Visitors to a number of parks in Dublin 8 will be able to earn civic dollars for time spent in local parks and open spaces.
The virtual currency can be exchanged for things like coffee and cake or donated.
The initiative by Smart D8 aims to encourage use of public parks and drive better health outcomes for the community.
St Audoen's Park, St Patrick's Park, Weaver Park, Oscar Square and Grattan Park are part of the five month pilot.
Research conducted by Smart D8 before the launch found that only 40% of Dublin 8 residents took regular exercise, while 92% would use a recreational park for exercise if it was available to them.
Visitors can earn digital dollars by signing up to a smart phone app that will allow the city council to track their park use through GPS data.
They will get up to five dollars a day for every half an hour spent in the park that can be used in local businesses including cafes. It can also be donated to community groups for services including marketing or IT advice.
Leslie Moore, Head of Parks with Dublin City Council, said:
“Civic Dollars will further allow us to use technology to improve resources and services for Dublin parks, particularly in the Dublin 8 area. It will also give us the data and feedback needed to understand what communities want from the parks."
Image: St Audoen's Park, libertiesdublin.ie
