Is there anything illegal about street parking next to my neighborhood park to play Pokemon Go briefly while on the way home?

[ConfusedPokemonPerson123]

Delaware

 

[ConfusedPokemonPerson123]

I drive home about the same time everyday (roughly 9pm-9:30pm) and I like to swipe the pokestop at the park to keep my bonus as I am often unable to play the rest of the day. I have been doing this for the better part of the summer and have continued to present then I drive around the other side of the block to my home. Recently a woman came up to my car telling me to stop, that she had my plate number, that she would call the cops, and demanded that I stop doing drugs. I find this absurd as she lives in eyesight to the park and I have had no interactions with anyone and am only there for 10 minutes tops. I tried to explain what I was doing and when I showed her my phone she was walking away and didn't look. Is there anything I am doing illegal? Would it be a better alternative to drive home first then walk around the block or would this have the potential to have the cops called on me as well? Thank you for any help.

 

[adjusterjack]

No, you're not doing anything illegal. But it's the perception of others that counts.

Unfortunately, when you are sitting in a vehicle anywhere at night (especially at a park) for any extended length of time you are viewed as suspicious. I'm surprised that the woman took the risk of approaching you and I'm surprised that you haven't been approached by cops by now.

I don't think you would fare any better on foot at that time of night.

Probably be a good idea to play pokemon at home.

 

[quincy]

Does the park have hours posted? If so, are you at the park after hours?

If there are no posted hours and if the park is a Pokestop or a Gym, there are probably a lot of people coming and going at all hours. And the police are no doubt aware of the traffic that is generated by those playing Pokemon.

I would not change your routine just because one woman complained. If she calls the police, show them your phone.

And don't have drugs in your car.

 

[ConfusedPokemonPerson123]

Does the park have hours posted? If so, are you at the park after hours?

If there are no posted hours and if the park is a Pokestop or a Gym, there are probably a lot of people coming and going at all hours. And the police are no doubt aware of the traffic that is generated by those playing Pokemon.

I would not change your routine just because one woman complained. If she calls the police, show them your phone.

And don't have drugs in your car.

I checked, and from a wave of people complaining about other cars parked in front of their houses, it is perfectly ok to park on the side of the street and the park is closed at dusk but I'm not technically at the park as I can be a bit away to get the stop. Even with being closed at dusk I've seen people playing basketball there at night or just sitting on the swings. No one has ever come up to me so it is incredibly bizarre this person would assume I'm buying drugs or whatever. I'll check with my local police troop tomorrow to be extra sure. Thank you for the assurance.

 

[ConfusedPokemonPerson123]

No, you're not doing anything illegal. But it's the perception of others that counts.

Unfortunately, when you are sitting in a vehicle anywhere at night (especially at a park) for any extended length of time you are viewed as suspicious. I'm surprised that the woman took the risk of approaching you and I'm surprised that you haven't been approached by cops by now.

I don't think you would fare any better on foot at that time of night.

Probably be a good idea to play pokemon at home.

From what I could tell the woman might be on drugs herself. I'm sure she's called them before so either way I have to go to the police station and make sure everything's ok especially since the car is registered to my father and I'd hate to put that on him. If I get the thumbs up that I won't be causing problems with the police when I go ask them I might just bring snacks for her while she waits for the cops that won't show!

 

[quincy]

I checked, and from a wave of people complaining about other cars parked in front of their houses, it is perfectly ok to park on the side of the street and the park is closed at dusk but I'm not technically at the park as I can be a bit away to get the stop. Even with being closed at dusk I've seen people playing basketball there at night or just sitting on the swings. No one has ever come up to me so it is incredibly bizarre this person would assume I'm buying drugs or whatever. I'll check with my local police troop tomorrow to be extra sure. Thank you for the assurance.

I think checking with the police is a good idea.

I know residents in some neighborhoods have been pretty vocal about the Pokestops in their areas - as have some commercial and religious establishments. And there have been complaints about Pokestops located in cemeteries.

On the other hand, there are commercial establishments that have tried to have their businesses be a Pokestop to draw people in.

Good luck.

 

[HRZ]

Neighbors sometimes start wars over parking spaces ...smart to avoid same.

Some locations seem to attract other drive by deals ...very smart to avoid such places even if you are 100% uninvolved in any deals or have any contraband in car.

 

[adjusterjack]

From what I could tell the woman might be on drugs herself. I'm sure she's called them before so either way I have to go to the police station and make sure everything's ok especially since the car is registered to my father and I'd hate to put that on him. If I get the thumbs up that I won't be causing problems with the police when I go ask them I might just bring snacks for her while she waits for the cops that won't show!

What ever happened to "discretion is the better part of valor."

You must be very young and very naïve to believe that bringing yourself to the attention of cops is harmless. It isn't.

 

[quincy]

What ever happened to "discretion is the better part of valor."

You must be very young and very naïve to believe that bringing yourself to the attention of cops is harmless. It isn't.

Where there is a Pokestop, there will be cars parked and people gathering to catch the Pokémons. It is not unusual.

I doubt that the police are interested in reports of people catching Pokémon at a Pokestop, if the cars are parked legally. The police might stop by to check but, unless there is far more than told here (e.g., people coming and going from the parked car and exchanges of money for drugs), I see no reason for Confused to worry or to alter his afterwork stop at the park.

 

[FarmerJ]

go home park and come back wearing a aluminum pie tin had with aluminum foil antenna and mini dish antenna and play your game right near where you were parked and if she comes out look at her and say Scrreeeek Nog aucht nannnu nannu or some gibberish and she should leave you alone.

 

[quincy]

go home park and come back wearing a aluminum pie tin had with aluminum foil antenna and mini dish antenna and play your game right near where you were parked and if she comes out look at her and say Scrreeeek Nog aucht nannnu nannu or some gibberish and she should leave you alone.

I have a sneaking suspicion that would backfire badly, FarmerJ.