Mercer County Residents Playing PokemonGo Need to Follow Park Rules

Mercer County residents are welcome to play Pokémon Go at all of the county’s parks and facilities, but are reminded to follow the rules, county officials said.

All parks are open from sunrise to sunset, and each facility has specific hours of operation that should be followed at all times.

No one is allowed in a park or facility after it is closed.

“We ask that you observe all park rules and regulations and be mindful of those around you and your surrounding area, as some facilities have animals on premise and disturbing them is prohibited,” county officials said.

All rules and regulations are published online at www.mercercountyparks.org.

The new app combines cartoon action with local landmarks, and has users wandering around outside looking for places to catch monsters.

The game also features “Poke Stops,” where fans can collect supplies and “gyms” to let their characters do battle.

Pokemon Go challenges players to go out in the real world to locate and catch Pokemon. Notifications pop up when creatures are nearby, which in theory could distract people wherever they are.

Problems have been reported in connection with the game, though.

Reports have come in from across the country where individuals have been driving while looking at the screen as well as walking and looking at the screen, resulting in accidents.

Some people have also used the app to lure people into secluded areas and rob them.

For information about the County of Mercer visit http://nj.gov/counties/mercer/.

For more information about the Mercer County Park Commission, visit http://mercercountyparks.org/.