New England’s largest “Pokémon GO” community gathered in Moakley Park this weekend to celebrate the game’s tenth anniversary as part of the larger GO Fest Global.

Organized by Pokémon GO of Boston, trainers from all over the region partnered in Southie for the two-day event and a chance to catch legendary Pokémon, including the debut of Mewtwo’s X & Y mega evolutions.

Though the group boasts more than 10,000 members, Community Ambassador Seth Mantie said it started in Moakley Park with “a couple of schmucks from Dorchester.”

“Moakley Park is like one of the true gems of Boston,” he said. “ It’s a beautiful place, and there’s not tourists. There are people recreating, going about their daily lives, but there are no crowds, so it really makes a perfect place to come together.”

The park, having the most in-game gyms of any location in Boston, free parking, and easy access to the Red Line, does not hurt either.

Mantie added that the game serves as a great way to meet new people, having met his own roommate through Pokémon GO of Boston. The group also organizes fundraisers, community cleanups, and even a weekly volley ball game.

“We’ve had people standing out here in the dark when it’s six degrees out playing Pokémon, which seems kind of insane now that I say it out loud, but it’s a beautiful way to build community,” said Mantie. “I know that’s almost like a cliche thing to say, but we brought so many people together.”

The community aspect being core to “Pokémon GO’s” gameplay has lent itself to the app’s longecity, added Allston-Brighton Community Ambassador Brianna Mason.

“It’s the only game of its kind where you’re going out in the real world and interacting with things in the real world and kind of being forced to meet up with other people,” said Mason. “ I’ve made so many really good friends through ‘Pokémon GO.’”

With the park slated for major redevelopment next year, community partner Boston Harbor has now tabled to collect feedback on ways to make Moakley more event-friendly. Attendees shared that the park could use more tree cover, better walkways, and more parking – preferably paved.

Boston Harbor Now Senior Community Engagement Manager Jaye Maekem called “Pokémon GO” players some of the park’s most active users, showing up in snow and rain for a shot to “catch em all.” 

“Having something like the full walking, running, and biking paths around the park is going to be helpful. It’s going to be shaded, it’s going to be easier for folks to make their way throughout the park,” said Meakem. “I also feel like ‘Pokémon GO’ is a really great example of ways that parks can be for everyone in really different ways than just hanging out or just playing sports. It’s a bit of a combination of everything.”

With attendees crowding in the shaded areas, Makem added that the design, which triples the tree canopy and improves the spacing of the park’s facilities, will improve Moakley’s capacity to host large community events.

Pokémon GO of Boston organizes weekly meetups and Wednesday Raid Hours in the park with bonus rewards coming directly from Niantic, Pokémon GO’s parent company. On September 26-27, Boston will host Pokémon GO City Safari, a citywide event increasing the spawn rate of rare Pokémon. Tickets to City Safari are available here.