Parks and Recreation

December 3, 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.

Don’t Miss Bill Hixson

Dec. 10, 6-9 p.m.

For the ninth consecutive year, all are invited to enjoy and purchase handmade holiday ornaments by regional artists through the “Art Takes a Bough” community art project at The West Woods Nature Center, 9465 Kinsman Road in Russell Township.

From 6-9 p.m., the beautiful miniature pieces of artwork may be admired and purchased at “buy it now” prices of $10 or $30 during an open house and reception.

Guests will enjoy holiday refresh-ments while they enjoy the hunt. Also featured will be a make-n-take Zen-tangle ornament, plus a display of ornaments by the students of Geauga Achieve/STARS.

Then, from 7-8 p.m., Bill Hixson, an accomplished floral designer who has helped decorate The White House for the holidays for over 30 years, will share humorous stories centered on decorating various rooms within the White House and folklore surrounding ornament designs and holiday traditions. Some of his ornaments will also be available for sale and signing at the event.

As in the past, 50 percent of sales will go directly to the artist; the remaining 50 percent will be split equally between the Geauga Council for Arts and Culture and Geauga Park District.

Registration is not required.

Hike with Santa

Dec. 12, 1-2:30 p.m.

Ho-Ho-Ho Hiking with Santa & Buddy the Elf takes place at The West Woods Nature Center, 9465 Kinsman Road in Russell Township. Offered for the very first time, the hike will offer great photo opportunities, with Santa also available for photos and wish lists after the hike.

Registration is not required.

Take in the Geminids

Dec. 12-13, 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Join at Observatory Park anytime from sunset to sunrise for a chance to see winter’s shooting stars, the annual Geminid Meteor Shower complete with a cocoa break in the warmth and comfort of the Robert McCullough Science Center.

No formal program will be held, but astronomy naturalist Chris Mentrek will be on hand between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. to answer questions and point out other interesting objects in the winter sky.

What To Do? Snowshoe!

The free snowshoe borrowing program returns to The West Woods. Registration is preferred; any snowshoes not reserved are available on first-come, first-served basis. Borrowers must be 18 or older to check out a pair; an adult must accompany anyone younger. No one under 10 may use the snowshoes due to weight.

Snowshoes may not leave The West Woods except for registered programs. Registrants must sign a waiver form and leave a driver’s license as a security deposit. Borrowing can take place any time from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and last up to two hours. At least a few inches of snow on the ground is needed, and the deeper the snow, the better.

Those ages 10 or older who need extra guidance may register to attend the Frohring Meadows Snowshoe program on Dec. 19 from 10 a.m. to noon at Frohring Meadows, 16780 Savage Road in Bainbridge Township. A naturalist will lead participants through the meadow and forest in search of wildlife evidence. If no snow, come out anyhow for a hike.

For more guided snowshoe experiences this winter, visit http://bit.ly/gpdsscall2016 to get one’s name on the call list for special snowshoe programs that will be “called into action” anytime now through March 1 whenever the snow conditions are right for snowshoeing.