Parks and Recreation

November 24, 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.

Holiday Giving Tree

Tucked within the Meyer Center in Big Creek Park, a Holiday Giving Tree will collect items this holiday season for WomenSafe and the Geauga County Job & Family Services’ Sponsor-a-Family Program.

Donations will be accepted at the tree through Dec. 12, at Big Creek Park, 9160 Robinson Road, Chardon Township. Donations can also be left in a box located at The West Woods Nature Center, 9465 Kinsman Road, Russell Township.

Requested items include bath and body items such as Axe body spray, body wash or lotion, deodorant, shaving cream and teen items; craft items or kits such as adult coloring books and colored pencils; warm clothing such as mittens and gloves, scarves and hats; and toys featuring superheroes and characters from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Frozen.

Holiday Cheer, Naturally

From noon to 3 p.m. on Dec. 3, visit The West Woods Nature Center for the third annual “make-and-give” event to create 250 evergreen decorations to accompany home-delivered meals for seniors through the Geauga County Department on Aging.

All supplies will be provided, but participants are also welcome to bring additional decorative items to add to the centerpieces, all the while enjoying live holiday music by the West Geauga Class Act a capella group. Registration is not required.

Meanwhile at Swine Creek Reservation, Geauga Park District’s popular Holiday Greens Workshop will guide adults and those ages 12 and up to arrange fresh evergreens into one of four holiday arrangements. The annual workshop is Dec. 3, from 9 a.m. to noon or 1-4 p.m. at Swine Creek Reservation’s lodge, 16004 Hayes Road in Middlefield. Registration is required and already limited.

While registering, participants will be asked to select one of four projects: centerpiece with bird, mantelpiece, outdoor swag with ornaments or wreath with berries. Illustrations of all options can be seen on the park district website.

An $18 fee will be charged upon registration, and $7 will be due to the instructor at the program.

Various evergreens, pinecones and ribbons will be provided, but participants may also bring their own accents. Bring pruners and a plastic bag to protect one’s car seat from water.

For younger artists ages 3 to 5, a naturalist will also host Timbertots: Evergreen Artists at The West Woods Nature Center on Dec. 4 from 2-3 p.m. or Dec. 5 from 10-11 a.m. or 1-2 p.m.

Accompanied by an adult, these kids will discover what’s cool about pine trees and other evergreens, venture outside and then make their own fun centerpiece to take home. Registration is required. Bows and pinecones will be provided, but kids may bring small decorations if they’d like.