Can a Fire Hydrant Be a PokeStop? The Definitive Guide

Yes, a fire hydrant can be a PokeStop in the game Pokémon GO, but it is not automatic. The process involves user submissions, community review, and acceptance based on specific criteria set by Niantic, the game developer. While fire hydrants might seem like ordinary street fixtures, they can meet the necessary criteria for becoming a point of interest within the Pokémon GO world.

What Makes a Location Eligible to Be a PokeStop?

The creation of PokeStops and Gyms in Pokémon GO relies heavily on user-generated content and a system that ensures the locations are relevant and safe. Niantic aims to populate the game world with places that encourage exploration, social interaction, and exercise. Therefore, not just any location can become a PokeStop.

Niantic’s Acceptance Criteria

Niantic uses a specific set of criteria to evaluate potential PokeStop nominations. These criteria are based on the following categories:

• Places of Historic or Cultural Significance: These include landmarks, historical markers, museums, art installations, and unique architectural structures.
• Places that Encourage Exercise or Exploration: Parks, hiking trails, public libraries, community centers, and local businesses that encourage physical activity are good candidates.
• Places That Encourage Social Interaction: Community gathering spots, places with public art, unique local businesses, and places where people naturally congregate.
• Safety and Accessibility: The location must be safe and easily accessible to the public without trespassing on private property.

Why Fire Hydrants Can Qualify

Although not always obvious, fire hydrants can meet some of these criteria, especially when considered in the context of community landmarks or local identifiers.

• Visual Uniqueness: A uniquely designed or particularly old and well-maintained fire hydrant can be considered visually interesting. A hydrant with local artwork painted on it significantly increases its chance of acceptance.
• Local Significance: In smaller communities, a particularly distinct or centrally located fire hydrant might serve as a landmark or meeting point.
• Exploration Encouragement (Indirectly): While a fire hydrant itself doesn’t directly encourage exercise, it can be part of a walking route or trail that is used for exercise and exploration.

The Nomination Process

The process of nominating a location to become a PokeStop is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail. Here’s a summary:

1. Using Niantic’s Wayfarer System: Niantic’s Wayfarer system is the tool used to submit and review potential PokeStops and Gyms. Players with a high enough level in Pokémon GO (or another Niantic game, such as Ingress) can access this system.
2. Taking Photos: The nomination requires taking two photos:
   • The Object Photo: A clear photo of the fire hydrant itself, highlighting its unique features.
   • The Surroundings Photo: A wider shot that shows the hydrant in its environment and demonstrates its safety and accessibility.
3. Providing a Description: The nomination requires a detailed description of the location, highlighting why it meets Niantic’s criteria. It’s crucial to emphasize any historical, cultural, or community significance. Be factual and avoid hyperbole.
4. Providing a Title: Choose a clear and concise title for the PokeStop. A simple title like “Painted Fire Hydrant” or “Community Landmark Fire Hydrant” is effective.
5. Submitting and Waiting: After submitting the nomination, it goes through a review process by other Wayfarer users. These reviewers assess the nomination based on Niantic’s criteria. This process can take several weeks or months, depending on the backlog in the area.

Common Reasons Fire Hydrant Nominations Fail

Even if a fire hydrant seems like a good candidate, there are several reasons why it might be rejected:

• Generic and Undistinguished: A standard, unremarkable fire hydrant is unlikely to be accepted. It needs to have something special about it.
• Safety Concerns: If the hydrant is located in a dangerous area or is difficult to access safely, it will be rejected.
• Poor Photo Quality: Blurry or poorly framed photos can lead to rejection.
• Insufficient Description: A vague or unconvincing description will not persuade reviewers.
• Proximity to Existing PokeStops/Gyms: Niantic avoids creating too many PokeStops in close proximity to each other.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What level do I need to be in Pokémon GO to nominate PokeStops?

You typically need to be level 38 in Pokémon GO to access the Niantic Wayfarer system and nominate PokeStops. However, this level requirement can change, so it is best to consult the official Niantic Wayfarer website for the most up-to-date information.

2. Can I nominate a fire hydrant on private property?

No. Nominations must be located on publicly accessible land. Nominating anything on private property will result in rejection and could potentially lead to penalties.

3. How long does it take for a PokeStop nomination to be reviewed?

The review process can take several weeks to several months, depending on the number of reviewers in your area and the overall backlog.

4. What happens if my PokeStop nomination is rejected?

You will receive a notification stating the reason for the rejection. You can resubmit the nomination after addressing the issues identified in the rejection feedback. Improve the photos, refine the description, or clarify the location.

5. How close can PokeStops be to each other?

Niantic has rules about the minimum distance between PokeStops and Gyms. Generally, they need to be at least 20 meters apart.

6. Can I nominate a PokeStop near my home?

While there’s no explicit rule against it, it’s generally discouraged unless the location truly meets Niantic’s criteria. Nominations near private residences are heavily scrutinized.

7. What makes a good “supporting information” section in the nomination?

The supporting information section is crucial for convincing reviewers. Explain why the location is special. Highlight historical significance, cultural relevance, unique features, and community importance.

8. Can businesses pay to have a PokeStop at their location?

While Niantic has offered promotional partnerships in the past, the primary method for creating PokeStops is through community nominations. Businesses can encourage customers to nominate their location if it meets the criteria.

9. How can I improve my chances of getting a PokeStop nomination accepted?

• Take high-quality photos.
• Write a compelling description.
• Clearly explain why the location meets Niantic’s criteria.
• Ensure the location is safe and accessible.
• Review existing PokeStops in your area to understand what gets accepted.

10. Is there a limit to how many PokeStops I can nominate?

Yes, there is a limit. The number of nominations you can submit is dependent on your Wayfarer rating, which is calculated on successful agreements with other reviewers on nominated portals.

11. What is Niantic Wayfarer?

Niantic Wayfarer is the platform used by eligible players to nominate and review potential PokeStops and Gyms. It’s a community-driven system designed to improve the game world.

12. Can I nominate a PokeStop if I don’t play Pokémon GO?

You can nominate if you play Ingress and have reached the appropriate level within that game.

13. What is a “duplicate nomination”?

A duplicate nomination is when you nominate a location that is already a PokeStop or Gym, or has been nominated previously. Duplicate nominations are rejected.

14. How do I report a PokeStop that is unsafe or inaccessible?

You can report problematic PokeStops through the in-game support system or the Niantic Wayfarer website. Provide details about the issue and why it is unsafe or inaccessible.

15. Are there specific words or phrases I should avoid in my PokeStop description?

Avoid using overly promotional language, subjective opinions, or phrases that suggest the location is on private property. Focus on factual information and objective reasons why the location is significant. Be respectful and avoid any offensive or discriminatory language. Focus on highlighting the benefits the location offers to the community and the game experience.