Advertisement Parks director: 'Pokemon Go' needs a permit for park play Many park patrons, neighbors complain of parking, litter, congestion issues Share Shares Copy Link Copy

Milwaukee County's parks director has sent a letter to the company behind the gaming sensation "Pokemon Go," asking it to comply with a county ordinance that requires a permit for game play in the public spaces, WISN 12 NEWS has learned.So far there's been no reply, parks director John Dargle said, adding that he's only asking the CEO of Niantic to do what any organization must do when it organizes an event on park land. "We're asking them to submit a permit so that we understand who is the contact (and) how we can get a hold of them if this should get out of hand," Dargle said.Until that permit is obtained, Niantic "must deactivate and remove all Pokemon GO sites, including Poke stops and Gyms within Milwaukee County parks," the letter said.Read the county's letter to NianticHistoric Lake Park is one of the state's hottest stops for "Pokemon Go" players, and the droves who flock there have created parking, litter and congestion issues. When it debuted earlier this summer, some thought the game would be a quick fad, but the players have remained steady throughout the summer, and with them, complaints from park patrons and neighbors."Everybody likes fun recreation. The parks are there to be used by the public, but when it starts interfering with other people's ability to enjoy their own park, when there's more trash, you know, we have to get serious about it," Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele said. Additionally, entrepreneurs like artist Anandah Bohl have seized upon the opportunity presented by the game by selling fan art to the throngs in Lake Park. Niantic makes money through in-app purchases. "Parks wants a cut of that revenue so we can help catch up on deferred maintenance," Abele said, adding that it's illegal to operate a business without a permit."Pokemon Go" player Andres Amaya suggested the county let it go."I understand the danger, the worry, the fears behind that, but from what I've seen, everyone plays respectfully here. Everyone's extremely polite, and I don't know why people wouldn't want the parks to be filled with people. That's what parks are made for,," he said. A public meeting is scheduled for Sept. 7 to address questions regarding Pokemon Go in Lake Park. County Supervisor Sheldon Wasserman and representatives from the parks department will be on-hand. It will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the lower level of the Marcia Coles Community Room at Lake Park.