Parks and Recreation
Geauga Park District’s 27 parks have proven a special place to enjoy a meal with family and friends...
GEAUGA PARK DISTRICT
For more information, contact the park district at 440-286-9516 or visit www.geaugaparkdistrict.org.
Picnics In The Park
Geauga Park District’s 27 parks have proven a special place to enjoy a meal with family and friends. Starting May 1 through Oct. 31, in an effort to help jump-start local restaurants, the park district will feature their food and beverage takeout menus as available to-go “Picnics in the Park.”
Local establishments unique to Geauga County will be chosen biweekly by Executive Director John Oros and marketing coordinator Sandy Ward. Through the district’s website and social media, they will highlight their menus along with a local park of their choosing.
Local businesses may send their name, phone number, email address and seasonal food and beverage to sward@geaugaparkdistrict.org, noting that alcoholic beverages are permitted when consumed in a park lodge or shelter.
Call For Artists: Nature Arts Festival
The park district welcomes exhibitors of nature-inspired artwork to apply for space in its 30th annual Nature Arts Festival on Aug. 8, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Big Creek Park in Chardon Township.
The event is co-marketed with the Chardon Square Arts Festival to attract maximum attendance to both events. Exhibitor information can be found on the park district website or at The West Woods Nature Center, open daily 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Applicants must submit at least four images of their artwork for jurying, including one of their display. Spaces are available indoors and outdoors. Wildlife artwork will be given preference over artwork depicting domestic animals.
Questions? Contact Teresa at trunion@geaugaparkdistrict.org or 440-279-0882.
Spring Scout Days
Dress for the weather and explore Geauga parks to earn scouting credit. Registration is now open by phone only.
On April 17 at The West Woods’ Affelder House, Bear Cub Scouts can complete their requirements for “Fur, Feathers & Ferns” from 9-11 a.m. while Brownie Girl Scouts can complete their requirements for the “Eco Friend” badge from 1:30-4 p.m.
At Big Creek Park’s Cherry Room on May 15, Daisy Girl Scouts will work on their “Trail Adventure” badge from 10-11:15 a.m. and
Wolf Cub Scouts will work on “Finding Your Way” from 1-3 p.m.
All people attending, including adults, must register due to group size restrictions, and face coverings are required indoors always and outdoors whenever social distancing is not possible. Check each website listing before visiting in case of changes.
Spring At Observatory Park
Observatory Park in Montville Township is open daily 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. through Memorial Day, then 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. through Labor Day, and naturalist Chris Mentrek and his fellow naturalists are eager to show guests around the International Dark Sky Park.
Fifty-minute time slots to enjoy guided night sky viewings are open for registration for the Saturdays, April 24, May 8 and 22, and June 12 and 26. Members of the Chagrin Valley Astronomical Society will also be on hand to host walk-up night sky viewing at Nassau Astronomical Station Saturdays, April 17, May 15 and June 19, all from 7-11 p.m.. The viewings do not require registration, burt will be cancelled by cloudy weather, so watch the website and social media for updates.
Nights Out in the Parks will return with outdoor movie nights that will include “Jumanji: The Next Level” on June 19, from 8:30-11:30 p.m. Registration is required.
Register for the park’s early-morning viewing session of the partial lunar eclipse on May 26 from 5-6 a.m.
For horseback riders, registration is also required to enjoy one or both of the Horseback Trail Rides scheduled for June 20. Active seniors may sign up for the Geauga Walkers hike on June 29.
Virtual astronomy lessons are offered on Fridays, April 9 and 23 (Earthquakes in Ohio); May 7 and 21 (Exoplanets & How to Find Them); and June 11 and 25 (Benjamin Banneker: Astronomy Pioneer), all from 7-8 p.m. Register in advance.
The Geauga Skywatchers Club is also meeting virtually; registration is required through geaugalibrary.libcan.com for “Women in Space” on April 5; “Ancient Astronomy” on May 3; and “Geocentrism – Springboard to Copernicus, Part 2” on June 7.
Astronomy Naturalist “Astro-Nat” Chris Mentrek will open the Robert McCullough Science Center April 25, May 23 and June 27 for the Sky Tonight Planetarium shows. Register for 45-minute time slots.
