Chandler to launch mobile app to encourage outdoor activity

PHOENIX — The city of Chandler is launching a free mobile application in an effort to encourage residents to explore their local parks.

The app, which is called Agents of Discovery​, allows users to explore local parks through missions and challenges that use geo-fencing technology.

“It’s going to get people outdoors and just playing a lot, especially right now taking advantage of the cooler weather that we’re about to get,” said Daniella Rodriguez, the recreation coordinator for the city of Chandler.

Agents of Discovery was launched in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service to encourage children to get outside and play, but Rodriguez said adults are more than welcome to join in on the fun.

The app can be downloaded for free through the iPhone App Store or Google Play for Android phones.

Once downloaded, users assume the roles of “agents” on a mission to solve challenges. They follow trails and rescue stolen robotic USBees, who store knowledge of the natural world, by answering questions and completing missions.

Once users complete the missions, they get rewards.

“It’s almost a little bit like Geocaching or ‘Pokemon Go’ where you use your phone to locate the mission itself,” Rodriguez said. “Once you get close, your phone starts to vibrate and then the mission will come up.”

The app only works at the Veterans Oasis Park in Chandler, but Rodriguez said there are plans to expand it to other parks soon.

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