Parks and Recreation

April 28, 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.

The Wall That Heals

Geauga Park District and Geauga Veterans’ Services Commission announce that The Wall That Heals national touring exhibition will visit Geauga County Fairgrounds Sept. 8-11.

The Wall That Heals was created by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) to travel to communities across the United States. The exhibit features a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., approximately 250 feet in length, chevron-shaped and complete with the 58,249 names of those killed or missing in action from the conflict. Accompanying the wall is also a mobile Education Center telling the story of the Vietnam War era and the Memorial.

This being the first time in its 20-season existence that The Wall That Heals will have visited Geauga County, organizers expect it to draw thousands of people over its four-day stay at 14373 North Cheshire St. in Burton.

Visitors will be welcome free of charge during the exhibition. Additionally, groups are invited to schedule visit.

For general planning information, contact Teresa Runion at 440-279-0882. To schedule a group, or participate in a scheduled event, contact Holly Sauder at 440-279-0802. To volunteer, contact Michele Pemberton at 440-279-1862.

Huge Tree Planting

With the partnership of Cargill, Geauga Park District is furthering its mission to reforest Orchard Hills Park in Chester Township by planting 425 native tree species on April 29.

As many as 20 Cargill employees will join park district staff for the substantial planting, slated to begin about 9 a.m. in one of the fairways of the former golf course, now a park at 11340 Caves Road.

Species will include red oak, swamp white oak, sweet birch and silky dogwood.

The standing goal at Orchard Hills Park, managed as a golf course until 2007, has been to reforest one fairway a year for at least 10 years.

During the park’s initial development in 2009, several areas underwent habitat restoration funded in part through a grant from Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Environmental Protection Agency under the provisions of Section 319(h) of the Clean Water Act.

Equine Etiquette Events

Geauga Park District has several equestrian events coming up in May, promising to benefit all equestrian disciplines. Patty Minter, a USDF silver medalist trained in eventing, jumping and dressage, as well as a seasoned trail guide in Pennsylvania, Florida and Montana, will host the instructional trail rides, as well as a demonstration and dinner.

Registration is required.

Individual Equine Etiquette Instructional Trail Rides will take place at The West Woods Bridle Trail and Hunter’s Creek Farm on May 6, 1-3 p.m. and 3-5 p.m.; May 7, 9-11 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and May 8, 9-11 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Each ride is limited to five people and costs $25. The goal is to improve horsemanship and riding skills for the trail as well as the show ring.

Equine Etiquette: From Trails to Tales demonstration and dinner will take place May 7 from 3-7 p.m. at Hunter’s Creek Farm. Patty will offer a demonstration of skills and movements that can be used with a nervous horse or a young horse, or to strengthen a seasoned horse while on trail. Then, all will enjoy a fireside dinner with other riders, sharing their best trail etiquette tales.

Registration for the demo and dinner, open to all, is $5 and covers the meal. One need not have a horse or ride one to appreciate this interesting and enjoyable evening.