APPLETON, Wis. (WBAY) — Appleton Parks and Recreation has launched a citywide scavenger hunt that turns the city into an interactive learning experience.
The program, which began in May, allows participants to download a free mobile app and complete missions throughout Appleton at their own pace.
The challenge runs through the end of October.
“What it is, is we took all the things that we want to teach people about the city of Appleton, and we turned it in, we gamified it,” said Margaret Collett, marketing and engagement coordinator for Appleton Parks and Recreation.
The app is available through the Appleton Parks and Recreation website at appletonparkandrec.org. The program is free thanks to sponsorship from the Appleton Noon Optimists.
Based on resident leadership academy
Participants complete missions by researching city features and visiting locations.
One mission involves finding examples of Appleton’s sidewalk poetry program, where poetry is stamped into new sidewalk sections. Another challenge asks participants to identify which golf course the city owns.
The scavenger hunt is adapted from the city’s Resident Leadership Academy, an 11-week program where participants learn about city operations behind the scenes.
The new format allows people to explore the city on their own schedule without the time commitment of the full academy.
“We wanted to take it and bring it a different version so people can do this on their own time. They can do it at their own pace because this challenge is open until the end of October,” Collett said.
The app includes missions created in collaboration with 12 city departments, including the police department, fire department, Valley Transit and the library. One mission offers a free bus ticket for participants to ride and learn about the transit system.
Strong participation numbers
More than 90 teams and individuals have signed up since the program launched May 1. Participants have completed over 1,200 missions so far.
“Every mission that’s completed, somebody learning something about the city of Appleton,” Collett said.
The program is designed for families, teams or individuals. Participants earn points for each completed mission. Those who accumulate enough points are entered into prize drawings. Participants who finish all missions become “ultimate Appleton champions” and receive certificates.
Prizes include gift cards, free golf, pool passes and ice cream with the mayor.
The program is also partnering with the Appleton Area School District to allow students to begin missions in the classroom and complete interactive portions with their families.
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