Parks and Recreation

August 14, 2014 by Staff Report

GEAUGA PARK DISTRICT

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

Meet the New Playground

Stop by Orchard Hills Park to celebrate the new orchard-themed playground with a cold treat, co-sponsored by Judge Tim Grendell and the Geauga Park District Board of Park Commissioners Mary Ruth Shumway, Louis Mucci and Brian C. Johnston.

Playground Introduction Ice Cream Social is Aug. 22 from 6:30-8 p.m. at Orchard Hills Park, Lodge, 11340 Caves Road in Chester Township.

In addition to a chance to check out the new playground, naturalist Nora Sindelar will host a nature-related activity and free scoops (one for children and up to two for adults) will be served by East Coast Original Frozen Custard.

The new playground, consistent with the character and natural resources found at Orchard Hills Park, includes a main tree house with two slides; several styles of climbers, including one that looks like a crate of apples; log crawl-through, which is a series of mushroom climbing stools; and more, with benches on the sidelines.

Miles Under Saddle

Equestrian naturalist Dottie Drockton will host two walk-only and two walk, trot and canter horseback trail rides this summer, allowing the option to take her up on a leisurely ride, a more vigorous ride or both.

On Aug. 17 at Big Creek Park’s Woodin Road Horse Trail parking lot, the walk-only ride will be from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by the faster ride from 1-2:30 p.m.

The rides on Sept. 21 at Swine Creek Reservation’s Lakeside Shelter have the same schedule.

Registration for all rides is required online or by calling 440-279-0880.

Helmets are encouraged. Riders must trailer their own horses to the site and bring a shovel for cleanup. Call the park district with any questions.