On Saturday, May 17, more than 300 participants in Open House New York’s Over / Under / Around / Renew scavenger hunt took to the streets and waterways of the five boroughs, deciphering 54 clues and visiting pools, parks, boats, bridges, and everything in between. 

This game was OHNY’s largest scavenger hunt—109 registered teams and 320 players—and the competition was fierce. Kudos to our top four prize-winning teams: Out to Lunchbox, Gulf of Brooklyn, Water We Doing?, and New York Rats, who each scored more than 100 points and answered at least 20 clues.

Overall, teams submitted 1,241 clue answers and visited every borough and every clue location, even those farther afield like Oakwood Beach in Staten Island and Arverne East in the Rockaways. Our toughest clue to solve asked players to find a genuine Croton Aqueduct manhole cover (only one team succeeded—hat tip to the New York Rats). Our most popular clues had players seeking Drinking Water Sampling Stations and the names of NYC Ferry boats. Most teams played without using cars, clocking numerous miles on foot, subway, bike, and—very appropriately—NYC Ferry. We are grateful for NYC Ferry’s support in making this program possible.

The enthusiasm, creativity, and love for the city that these Open House New Yorkers displayed are truly inspiring. Players brought their friends, colleagues, and families—our youngest urbanist, in The Dolphin Trainers, was 6 years smart. Some teams coordinated their outfits—Sturgeon Generals, Reservoir Underdogs, Aqua-holics Anonymous, and We’re Gonna Need a Way Bigger Boat, we salute you! Many team mascots reflected the game’s water theme, with dolphins, sharks, ducks, squid, otters, turtles, fish, and trusty water bottles all making appearances, and some were handcrafted for the event—The Marinara-ners, John Jervis is a God, Johnny LaGuardia, and Canal Divers represented with especially unique items. And, as is evident, the team names were top-notch. CSO Speedwagon, The Ferry Godplanners, One Drop Wonder, and The Crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald are some of our staff favorites.

Missed this year’s scavenger hunt? Check back next year for the same game with a new theme, or join us at an upcoming Water Works program and dive into New York’s water systems with us. 

Over / Under / Around / Renew was produced by Open House New York with support from NYC Ferry. Our puzzlemaster is Brendan Crain. Finback Brewing hosted our closing party; our thanks to the team for their hospitality.