Parks and Recreation

June 23, 2016 by Staff Report

GEAUGA PARK DISTRICT

For more information on these programs, contact the park district at 440-286-9516 or visit them online at www.geaugaparkdistrict.org.

New Working Dogs In The Parks

K-9s Sniper and Rotar have joined Geauga Park District’s Ranger Department and now accompany Ranger Denise Weisbarth and Ranger Ed Hunziker out and about. Rotar began his career in 2012 with the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office; Sniper is just 19 months old and arrived from Czechoslovakia via Chicago in March.

Both K-9s are trained in locating drugs/narcotics, and both will be certified for tracking of lost persons within the park district and county. Sniper and Rotar will also be featured in educational programs, building community relations between law enforcement and park patrons.

Residents may request the K-9s’ presence at a special event or for an informational talk or demo by contacting Lt. Ranger Dennis Sloan at 440-279-0819.

Enjoy A Summer Day

Now with the newly constructed boathouse at Headwaters Park comes a new initiative allowing guests to borrow a kayak free of charge to guide their own nature adventure on East Branch Reservoir amidst wildlife including resident Bald Eagles.

The park district’s brand new fleet of eight adult and two youth kayaks will be available for first-come, first-served basis with two-hour reservations during the following times all summer long: Wednesdays and Thursdays beginning at 2 p.m. and Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays beginning at 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., with each day’s last rental at 6:30 p.m.

Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. A driver’s license will be held as a security deposit. Provided life vests must be worn at all times.

Rangers will also host an informal opening of the new offering on June 25, at the Boathouse.

The majority of the Boathouse facility is also reservable for summertime events free of charge for Geauga residents.

Youth Fishing Derby

Geauga Park District welcomes kids 17 and younger to try their poles at catching 50 numbered fish as part of its 2016 Youth Fishing Derby.

Tagged largemouth bass were divided evenly between Big Creek Park’s Wild Goose Pond and Swine Creek Reservation’s lodge pond on June 7.

To collect winnings, simply snap a picture of one’s numbered tag, and a picture with the fish, then email them to marketing@geaugaparkdistrict.org.

Winners will receive a prize, and five big winners will also receive $50 gift cards.

The first angler to cash any single tagged fish is the winner of the prize associated with that fish; the same fish cannot be caught again for a prize. For a list of tagged fish and corresponding winners, http://bit.ly/gpdwhatsnew.