Exploring the World with Pokémon Go: Jessie Ball DuPont Park
After leaving San Marco, I moved towards the Jacksonville Riverfront. First up I traveled to Jessie Ball DuPont Park. It used to be called Treaty Oak Park.
Jessie Ball DuPont Park is a large circular park with a major landmark right in the center. I’ll get to that in a moment. Let’s talk about the rest of the park.
This is a beautiful space. And its right in the middle of downtown Jacksonville. Which only makes it more impressive. Large open fields combined with walking paths seems commonplace for parks in this part of Florida. But I don’t mind. I like parks set up in this style.
Also common at many parks, this one had plaques commemorating important people that are referenced in the parks name. In this case, some individuals contributed to the city so much, that the entire park was recently renamed to commemorate that fact. This must have been quite recent. Google Maps still has the older name when I look it up.
To the Tree:
Up next, I started making my way towards the original reason people come to visit Jessie Ball DuPont Park. At the very center of this park is a an extremely large tree. And its even more ancient than its size would indicate. At at least 200 years old, this tree has seen quite a bit of history. If only we could ask it questions about that time.
I found it interesting but unsurprising that on the way towards the tree, there were signs posted to prevent people from climbing the tree. A natural and living creature that has been around as long as this tree deserves respect. So I had no problem with leaving the tree alone. But since that sign is there at all, others must have thought differently.
I found a mural that explained the history of the park and this tree. But I’m not gonna tell you what it said. Instead, I welcome you to come check out the park yourself and learn about it.
The Tree:
Once I made it to the center of Jessie Ball DuPont Park, I felt like I had entered something surreal. Despite the Jacksonville Urban areas being in view, this small section seemed separate from it. Under the huge tree’s branches, I got to relax in proper shade. A good thing too cause the sun was out and it was extremely hot outside.
I could go into detail describing all the branches and other intricate parts of the tree. You might even expect me to since I’m a writer. Sorry to disappoint. These pictures do a much better job of showcasing the tree.
One other item of note was a specific plaque near the tree. I didn’t even realize that the park had changed names recently. This specific spot explained the history and the reasoning for changing the name. You should come visit and take a look. Learn some Jacksonville history from the safe shade of a massive tree.
Pokémon Go:
Let’s talk about Jessie Ball DuPont Park in Pokémon Go. By itself this park is pretty good. There are plenty of Pokestops and the giant tree is a Gym. However, if you see my nearby Pokémon in the bottom right corner, you might realize that nearby is something extraordinary since multiple Pokémon I have not caught are nearby.
There are very few Pokémon that I have not caught. And my next adventure will take me right to the heart of where these spawns are. I’m extremely excited for my next adventure.
Munna had fun floating around Jessie Ball DuPont Park Is flying up the tree the same as climbing it? I hope not.
Here I am at Jessie Ball DuPont Park. I may look angry, but that is just my normal face.
Wrap Up:
As I said a little earlier, my next adventure is gonna be incredible. I can see just from the spawns nearby where I need to visit next. And this spot is just as spectacular outside of Pokémon Go. You don’t want to miss it!