Exploring the World with Pokémon Go: Liberty Center Pond
I’m currently visiting friends in Iowa. So I took this opportunity to explore some places I normally wouldn’t have access to. Within walking distance of where I’m staying, I found Liberty Center Pond.
Liberty Center Pond is to the surprise of no one, a park that revolves around a pond. The path around said water is a wonderful walking experience. I didn’t let a little drizzle rain on my parade. The cooler temperatures were refreshing after the intense Florida heat.
The park looks like it is properly lit up at night. Since I am so close by, I might come back here after dark to experience this place again. It looks pretty safe. With plenty of benches for rest, and a path wide enough form people to pass each other, even pandemic conditions wouldn’t prevent people from being here safely.
A Welcome Change:
Are you surprised with the new format above? I thought I would lull you all into thinking I would make this post about Liberty Center Pond exactly like the others. Nope, I found a better image format and will be using it from here on out.
I noticed something interesting as I explored this pond and the surrounding park. In Iowa there seems to be a specific law about fishing for Trout. I have no idea why this law exists. But I saw several identical signs while I was here. It must be important.
Anyway, this area had less tree cover and a lot more open ground. It was being used by a lot of birds when I passed through, but that doesn’t mean people can’t use them too. Speaking of birds, one of the groups I found were Canadian Geese. Some of my prior posts have mentioned how much I detest them. I also give them healthy distance when nearby. When I was a child, I got attacked by a lot of them.
While I did see more of the same as I continued around Liberty Center Pond, I saw something new that caught my eye. Normally sewer lids are not inserted directly into the ground. But rarely do I see artwork around these man made structures. There were several more farther along.
I saw another new feature at this point. Rock formations were set up near the pond’s edge. I’m not sure what they are there for, but they look cool.
Lot’s to See:
This part of Liberty Center Pond was a drastically different change in scenery. This section had multiple gazebos and murals. From what I can gather, there are many fish that live in Liberty Center Pond. And a plaque right here explained some of the different species and some of their habits.
Away from the water, I also spotted some eye pleasing gardens. I’m always happy when I find grassy areas not filled with grass. Plant diversity leads to a better ecosystem.
More of the same is not a bad thing. But Liberty Center Pond had plenty of new features to see as moved farther along. I loved the flowers sitting at the end of the dock pictured above. That entire section was a perfect place to sit down and relax. Something I might have considered if it wasn’t raining.
With plenty of benches and other clear spots to take a rest, there were plenty of opportunities to relax. I just didn’t have the time, and as I have mentioned several times, the weather was not cooperating.
I made it to the other side of Liberty Center Pond. Many of the above images are pictures taken of spots I stood while taking earlier images. So if you feel like you saw some of these features earlier, you did.
I started on the other end of the bridge pictured above, but there was still one area of this place that I missed. Wanting to make sure I explored every inch of the park, I proceeded down the trail.
Here are the final few photos I took at Liberty Center Pond. I had a great time exploring this place. Florida has a lot of the same looking landforms. Back in the Midwest, I see some different places that I wouldn’t find down south.
Pokémon Go:
Liberty Center Pond was a fantastic location in Pokémon Go. I have not visited anywhere else near here in game yet, but this spot exceeded all expectations. Not only were there constant spawns. Not only were there plenty of Pokestops and three Gyms. What really made this spot stand out was the rarity of what spawned. I caught a wild Gengar and Frillish here. I don’t think I have seen many of the first in the wild at all. The second of those is obscenely rare in game.
Definitely come here if you are in this part of Iowa. Its a beautiful walk around the lake. And the Pokémon spawns are nonstop and you will have plenty to do in game while visiting.
This little Sewaddle had plenty of fun at Liberty Center Pond. It’s doing its best while waddling on its little legs. But its got plenty of energy.
Here I am at Liberty Center Pond. And I still don’t look happy. You will just have to live with that. Smiling is not something I do. At least not under that context.
Wrap Up:
I’ll be in Iowa for about a week. And everything around me sits parks that I have never been to before. Look forward to plenty of posts in that time frame.