are wildlife, so are ducks and geese. Let wildlife be wild.
With the end of starry Dog Days (July 3-August 11) on the horizon and school’s starting soon, here’s hoping for the return of cooler days and nights.
Yet before school begins again, come on down to the banks of the DuPage and meet up with volunteer teens from the Alive Center to watch the Riverwalk Duck Race when 2,000 plastic numbered ducks float to win $1,981 or one of 12 other prizes. If you want to take a quack at it, visit www.riverwalkduckrace.com where you can purchase a five-buck duck to try your luck.
Happy August! Pay attention to surroundings. Keep Pokémon GOing!
