Pokémon power-up

Pokémon hunters take advantage of a new charging station at Wentworth Park.

Ty Forquer/City Pulse

THURSDAY, Sept. 15 — Thanks to Pokémon Go, downtown Lansing’s Wentworth Park has seen a lot more foot traffic lately. The park, located at the corner of Michigan and Grand avenues across from the Radisson, has become a popular gathering place for players of the smartphone game.

This week, the Lansing Board of Water & Light unveiled a standalone charging station designed to lure Pokémon hunters and other park visitors.

“We wanted to give them a way to keep their phones charged so they can keep playing,” said BWL CEO Dick Peffley at a press event this afternoon.

The charging station looks like a table with four attached seats and offers standard electrical outlets and USB outlets. There are also pads for devices that support wireless charging. The off-the-grid unit, built by Eaton Rapids-based outfit EnerFusion, is powered by an umbrella fitted with solar panels.

Lansing residents Andrew and Teresa Maxson stop by Wentworth Park to hunt Pokémon.

Ty Forquer/City Pulse

Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero appreciates the extra attention Pokémon Go has brought to downtown Lansing.

“We’re happy with all the visitors Pokémon has brought to downtown Lansing,” he said. “We’re laying down the welcome mat for Pokémon players.”