Parks and Recreation

November 26, 2015 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 Cheer, Naturally

No one will say there’s nothing to do in Geauga Park District the first weekend of December not with the annual Holiday Greens Workshop, two Timbertots-style versions, and an opportunity to build greenery pieces for local seniors.

From noon to 4 p.m. on Dec. 5, visit The West Woods Nature Center to “make-and-give” as participants create 250 evergreen decorations to accompany home-delivered meals for seniors through the Geauga County Department on Aging. This event piggybacks onto last year’s successful evergreens project to thank our veterans through Operation S.T.A.T. (Standing Tall for American Troops).

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 Reser-vation, 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. 5, 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: mailbox/fence rail trim, centerpiece with candle, holiday wreath or mantelpiece. Drawings of all the options can be seen on the Bulletin Board 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 the 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. 6 from 2-3 p.m. or Dec. 7 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.

Mistletoe Market

Dec. 5 & 6, 12-4 p.m.

Geauga Park District staff and volunteers will help shoppers ages 3-8 find holiday gifts at affordable prices for everyone on their lists at West Woods Nature Center, 9465 Kinsman Road, Russell Township. Gifts range from 50 cents to $5, with many nature-themed items. Purchases may even be wrapped and tagged onsite.

Parents can enjoy a relaxing cup of coffee while the kids shop. The park district’s gift shop will also be open.

Holiday Giving Tree

Tucked within the Meyer Center in Big Creek Park, a holiday giving tree will be collecting items throughout the holiday season for residents of two important community organizations, Pleasant Hill Home and WomenSafe.

Donations for the tree will be accepted through Dec. 18 at Big Creek Park, 9160 Robinson Road, Chardon Township. Requested donations include body wash, deodorant, disposable razors, shaving cream, men’s white socks, mittens, gloves, scarves and hats.