OKC National Memorial And Museum Embraces 'Pokemon Go' Game

The Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum is a hot spot for the new game, “Pokémon Go”. It’s bringing a new generation of visitors to the memorial site.

“This is actually the first time I’ve been to the memorial,” said Samuel Wilkins. He is from Oklahoma City, but was very young when the bombing happened. He said he doesn’t come downtown often.

Wilkins and his friend walked around the Outdoor Symbolic Memorial and let the “Pokémon Go” app navigate them. The survivor tree, reflecting pool, and several other icons are highlighted on the game.

“It’s beautiful. It’s beautiful,” said Wilkins.

Executive Director of OKCNM, Kari Watkins, is welcoming the visitors. “For whatever reason, however they get here, it’s our job to teach them when they step on these grounds.”

She said so far, all the players are being respectful. She is glad the game is opening their eyes to the memorial. “We can never be arrogant enough to think the way we want people to interact or learn in this space is the only way it can happen.”

She said if the “Pokémon Go” game is able to attract people to the site and teach them about the memorial, it is worth it. She wants to use the game as a tool to help people learn about an important part of Oklahoma history.

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