Central Business Districts across the country are promoting the local economy with scavenger hunts.
(Boonton, NJ, March 15, 2011) — From high-tech events using QR codes and Geocaching to low-tech clues printed in the downtown association newsletter, scavenger hunts are taking over downtowns.
When properly designed, these events can draw people into downtown, familiarize them with downtown highlights and boost foot traffic at downtown businesses. Clues can lead participants to historic sites, interesting businesses or other hidden downtown treasures.
One example is Geocaching. With this relatively high-tech cousin of the traditional scavenger hunt, participants receive GPS coordinates leading to hidden boxes, which typically contain trinkets and a log book. For each trinket taken, one is left behind for the next Geocacher to find.
Downtown organizations are utilizing geocaches in various ways. In Eureka Springs, AK (est. pop. 2,390), three large geocache treasure boxes have been hidden at various locations downtown.
The GPS coordinates of each are available on the website Geocaching.com, and in a "Discover the Secrets of Downtown Eureka Springs" brochure available at no cost at many downtown businesses.
Details on scavenger hunts in Rising Sun, IN, Stockton, CA, Grand Junction, CO, and Dayton, OH are in the March issue of Downtown Promotion Reporter newsletter.
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About the Downtown Research & Development Center
For over 50 years, the Downtown Research & Development Center has acted as the information clearinghouse on practical strategies and tactics for revitalizing the hearts of our cities and towns.
The Group\'s main activities include publishing the widely influential Downtown Idea Exchange and Downtown Promotion Reporter newsletters; publishing relevant books and reports; and operating the DowntownDevelopment.com website.
Website: http://www.DowntownDevelopment.com