GEAUGA PARK DISTRICT For more information, contact the park district…

April 18, 2013

GEAUGA PARK DISTRICT

For more information, contact the park district at 440-286-9516 or visit www.geaugaparkdistrict.org.

Caveman Crawl Registration Open

Registration is open for Geauga Park District third annual athletic event the Caveman Crawl 5K Trail Run June 9 at The West Woods in Russell Township.

With all proceeds benefiting youth programming through the Chip Henry Institute for Outdoor Adventure, this years Caveman Crawl is once again expected to break records, with the first two races drawing nearly 300 and 400 runners and walkers apiece.

Might a real caveman run? Thatll be for participants to find out. Caveman garb is also optional, but prizes will be awarded to the best three costumes.

The course, just over 3.1 miles of hilly, well-graded dirt and gravel, includes portions of Ansels Cave Trail, known for its beautiful Sharon conglomerate rock outcropping, not to mention the forest views and wildlife that could always be just around the bend.

Race winners, timed by Perfect Pace using radio frequency identification, will take home awards in the top three places overall, as well as the top three places in seven different age groups, in both male and female categories.

Registration starts at 7:30 a.m.; the costume contest will be held at 8:15 a.m. Race time is 9 a.m. Free food and awards will follow.

All ages are welcome. Find the official Caveman Crawl registration form and online registration information on the park district website.

Registration costs $20 if postmarked by June 1 or completed online, and $25 on race day. The first 250 people collect free T-shirts.

Walk, Doggone It!

Hound Hikes return with warmer weather. This spring’s W-A-L-K-S are April 23 from 6:30-8 p.m. at Orchard Hills Park, 11340 Caves Road in Chester Township; May 25 from 10-11:30 a.m. at Headwaters Park, 13365 Old State Road in Huntsburg Township; and June 15 from 10-11:30 a.m. at Walter C. Best Wildlife Preserve, 11620 Ravenna Road in Munson Township.

Plenty of tails will be wagging as walkers and their canine companion hike and pause to take in Geauga’s finest parks; pooches will also enjoy cooling their paws in the streams.

Registration is required. Please bring dog towels, water bowl, poop scoop and bags for cleanup. One non-aggressive dog is allowed per handler, who must be able to fully control the dog at all times on a leash no longer than eight feet.

Equestrian Education

When it comes to horses, Geauga County is among the richest counties in the state and Geauga Park District is eager to have them in the parks. There are at least three Saturday programs for riders and horseowners to enjoy this spring.

First, on April 27, a Horseback Trail Clinic will help prepare riders for sharing park trails with their horses, from 1-3:30 p.m. at The West Woods Nature Center in Russell Township.

Please leave your horse at home for the clinic, co-presented with Geauga County 4-H and the Geauga Chapter of the Ohio Horseman’s Council, which will focus on body scoring, pasture management and the work of the Geauga County Sheriff’s Auxiliary Mounted Unit.

Next, on May 11, bring your horse to complete the Trail Horse Nature Challenge, with assigned departure times ranging from 10 a.m. to noon at The West Woods.

The challenge, featuring a series of natural trail obstacles and nature questions along park trails, will award the best in youth and adult divisions. Anticipate hills, gravel, bridge and stream crossings.

Then, on June 15, bring your horse again for a leisurely, naturalist-led Hikin’ on Horseback ride from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Whitetail Trail at Beartown Lakes Reservation in Auburn Township.

Thie ride will traverse the Whitetail Trail and private trails adjacent to Beartown Lakes, for a total of six miles under saddle. Anticipate hills, gravel or primitive trails and bridge crossings as the group enjoys flowers, butterflies and wildlife in field and forest.

Helmets are recommended for all park rides. Registration is required.